Horses in Summer: Heat, Insects & Properly Using Zeolite

For many horses, summer is a time of contrasts. Long days, time in the pasture, light, exercise, and fresh air do them good. At the same time, heat, humid air, horseflies, mosquitoes, dry ground, dusty paddocks, and warm stable air noticeably put the horse's body to work.

Horses are wonderful masters of adaptation. If you observe them, you quickly notice: they know very well what does them good. In nature, they would do many things differently on hot days 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 where good summer management comes in – and this is also where zeolite for horses can play a meaningful role in daily stable life.

If you want to use zeolite in your horse's daily life, 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 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 graze more intensely in the morning, evening, or at night and stand more quietly during the hottest part of the day, often in the shade or in airy places. Studies show that shade, air movement, water sources, 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
• Grazing during cooler times of 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 surfaces
• Standing more quietly, dozing, conserving energy

This sounds simple – but it is 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 sources. Not every stall remains pleasantly dry and airy in summer.

Therefore, 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 with high humidity, still air, and intense sunlight, it becomes more difficult to dissipate excess heat. The combination of heat, work, poor air circulation, and little recovery time is particularly stressful.

Important signs to look out for:

• unusually heavy or prolonged sweating
• rapid breathing that does not calm down easily
• lethargy 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 humid 25-degree day with no air movement. Temperature, humidity, training condition, age, coat, fitness, and the possibility of cooling down are crucial.

Summer rule: it's better to ride earlier, work less, 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 plan that decides, but the interplay of temperature, humidity, wind, time of day, and the horse itself. A dry, breezy morning can be pleasant. A humid evening with no air movement, however, can be significantly more stressful – 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, the ground less heated, and many horses start the day feeling fresher. The 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.

Midday heat, humid air, stagnant heat in the arena, or riding arenas without shade are less suitable. On such days, the training plan can be scaled back: more walking, light gymnastic exercises, 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 only slowly after light exercise, it 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 Heat: Less is Often More Horse-Friendly

In natural life, a horse would not perform long, intense efforts in the greatest heat. It would conserve energy. This is precisely what we should aim for.

On hot days, the following are sensible:

• Training early in the morning or late in the evening
• More walking phases
• Shorter sessions
• Less canter and interval work
• More breaks in the shade
• Loose gymnastic exercises instead of performance
• No training in a stuffy arena 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 Down a Horse Properly: Water, Air, and Rest

Here I would correct the original article. In the past, you often heard: "Always scrape off water immediately, otherwise it will heat the horse up." This statement no longer applies today. 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; what is crucial is that cooling continues and the horse does not stand 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 applying water; do not just spray briefly once.
5. Keep the horse moving gently or standing still – 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 to ensure the saddle area dries. 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 visit water sources. In the stable, they depend on our organization. Therefore, water in summer is not a minor issue, but one of the most important management topics of all.

Pay attention to:

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

Horses that sweat heavily, in particular, 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 in a state of defensive tension.

In nature, horses would:

• seek windy places
• stand close together
• ward off 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
• less damp, ammonia-rich areas
• good air circulation
• adjusting pasture times
• consciously selecting care products

A particular focus should be on dusk. Many biting insects are especially active in the mornings and evenings. For some horses, the midday heat is therefore not the biggest problem, but rather the insect pressure during the 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 measures include:

• suitable blanket
• mane and tail control
• clean, dry skin areas
• avoiding friction
• observing insect times
• regular but not excessive care
• considering feed and stable management

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

For horses plagued by insects: a gentle summer routine instead of frantic experimentation

Especially for horses that are sensitive to mosquitoes, horseflies, or midges in the summer, a calm routine is particularly valuable. Protection through blankets, adjusted pasture times, clean skin areas, and a good stable climate all work together like small gears.

 

 

Our article on Summer Eczema in Horses discusses 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 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: Which is 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 routine.

Zeolite Powder	Zeolite Pellets
precisely dosable	especially practical
mixes well into mash or moistened feed	low dust
ideal for flexible application	often very good acceptance
suitable for horses that eat powder without problems when it's well mixed in	suitable for sensitive or picky horses

Especially in summer, when some horses are pickier eaters, pellets can be easier in daily life. Powder, on the other hand, is ideal when mixed well into moist feed.
Powder or pellets is not a question of right or wrong, but of the horse, feeding routine, and daily life. The deciding 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 ideal. Both products complement each other: zeolite stabilizes the intestinal lining and binds stress-causing substances, while black cumin supports from within. Many horse owners specifically use this combination from spring onwards – as a natural companion through the insect and summer season.

9. Zeolite Bedding: Dry Resting Areas, Less Odor, Better Stable Atmosphere

In summer, the stable climate becomes particularly important. Warmth, humidity, and ammonia odor can combine unpleasantly. Especially in stalls, shelters, and resting 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 usefully complement 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 when it's too hot for them. So they like to stay inside, pee everywhere, and flies have the best conditions to multiply.

Here, stable bedding with zeolite works wonders. And I'm not exaggerating. It demonstrably binds ammonia and eliminates the breeding ground for flies.

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

10. Hoof Powder and Skin Powder: Small Care Routines with Big Impact in Everyday Life

Summer often means: damp spots, sweaty skin areas, insect stress, small chafing, stressed hooves, and changing grounds. Here, simple, regular care routines are particularly valuable.

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

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

11. Loose Droppings in Summer: When Horse Owners Become Restless

Loose droppings are emotionally distressing for many horse owners. It's not just an "optical" 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 with the issue of loose droppings, many horse people wish for one thing: more calm again. Not only in the horse's belly, but also in their own feelings. Somehow you also feel a little ashamed. By the way: If you want to know exactly how zeolite helps with loose droppings, you can look at many studies on it in the article: Zeolite for loose droppings: Efficacy & studies

In summer, several factors can come together:

• feed changes
• pasture times
• stress from insects
• heat
• less rest
• transport
• competitions
• changed water intake

Here, a calm perspective is important. Loose droppings are not the same as diarrhea. 

Many horse owners also feel a little alone with loose droppings. You see the dirty legs, the sticky tail, the extra grooming effort – and sometimes even shame arises, although there's no reason for it. Loose droppings are 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 come together: grazing, feed changes, insect stress, transport, or a change in 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: Loose droppings 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 application in everyday life

What really comes out of the stable

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My mare had loose droppings 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've tried many remedies, and the vet couldn't find a cause either. After we started adding Steinkraft Zeolite to the feed, we saw an improvement from week to week. The bloated belly disappeared, and the horse no longer had to constantly release gas." — Renate & Sandra

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The HORSEKRAFT Hoof Powder is for us the most effective product against thrush so far. A clear improvement occurs very quickly, which allows the hoof to heal with regular use." — Heike Kemmer, Dressage Rider & Head of Amselhof Walle

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My mare often suffered from skin eczema and allergies. Since I started adding zeolite, the skin problems have noticeably receded. 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 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 the resting areas dry?
• How strong 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 stall need more moisture binding in specific spots?

Conclusion: Horses in Summer Need Our Mindfulness

Horses would instinctively do many things right in summer. 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 taking a closer look. Not just when a horse is sweating heavily, getting restless, or not eating well anymore. But earlier: at the water, the shade, the stable climate, the grazing time, the care, and what truly benefits each individual horse.

Zeolite can be a quiet, natural companion – in daily feeding, in bedding, in 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 begins precisely there: with the small 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 circulation, dry resting areas, protection from insects, and adjusted exercise. In nature, they would be less active on hot days, use cooler times of day for grazing, and retreat to shady or windy areas. Good summer management should be guided by this.

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

This depends not only on the temperature, but also on humidity, sun exposure, wind, training status, and the horse's condition. A muggy day at 25 degrees can be more stressful than a dry day at 28 degrees. If breathing, sweating, or recovery are noticeable, training should be shortened, postponed, or canceled 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 constant scraping off. Afterwards, the horse should be given rest, air, and fresh water.

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

No, not always. For normally warm horses, scraping can be practical to help the coat dry faster or prevent the saddle area from staying wet. However, for severely overheated horses, cooling is the priority. In that case, it's more important to keep applying water rather than constantly interrupting 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 feed, or grazing. It is crucial that clean, fresh water is available at all times. Additional water buckets can help to better observe the actual drinking amount.

6. Are electrolytes beneficial for horses in summer?

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

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

Flies, horseflies, mosquitoes, and midges bother horses while eating, resting, and relaxing. Many horses are then constantly on the defensive: they swish their tails, twitch their skin, stamp, 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 blankets, clean water troughs, 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?

Wild horses reduce their movement in the 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 everyday life?

For summer-sensitive skin and summer eczema, routine, protection, and observation are most helpful. This includes suitable blankets, mane and tail checks, 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 react sensitively 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 everyday life.

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

Both can be useful. Zeolite powder can be precisely dosed and easily mixed into moistened feed or mash. Zeolite pellets are low in dust, practical, and readily accepted by many horses. The best choice depends on the 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. Important are a slow introduction, sufficient water, and following the manufacturer's instructions. For sport and competition horses, the respective federation 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 resting areas and a more pleasant stable climate. Especially in summer, when heat and ammonia odor are perceived as more burdensome, this can be a useful addition to daily stable care. Regular mucking out remains indispensable, of course.

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, calm, 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, humid stable air, or changing ground conditions put more strain on the hooves. Especially in the frog area, 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 on areas that are more stressed in summer by sweat, friction, or insects. It helps to keep skin areas dry and well-cared for. Its application is to be understood as supportive care and does not replace veterinary clarification for noticeable skin changes.

19. Why does hindgut water 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. Hindgut water is not the same as diarrhea and should be carefully observed. A feed and daily routine diary can help to better recognize correlations.

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, doesn't eat, has colic symptoms, or develops noticeable skin or hoof changes. Persistent hindgut water or severe summer eczema symptoms should also be professionally evaluated.

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

Whether powder, pellets, bedding, hoof powder or in 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