Posted: 21st May 2018 | Back to news feed
Stress Free Summer
Most horse owners would agree that we all endure the difficulties of winter to reap the rewards of owning a horse during summer. Long hacks, endless daylight hours to get jobs done and attending competitions all make surviving the winter worthwhile.
However, summer can also have its pitfalls, as our horses spend more time in the field, leading to an increased risk of injury, not to mention the issues that crop up as the temperature starts to rise.
Making sure your first aid kit is summer ready is essential to enjoying a stress-free summer. Some of the contents of your first aid kit will adapt to common summer ailments but a few extra additions might be necessary to ensure you are prepared.
Hard ground in summer is inevitable due to increased heat and reduced rainfall, causing a number of problems such as concussion to the legs and bruising to the soles, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Animalintex® Hoof Treatment should be a staple of any first aid kit, the hoof shaped poultice is ideal for treating bruising of the sole.
Koolpak® can also be used to provide instant relief to legs by reducing heat and swelling using cold therapy. It is an important product to remember to pack in your first aid kit, especially when travelling away from home to competitions, and it doesn’t require refrigeration.
A good waterproof sunblock is vital for horses with exposed areas of pink and white skin, careful attention should be placed on the muzzle, around the eyes and the heels, as these are often overlooked. Sunburn on the muzzle is particularly prone to becoming sore and infected.
Flies will be attracted to dried sweat and can be a real nuisance during the summer months, so be conscientious about removing sweat. Activ Scrub is an antibacterial cleansing scrub that can be used as a body wash post-exercise. A suitable fly repellent is an essential item in your summer kit and should be applied before exercise or turnout to deter flies.
Always remember to replace items as soon as they are used as delaying treatment while you rush off to the local tack shop will affect the speed of recovery.
Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements.
For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com
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