Horses in Summer: Heat, Insects & Properly Using Zeolite

Summer is a time of contrasts for many horses. Long days, pasture time, light, exercise, and fresh air do them good. At the same time, heat, muggy air, horseflies, mosquitoes, dry ground, dusty paddocks, and warm stable air noticeably strain the horse's body.

Horses are wonderful masters of adaptation. If you observe them, you quickly realize: they know very well what is good for them. In nature, on hot days, they would do many things differently than our stable routine often allows. They would move less, seek shade, graze in the cooler morning and evening hours, move to windy 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 enable the horse to do more of what it would naturally choose: rest, shade, water, air, protection from insects, dry resting areas, and a body that is not additionally burdened.

This is precisely where good summer management comes in – and where zeolite for horses can play a useful role in daily stable life.

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

Horses in Summer – Natural Behavior in Heat

When horses are free to choose, they adapt their daily rhythm to the temperature. They conserve energy, reduce unnecessary movement, and shift activity to cooler hours. Many horses eat more intensely in the morning, evening, or at night and stand more calmly during the hottest part of the day, often in the shade or in airy places. Studies show that shade, air movement, watering holes, feeding areas, and insect pressure strongly influence where horses stay and how they structure their day.

Typical natural summer behavior includes:

• Seeking shade or partial shade
• Reducing movement
• Eating during cooler parts of the day
• Seeking proximity to the herd
• Using wind and open spaces against insects
• Warding off insects with tail, skin twitching, and head movements
• Drinking more frequently
• Preferring damp or cooler ground
• Standing more calmly, dozing, conserving energy

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

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

1. Recognizing heat in horses – signs and summer rule

Horses can sweat and thus release heat. This is an important mechanism. But in high humidity, still 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 out for:

• unusually heavy or prolonged sweating
• rapid breathing that doesn't calm down easily
• listlessness or restlessness
• little desire to drink
• slow recovery after riding
• warm, stuffy stable air
• high insect pressure

The question "When is it too hot to ride?" cannot be answered with just one temperature. A dry, windy 28-degree day can be less stressful for a trained horse than a muggy 25-degree day with no air movement. Temperature, humidity, training level, age, coat, condition, and the possibility of cooling down are crucial.

Summer rule: ride 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 not to? In summer, it's not just the training schedule that decides, but the interplay of temperature, humidity, wind, time of day, and the horse itself. A dry, breezy morning can be pleasant. A muggy evening with no air movement, on the other hand, can be significantly more taxing – even if the thermometer doesn't seem so extreme.

The most horse-friendly time to ride is usually early morning. The air is still cooler then, the ground less heated, and many horses start the day feeling fresher. Late evening can also be suitable if the heat subsides. However, caution is advised for horses with sensitive skin or summer eczema, 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 should be toned down: more walking, light gymnastics, groundwork in the shade, or a walk in the forest. 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 severely stressed by insects, or recovers slowly after light exercise, then today might not be a riding day. 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 the heat: Less is often more horse-friendly

In its natural life, a horse would not perform long, intensive tasks in the greatest heat. It would conserve energy. That is exactly what we should be guided by.

On hot days, it makes sense to:

• Train early in the morning or late in the evening
• Include more walk phases
• Have shorter sessions
• Do less canter and interval work
• Take more breaks in the shade
• Do relaxed gymnastic work instead of performance training
• Avoid training in stuffy arenas without air movement

This is not "doing less," but good horsemanship. Relieving your horse in summer means working with its nature – not against it.

3. Cooling your horse correctly: Water, air, and rest

I would correct the original article here. It used to be commonly said: "Always scrape off water immediately, otherwise it heats up the horse." This statement is no longer valid. For really 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; it is crucial that cooling continues and the horse does not stand still in the heat. FEI and Pony Club guidelines emphasize repeated or intensive cooling with water and recommend not interrupting continuously for scraping.

A good cooling routine:

1. Remove saddle and equipment.
2. Bring the horse to a shady, airy spot.
3. Cool neck, chest, shoulders, back, and hindquarters with water.
4. If severely overheated, continue to apply water, do not just spray briefly once.
5. Move the horse calmly or let it stand – depending on its condition.
6. Offer fresh water.
7. Observe breathing and recovery.

For normally warm horses, scraping can be practical to prevent dripping or drying out in the saddle area. However, for severely overheated horses, cooling is more important than scraping.

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

In nature, horses would regularly seek out water sources. In the stable, they rely on our organization. Therefore, water in summer is not a minor issue, but one of the most important management issues of all.

Pay attention to:

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

Horses that sweat heavily particularly need attention. Electrolytes can be useful if a lot of sweat is lost. Important: test slowly, check acceptance, and avoid 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 cause unrest in the herd, disrupt feeding, prevent recovery, and lead to horses constantly being on edge.

In nature, horses would:

• Seek windy places
• Stand close together
• Swat away insects with tail and head
• Move if the pressure becomes too high
• Avoid certain times of day

In the stable, we can help by:

• Fly masks
• Eczema blankets for sensitive horses
• Clean water sources
• Consistent mucking out
• Fewer damp, ammonia-rich areas
• Good air circulation
• Adjusting pasture times
• Carefully selecting grooming products

The focus on dusk is particularly important. Many biting insects are especially active in the mornings and evenings. For some horses, therefore, the midday heat is not the biggest problem, but the insect pressure during these fringe hours.

6. Summer eczema: Care, protection, and patience

For summer eczema or summer-sensitive skin, routine is paramount. Horses benefit not from frantic experimentation, but from a clear, calm plan.

Useful tips include:

• Appropriate blanket
• Mane and tail control
• Clean, dry skin areas
• Avoid friction
• Observe insect times
• Regular, but not excessive, grooming
• Consider feed and stable management

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

For insect-plagued horses: gentle summer routine instead of frantic experimenting

For horses that are sensitive to mosquitoes, horseflies, or midges in summer, a calm routine is particularly valuable. Protection through blankets, adjusted grazing times, clean skin areas, and a good stable environment all work together like small cogs.

 

 

In our article on summer eczema in horses, we discuss in detail why some horses react particularly sensitively during 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 warm season.

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 a well-thought-out summer management plan because it can support horses 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 bedding
• as hoof powder
• in combination with organic black cumin

This means zeolite can not only be "fed" but also used externally and in the stable environment.

Zeolite powder or pellets: What's a better fit?

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

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

Zeolite Powder	Zeolite Pellets
precisely dosable	particularly convenient
easily mixed 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 eat a little pickily, pellets can be easier in everyday life. Powder, in turn, is ideal when mixed well under moist feed.
Powder or pellets is not a question of right or wrong, but of the horse, feeding routine, and daily life. The decisive factor 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 pasture changes – the combination of zeolite and organic black cumin is suitable. Both products complement each other: Zeolite stabilizes the intestinal mucosa and binds stressors, while black cumin supports from within. Many horse owners specifically use this combination from spring onwards – as natural support during insect and summer season.

9. Zeolite bedding: Dry resting areas, less odor, better stable feel

In summer, the stable climate becomes particularly important. Heat, moisture, and ammonia odor can combine unpleasantly. Especially in stalls, shelters, and resting areas, it's worth taking a close look at dry surfaces.

Zeolite bedding can bind moisture and odor, thereby demonstrably contributing to a more pleasant stable climate. Of course, this doesn't replace mucking out – but it can usefully supplement daily stable care.

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

Especially in summer, it's worth taking a close look at the resting areas. Where moisture and odor arise, the stable climate often begins. Zeolite bedding can help keep these areas drier and more pleasant.

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

This is where stable bedding with zeolite works wonders. And I'm not exaggerating. It demonstrably binds ammonia and deprives flies of a breeding ground.

Please try it yourself. And the best part 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, stressed hooves, and changing ground conditions. Simple, regular care routines are particularly valuable here.

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

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

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

Fecal water is emotionally distressing for many horse owners. It's 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 simply overwhelmed. Especially when it comes to fecal water, many horse people wish for one thing: more peace. Not just in the horse's belly, but also in their own feelings. Somehow you even feel a bit ashamed. By the way: If you want to know exactly how zeolite helps with fecal water, you can look at many studies on it in the article: Zeolite for fecal water: Efficacy & Studies

In summer, several factors can combine:

• Feed changes
• Grazing times
• Stress from insects
• Heat
• Less rest
• Transport
• Competitions
• Altered water intake

Here, a calm perspective is important. 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 matted tail, the extra grooming effort – and sometimes even shame arises, although there's no reason for it. Fecal water is a signal that deserves attention, but no reason to feel bad.

Read more: Gently guiding horses through stressful phases

Heat is rarely just a temperature issue.

Often, several factors combine: grazing, feed changes, insect stress, transport, or altered water intake.

That's why a holistic view of the horse's daily life is worthwhile.

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 fundamentally fits into the feeding routine, you can find more here: Zeolite for horses – powder, pellets, and daily use

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 would make a difference." — HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Powder purchased

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We have already tried many remedies, and even the vet found no cause. After we added Zeolite from Steinkraft, we observed an improvement from week to week. The bloating disappeared, and the horse no longer had to constantly pass gas." — Renate & Sandra

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Our older gelding always had problems at the start of grazing season - soft manure, restless, ate poorly. Since we've been gradually introducing zeolite, the transition each spring has been significantly calmer." — HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Powder purchased

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "HORSEKRAFT Hoof Powder is, for us, the most effective product against thrush to date. A clear improvement occurs very quickly, and with regular use, the hoof becomes healthy." — Heike Kemmer, Dressage Rider & Owner of Amselhof Walle

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

12. Summer checklist for horse owners

I would definitely include this checklist in the article – it's 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 stagnant?
• Are resting areas dry?
• How high is the insect pressure today?
• Does grazing time need to be adjusted?
• Has my horse eaten normally?
• Has it defecated normally?
• Does its breathing seem calm?
• Does it recover quickly after exercise?
• Are hooves, skin, mane, and tail unremarkable?
• Does the box need more moisture binding in specific spots?

Conclusion: Horses in summer need our mindfulness

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

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

It means looking more closely. Not just when a horse is sweating heavily, becoming restless, or not eating well. But even before that: considering water, shade, stable climate, pasture time, care, and what truly benefits the individual horse.

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

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

FAQ: Horses in Summer

1. What do horses particularly need in summer?

In summer, horses primarily need shade, fresh water, air circulation, dry resting areas, protection from insects, and adapted exercise. In nature, on hot days, they would be less active, use cooler times of the day to graze, and retreat to shady or windy areas. Good summer management should be guided by this.

2. At what temperature is it too hot to ride a horse?

This depends not only on the temperature but also on humidity, sun exposure, wind, the horse's training level, and condition. A muggy day at 25 degrees can be more taxing than a dry day at 28 degrees. If breathing, sweating, or recovery are noticeably off, training should be shortened, postponed, or omitted entirely.

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

A hot horse should be moved to a shady, airy spot 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 constantly scraping off water. Afterwards, the horse should be given 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 can be practical to help the coat dry faster or to keep the saddle area from staying wet. However, for severely overheated horses, cooling is the priority. In that case, it's more important to continue applying water than to constantly interrupt the cooling process.

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

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

6. Are electrolytes beneficial for horses in summer?

Electrolytes can be beneficial if horses sweat heavily – for example, during training, transport, competition, or intense heat. Sodium, chloride, and potassium are particularly 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 gnats disturb horses while eating, resting, and relaxing. Many horses are then constantly on the defensive: they swish their tails, twitch their skin, stamp their feet, or move restlessly. Therefore, insect management is an important part of good summer care.

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

Helpful measures include fly masks, fly sheets, eczema rugs, clean water sources, regular mucking out, air circulation, and adjusted grazing times. Windy spots are often particularly valuable because many insects are less active there. For sensitive horses, a consistent, calm care routine is worthwhile.

9. What do horses do in nature when it's hot?

Free-ranging horses reduce their movement in heat, seek shade or windy spots, rest more, and graze more frequently during cooler hours. They adapt their daily rhythm to the environment. In 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 daily life?

For summer-sensitive skin and summer eczema, routine, protection, and observation are especially helpful. This includes suitable rugs, mane and tail control, clean skin areas, less friction, adapted pasture management, and protection during periods with many insects. 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 a supplementary feed component during insect season. Especially for horses that are sensitive to mosquitoes and horseflies in summer, it is often integrated into a holistic summer routine. Slow introduction and careful observation of tolerability 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 husbandry, water, shade, or veterinary clarification – but it can be a natural supplement in daily life.

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

Both can be beneficial. Zeolite powder can be precisely dosed and easily mixed into moistened feed or mash. Zeolite pellets are low-dust, practical, and readily accepted by many horses. The best choice depends on feeding routine, acceptance, and daily stable life.

14. How do I use zeolite for horses?

Zeolite is given over the feed as powder or pellets, depending on the product. Slow acclimatization, sufficient water, and adherence to 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, contributing to drier resting areas and a more pleasant stable climate. Especially in summer, when heat and ammonia odor are more quickly perceived as burdensome, this can be a useful addition to daily stable care. Regular mucking out naturally remains indispensable.

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

Dry resting areas are not only hygienically important for horses but also comfortable. 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 ground conditions put more strain on the hooves. Especially in the frog areas, dryness is an important care issue. 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 in areas that are more stressed in summer by sweat, friction, or insects. It helps to keep skin areas dry and well-groomed. Its application is to be understood as care support and does not replace veterinary clarification for noticeable skin changes.

19. Why does loose stool occur more frequently in horses in summer?

In summer, several factors often come together: pasture changes, insect stress, heat, altered water intake, transport, competitions, or feed changes. Loose stool is not the same as diarrhea and should be closely observed. A feed and daily diary can help to better recognize connections.

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

Veterinary help is important if a horse appears listless, drinks poorly, has a fever, sweats heavily without recovering, shows diarrhea, does not eat, has colic symptoms, or experiences noticeable skin and hoof changes. Professional clarification should also be sought for persistent loose stool or severe summer eczema symptoms.

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. Laboratory tested, without additives, from an Austrian family business.

👉 To the HORSEKRAFT Horse Collection →

Read more:

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