Horses in Summer: Heat, Insects & Properly Using Zeolite

For many horses, summer is a time full of contrasts. Long days, time in the pasture, light, exercise, and fresh air are good for them. At the same time, heat, muggy air, horseflies, mosquitoes, dry ground, dusty paddocks, and warm stable air place a noticeable burden on the horse's body.

Horses are wonderful masters of adaptation. If you observe them, you quickly realize: They know exactly what is good for them. In the wild, they would do many things differently on hot days than our daily stable routine often allows. They would move less, seek shade, graze during the cooler morning and evening hours, retreat to breezy areas, rest more, and use the herd as a sanctuary.

Our task as horse people is therefore not to "manage away" the summer, but to allow the horse more of what it would choose by nature: rest, shade, water, air, protection from insects, dry surfaces to lie on, and a body that is not additionally burdened.

This is precisely where good summer management begins – and this is also where zeolite for horses can play a meaningful role in everyday stable life.

If you would like to use zeolite in your horse's daily routine, you can find all variants for horses in our overview: powder, pellets, litter, hoof powder, and zeolite with organic black cumin. This allows you to choose the exact form that suits your horse and your daily routine at the stable.

Horses in summer – natural behavior in heat

If horses can decide for themselves, they adjust their daily rhythm to the temperature. They conserve energy, reduce unnecessary movement, and shift activity to the cooler hours. Many horses graze more intensively in the early morning, evening, or at night and stand more quietly during the hottest time of the day, often in the shade or in breezy places. Studies show that shade, air movement, water sources, feeding areas, and insect pressure strongly influence where horses spend their time and how they organize their day.

Typical natural summer behavior includes:

• seeking shade or partial shade
• reducing movement
• grazing during the cooler times of the day
• staying close to the herd
• using wind and open spaces to ward off insects
• fending off insects with tail flicks, skin twitches, and head movements
• drinking more frequently
• preferring damp or cooler surfaces
• standing quietly, dozing, and conserving energy

That sounds simple – but it is not always a given in daily stable life. Not every horse has free choice between shade and sun. Not every pasture has wind, shelter, and clean water sources. Not every stall remains pleasantly dry and airy in summer.

That is why summer management is actually something very natural: we help the horse to do what it would instinctively do anyway.

1. Recognizing heat in horses – signs and the summer rule

Horses can sweat and thus release heat. That is an important mechanism. But with high humidity, stagnant air, and intense sunlight, it becomes more difficult to get rid of excess heat. The combination of heat, work, poor air circulation, and little recovery time is particularly stressful.

Important signs to watch for:

• unusually heavy or long-lasting sweating
• rapid breathing that is slow to calm down
• lethargy or restlessness
• low desire to drink
• slow recovery after riding
• warm, stuffy stall air
• high insect pressure

The question "When is it too hot to ride?" cannot be answered by temperature alone. A dry, breezy 28-degree day can be less stressful for a fit horse than a muggy 25-degree day without air movement. Decisive factors are temperature, humidity, fitness level, age, coat, conditioning, and the possibility for cooling down.

Summer rule: prefer riding earlier, work for shorter periods, take longer breaks, and observe the horse closely.

Riding in summer – the best times and what your horse needs

When to ride in summer – and when better not to? In summer, it is not just the training schedule that decides, but the interaction of temperature, humidity, wind, time of day, and the horse. A dry, breezy morning can be pleasant. A muggy evening without air movement, on the other hand, can be significantly more stressful – even if the thermometer doesn't seem that extreme.

The most horse-friendly time to ride is usually early in the morning. The air is still cooler, the ground less heated, and many horses start the day fresher. Later in the evening can also be suitable when the heat subsides. For horses with sensitive skin or summer eczema, however, caution is advised, as mosquitoes and midges are often particularly active at dusk.

Less suitable are midday heat, muggy air, stagnant heat in the arena, or riding arenas without shade. On such days, the training schedule may be lighter: more walking, gentle gymnastic exercises, ground work in the shade, or a walk in the woods. This is not a lost training day, but good summer management.

A simple stable rule is: If the horse already seems lethargic before riding, is heavily stressed by insects, or only recovers slowly after light exercise, it might not be a day for riding. In that case, water, shade, care, and rest are more valuable than another training session.

Summer riding does not mean being less ambitious. It means managing the horse's energy more wisely.

2. Riding in heat: Less is often more horse-friendly

In natural life, a horse would not call upon long, intense performances during the peak heat. It would conserve energy. That is exactly what we can orient ourselves by.

On hot days, the following are sensible:

• training early in the morning or late in the evening
• more walking phases
• shorter sessions
• less galloping and interval training
• more breaks in the shade
• light gymnastics instead of performance
• no training in stuffy arenas without air movement

This is not "doing less," but good horsemanship. Those who relieve their horse in summer are working with its nature – not against it.

3. Cooling your horse down properly: water, air, and rest

Here I would correct the original article. In the past, one often heard: "Always scrape off water immediately, otherwise it heats up the horse." This statement is no longer valid today. For truly hot horses, the most important thing is: repeatedly or continuously cool large muscle groups with water. The water does not have to be scraped off every time; the crucial thing is to continue cooling and not leave the horse standing in the heat. FEI and Pony Club guidelines emphasize repeated or intensive cooling with water and recommend not constantly interrupting the process to scrape the horse off.

A good cooling routine:

1. Remove the saddle and equipment.
2. Take the horse to a shady, breezy place.
3. Cool the neck, chest, shoulder, back, and hindquarters with water.
4. If overheated, continue applying water, don't just spray it off briefly once.
5. Move the horse quietly or let it stand – depending on its condition.
6. Offer fresh water.
7. Observe breathing and recovery.

For horses that are only moderately warm, scraping off can be practical so that they don't drip or to keep the saddle area dry. However, for severely overheated horses, cooling is more important than scraping.

4. Drinking in summer: water is the most important summer care

In the wild, horses would visit water sources regularly. In the stable, they are dependent on our organization. Therefore, water in summer is not a side issue, but one of the most important management topics of all.

Pay attention to:

• clean waterers
• sufficient water pressure
• additional water buckets in heat
• checking whether the horse is actually drinking
• water in the pasture
• water during transport as well
• salt lick or electrolytes as needed

Especially horses that sweat heavily need attention. Electrolytes can be sensible if a lot of sweat is lost. Important: test slowly, check acceptance, and do not perform sudden feed experiments on the hottest day of the year.

5. Insects: why horses are often more stressed in summer

Horseflies, flies, mosquitoes, and midges are more than just annoying. They bring restlessness to the herd, disturb grazing, prevent recovery, and cause horses to be constantly in defensive tension.

In the wild, horses would:

• seek out breezy places
• stand close together
• fend off insects with tail and head
• move if the pressure becomes too high
• avoid certain times of the day

In the stable, we can help by:

• fly masks
• eczema rugs for sensitive horses
• clean water sources
• consistent mucking out
• fewer damp, ammonia-rich areas
• good air circulation
• adjusting pasture times
• choosing care products consciously

Looking at dusk is particularly important. Many biting insects are particularly active in the morning and evening. For some horses, the biggest problem is therefore not the midday heat, but the insect pressure during the fringe hours.

6. Summer eczema: care, protection, and patience

For summer eczema or summer-sensitive skin, routine is what counts most. Horses do not benefit from hectic experimentation, but from a clear, calm plan.

Sensible measures are:

• suitable rug
• mane and tail checks
• clean, dry skin areas
• avoiding friction
• respecting insect times
• caring regularly, but not over-caring
• considering feed and stable management

Black cumin is often used in the equine sector as an accompanying feed component in summer, especially for horses that react sensitively during insect season.

For insect-plagued horses: gentle summer routine instead of hectic experimentation

Especially with horses that react sensitively to mosquitoes, horseflies, or midges in summer, a calm routine is particularly valuable. Protection through rugs, adapted pasture times, clean skin areas, and a good stable climate mesh together like small gears.

Our article on summer eczema in horses deals in detail with why some horses react particularly sensitively during the insect season and what a natural care routine can look like.

Our combination of zeolite with organic black cumin also fits into this summer feeding routine – especially for horses that need more attention during the warmer months.

7. Zeolite for horses in summer: where it fits into daily life

Zeolite is not a summer miracle cure. But it fits very well into thoughtful summer management because it can provide support in several areas where typical summer stresses arise: moisture, odor, stable air, feeding routine, skin and hoof care.

At STEINKRAFT, zeolite for horses is available in various forms:

• as powder
• as pellets
• as litter
• as hoof powder
• in combination with organic black cumin

This allows zeolite not only to be "fed" but also to be used sensibly externally and in the stable environment.

Zeolite powder or pellets: what fits better?

Many horse owners ask: zeolite powder or zeolite pellets – what is better for my horse?

The answer is simple: It depends on the horse and daily life.

Zeolite Powder	Zeolite Pellets
finely dosable	particularly practical
easy to mix into mash or moistened feed	low-dust
ideal for flexible application	often very good acceptance
suitable for horses that eat powder without problems when mixed well	suitable for sensitive or picky horses

Especially in summer, when some horses are a bit pickier eaters, pellets can be easier in everyday life. Powder, on the other hand, is ideal when mixed well into damp feed.
Powder or pellets are not a question of right or wrong, but of the horse, feeding routine, and daily life. What is decisive is that the application is calm, regular, and well accepted.

8. Zeolite with organic black cumin – the summer combination

For horses that react particularly sensitively in summer – to insects, heat, or changes in pasture – the combination of zeolite and organic black cumin is a great choice. Both products complement each other: zeolite stabilizes the intestinal mucosa and binds toxins, while black cumin supports from within. Many horse owners start using this combination as early as spring – as a natural companion through the insect and summer season.

9. Zeolite bedding: Dry lying areas, less odor, better stable atmosphere

In summer, the stable climate becomes especially important. Heat, moisture, and ammonia odor can combine in an unpleasant way. Especially in stalls, shelters, and lying areas, it is worth taking a close look at dry surfaces.

Zeolite bedding can bind moisture and odor, thereby demonstrably contributing to a more pleasant stable climate. This does not replace mucking out, of course – but it can be a useful supplement to daily stable care.

A horse likes to lie down where it is dry, quiet, and comfortable. A good lying area is therefore more than just stable hygiene – it is a piece of well-being.

Especially in summer, it is worth taking a close look at the lying areas. Where moisture and odor arise, the stable climate often suffers too. Zeolite bedding can help keep these areas drier and more pleasant.

Our horses don't like to go out in the summer if it's too hot for them. So they like to stay inside, urinate everywhere, and the flies have the perfect conditions.

This is where stable bedding with zeolite works wonders. And I'm not exaggerating. It demonstrably binds ammonia and removes the basis for flies to reproduce.

Please try it out yourself. And the best thing is, it's completely natural.

10. Hoof powder and skin powder: Small care routines with a big impact in everyday life

Summer often means: damp spots, sweaty skin areas, insect stress, small chafing marks, stressed hooves, and changing ground conditions. This is exactly where simple, regular care routines are valuable.

A zeolite hoof powder can help manage moisture better as part of hoof care. Especially in frog areas that constantly become damp, dryness is an important care topic.

A skin powder can help keep skin areas dry and well-cared for in stressed spots – for example, where sweat, friction, or insects bother the horse more in summer.

11. Fecal water in summer: When horse owners get anxious

Fecal water is emotionally burdensome for many horse owners. It is not just a "visual" issue. It causes worry. You clean, wash, observe, wonder if the feed is right, if stress is behind it, if the pasture is to blame, or if the gut is currently overwhelmed. Especially when it comes to fecal water, many horse people wish for one thing: more peace again. Not only in the horse's belly but also in their own feelings. You might even feel a bit ashamed. By the way: If you want to know exactly how zeolite helps with fecal water, you can check out many studies on it in the article: Zeolite for fecal water: effectiveness & studies

In summer, several factors can come together:

• Feed changes
• Pasture times
• Stress from insects
• Heat
• Less rest
• Transport
• Competitions
• Changed water intake

A calm look is important here. Fecal water is not the same as diarrhea. 

Many horse owners also feel a little alone with fecal water. You see the dirty legs, the sticky tail, the additional care effort – and sometimes there is even shame, although there is no reason for it. Fecal water is a signal that deserves attention, but not a reason to feel bad.

Read more: Accompanying horses mindfully through stressful phases

Heat is rarely just a temperature issue.

Often several factors come together: grazing, feed changes, insect stress, transport, or changed water intake.

That is precisely why a holistic look at the horse's everyday life is worth it.

You can find more about digestion, feed changes, and sensitive horses in our article: Fecal water in horses – understanding causes and recognizing the difference from diarrhea.

And if you want to know how zeolite generally fits into the feeding routine, you can find more here: Zeolite for horses – powder, pellets, and application in everyday life

What really comes out of the stable

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My mare had fecal water for months – I tried everything. After three weeks with the zeolite powder, it was dry again for the first time. I wouldn't have thought that something so simple makes the difference." — Bought HORSEKRAFT zeolite powder

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We have already tried many remedies, and the vet also found no cause. After we added zeolite from Steinkraft, we could see an improvement from week to week. The bloated belly disappeared and the horse didn't have to pass gas constantly anymore." — Renate & Sandra

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Our older gelding always had problems at the start of the grazing season – soft stool, restless, poor appetite. Since we started introducing zeolite slowly, the transition every spring is significantly calmer." — Bought HORSEKRAFT zeolite powder

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The HORSEKRAFT hoof powder is by far the most effective product against thrush for us. A clear improvement occurs very quickly, which, with regular use, allows the hoof to heal." — Heike Kemmer, dressage rider & boss of Amselhof Walle

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My mare often struggled with skin eczema and allergies. Since I've been adding zeolite, the skin problems have noticeably decreased. Her coat is shinier, and she scratches much less." — Petra, HORSEKRAFT zeolite powder

12. Summer checklist for horse owners

I would definitely include this checklist in the article – it is perfect for SEO, reader engagement, and later also as an infographic.

Daily summer checklist:

• Does my horse have access to clean water at all times?
• Is there sufficient shade?
• Is the air in the stable fresh or is it stagnant?
• Are lying areas dry?
• How high is the insect pressure today?
• Does the pasture time need to be adjusted?
• Has my horse eaten normally?
• Has it defecated normally?
• Does breathing seem calm?
• Does it recover quickly after exercise?
• Are hooves, skin, mane, and tail unremarkable?
• Does the stall need more moisture binding in specific areas?

Conclusion: Horses in summer need our mindfulness

Horses would do many things instinctively right in summer. They would slow down, seek shade, rest in the herd, eat more at night, choose windy places, and avoid unnecessary exertion.

However, our horses do not live in total freedom. They live with our fences, our training times, our stables, our competition schedules, and our routines. That is why summer management is also a form of responsibility.

It means looking more closely. Not just when a horse sweats heavily, becomes restless, or stops eating well. But beforehand: with water, shade, stable climate, pasture time, care, and the question of what really does the individual horse good.

Zeolite can be a quiet, natural companion – in the daily feed, in bedding, in hoof care, or in combination with organic black cumin. Not as a quick solution for everything, but as part of a mindful summer routine.

Because good horse care often starts exactly there: with the little things that are repeated daily.

FAQ: Horses in summer

1. What do horses need most in summer?

In summer, horses primarily need shade, fresh water, air movement, dry lying areas, protection from insects, and adjusted exercise. In nature, they would be less active on hot days, use cooler times of the day for eating, and retreat to shady or windy areas. This is exactly what good summer management should be oriented toward.

2. When is it too hot to ride a horse?

That depends not only on the temperature but also on humidity, solar radiation, wind, training level, and the horse's condition. A humid day at 25 degrees can be more stressful than a dry day at 28 degrees. If breathing, sweating, or recovery are noticeably affected, training should be shortened, postponed, or skipped entirely.

3. How do I cool my horse down correctly in summer?

An overheated horse should be moved to a shady, airy place and cooled with water – especially on the neck, chest, shoulders, back, and hindquarters. For severely overheated horses, repeated or continuous cooling is more important than constant scraping off. Afterward, the horse should have rest, air, and fresh water.

4. Do you always have to scrape off the water after hosing down?

No, not always. For normally warm horses, scraping off can be practical so that the coat dries faster or the saddle area does not remain wet. However, for severely overheated horses, cooling is the priority. Then it is more important to continue applying water instead of constantly interrupting the cooling.

5. How much water does a horse need on hot days?

A horse's water requirement increases significantly in summer, especially during heat, work, sweating, dry feeding, or grazing. It is crucial that clean, fresh water is available at all times. Additional water buckets can help to better monitor the actual amount consumed.

6. Are electrolytes useful for horses in summer?

Electrolytes can be useful when horses sweat heavily – for example, during training, transport, competitions, or great heat. Sodium, chloride, and potassium in particular are lost through sweat. It is important not to introduce electrolytes suddenly, but to test acceptance beforehand and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Why are insects so stressful for horses in summer?

Flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, and midges disturb horses while eating, resting, and relaxing. Many horses then remain in a state of constant defensive tension: they twitch their tails, twitch their skin, stomp, or walk around restlessly. That is why insect management is an important part of good summer care.

8. What helps horses in summer against mosquitoes and horseflies?

Fly masks, fly sheets, eczema rugs, clean water sources, regular mucking out, air movement, and adjusted pasture times are helpful. Windy places are often particularly valuable because many insects are less active there. For sensitive horses, a consistent, calm care routine is worth it.

9. What do horses do in nature when it is hot?

Free-ranging horses reduce their movement in the heat, seek shade or windy places, rest more, and graze more frequently during cooler hours. They adapt their daily rhythm to the environment. In daily stable life, we can support this natural behavior by consciously providing shade, water, rest, and air circulation.

10. How can I support my horse with summer eczema in everyday life?

For summer-sensitive skin and summer eczema, routine, protection, and observation are key. This includes suitable rugs, mane and tail checks, clean skin areas, less friction, adjusted pasture management, and protection during insect-heavy times. Care products should be used regularly, but not excessively.

11. What role can black cumin play for horses in summer?

Black cumin is used by many horse owners as an accompanying feed component during insect season. Especially for horses that react sensitively to mosquitoes and horseflies in summer, it is happily integrated into a holistic summer routine. Slow introduction and good observation of tolerance are important.

12. Can zeolite support horses in summer?

Zeolite can be used in summer as part of a mindful stable and feeding routine. It is particularly interesting where moisture, odor, stable climate, feeding routine, hoof care, or skin care play a role. It does not replace good management, water, shade, and veterinary check-ups – but it can be a natural supplement in everyday life.

13. What is better: Zeolite powder or zeolite pellets for horses?

Both can be useful. Zeolite powder can be finely dosed and mixed well into dampened feed or mash. Zeolite pellets are low-dust, practical, and readily accepted by many horses. The best choice depends on the feeding routine, acceptance, and daily life in the stable.

14. How do I use zeolite for horses?

Depending on the product, zeolite is given as powder or pellets over the feed. A slow acclimatization, sufficient water, and following the manufacturer's instructions are important. For sport and competition horses, the respective association and competition regulations should also be observed.

15. Can zeolite bedding improve the stable climate in summer?

Zeolite bedding can bind moisture and odors, thereby contributing to drier lying areas and a more pleasant stable climate. Especially in summer, when heat and ammonia odor are perceived as burdensome more quickly, this can be a sensible addition to daily stable care. Regular mucking out, of course, remains indispensable.

16. Why are dry lying areas so important in summer?

Dry lying areas are not only important for hygiene, but they are also comfortable for horses. Damp spots promote odor, attract insects, and can worsen the stable climate. A horse is more likely to lie down where it is dry, quiet, and clean.

17. What can zeolite hoof powder be used for in summer?

Zeolite hoof powder can be used as part of daily hoof care when moisture, muggy stable air, or changing terrain place greater demands on the hooves. Dryness is an important care consideration, especially in the frog area. The powder supports a clean, dry care routine.

18. What can zeolite skin powder be helpful for in horses?

Zeolite skin powder can be used on areas that are subject to greater stress in summer due to sweat, friction, or insects. It helps to keep skin areas dry and well-cared for. Application is intended as a care aid and does not replace veterinary assessment in the event of noticeable skin changes.

19. Why does fecal water occur more frequently in horses in summer?

In summer, several factors often come together: pasture changes, insect stress, heat, altered water intake, transport, tournaments, or changes in feed. Fecal water is not the same as diarrhea and should be closely monitored. A feed and daily activity diary can help identify correlations better.

20. When should I have my horse checked by a vet for summer problems?

Veterinary help is important if a horse appears lethargic, drinks poorly, has a fever, sweats heavily without recovering, shows diarrhea, does not eat, has symptoms of colic, or if noticeable skin and hoof changes occur. Professional advice should also be sought in cases of persistent fecal water or severe symptoms of sweet itch (summer eczema).

Zeolite for your horse in summer – all products at a glance

Whether powder, pellets, bedding, hoof powder, or the combination with organic black cumin – at STEINKRAFT you will find all HORSEKRAFT products specifically for horses. Lab-tested, without additives, from an Austrian family business.

👉 To the HORSEKRAFT horse collection →

Read more:

🔗 The horse's gut – how it really works (1/5)
🔗 Signs that your horse has gut problems – 12 warning signals (2/5)
🔗 Natural helpers: Microorganisms in horse care