SmartPak's Summer Horse Care Essentials
Summer is one of the best times to be at the barn, but between heat, humidity, bugs, dust, sun exposure, and long days at shows, our horses (and us!) need a little extra support to stay comfortable.
Whether you're getting ready for show season, trail riding every weekend, or simply trying to help your horse beat the heat, here are some of our favorite summer must-haves.
Our Bathtime Favorites
There are plenty of reasons to give your horse a bath during the summer. Maybe it's after a sweaty ride, before a horse show, or simply because they've managed to roll in the one muddy spot in an otherwise dry pasture. No matter the reason, we've got the right shampoo to get your horse clean, shiny, and smelling good again!
Our Pick for Everyday Shine: Vetrolin® Bath Ultra-Hydrating Conditioning Shampoo
For that classic clean, this one is hard to beat! Argan oil helps condition the coat while protein-enriched ingredients leave hair soft, healthy, and shiny.
Our Pick for Gray & White Horses: Orvus® WA Paste Shampoo
Grass stains, caked on manure, mystery stains. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen to a gray horse. Western riders have had Orvus in their barns for decades because it deep cleans without harsh dyes or fragrances, and a little truly goes a long way. No matter what saddle you put on your horse, this is a must-have!
Our Pick for Sensitive Skin: Equiderma Neem Shampoo
For itchy skin, seasonal irritation, or other skin concerns, Equiderma is worth keeping on hand. Its soap-free formula cleans without stripping natural oils, while ingredients like neem, aloe, chamomile, and arnica help support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
The Bug Battle
No matter the heat, the weather, or the horse, we all struggle with flies and pests throughout the summer. Rather than show you one product that might work, here's our top picks to attack the problem from multiple angles.
Support from the Inside
Our Pick for a Multi-Pronged Approach: SmartBug-Off® Ultra Pellets
Designed to help discourage biting insects while supporting healthy skin, SmartBug-Off Ultra takes a comprehensive approach with ingredients like MSM and omega-3 fatty acids.
Our Pick for Pest Cycle Disruption: SimpliFly®
Rather than trying to repel persistent adult flies, SimpliFly works by interrupting the fly life cycle before they ever become a problem. It's an easy-to-feed addition to an overall fly management plan.
Fly Sheets Worth Wearing
Our Pick For Maximum UV Protection: SmartPak UV Fly Sheet
Perfect for horses with pink skin or coats prone to sun bleaching, this fly sheet blocks an impressive, industry-leading 85% of UV rays while helping to keep bugs at bay and promote airflow.
Our Pick For Maximum Durability: Rambo® Fly Buster with No-Fly Zone™
The unique No-Fly Zone™ Technology of this sheet helps repel flies in addition to fly spray. The durable fabric prevents nicks, rips or tears, while staying breathable.
Preferred Pest Repellants:
Our Plant-Based Pick: OutSmart® Fly Spray
Our own fly spray has plant-powered ingredients, a pleasant scent, and repels against flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. It's an everyday favorite for horse and riders!
Our Advanced Pick: UltraShield® Gold Fly Spray
When bugs are especially relentless, UltraShield Gold offers long-lasting protection against more than 100 different insect species.
Our Pick for Ticks: Spot-On Protection
For horses that spend lots of time turned out or on the trails, spot-on repellents like Equi-Spot® Fly Control and Pro-Force 50® Spot-On for Horses can provide longer-lasting protection.
Help With Hydration
Hot weather means sweat, and sweat means replacing both fluids and electrolytes. Horses should always have access to clean, fresh water, but these products can help encourage horses to drink when they need it most.
Our Pick for Eating Liquids: Hydration Hay®
It's as easy as soaking this compressed hay block in water to create moist forage. This supports hydration while providing quality nutrition and is especially handy for travel or picky drinkers.
Our Pick for Drinking Liquids: Gallagher's Water™
Think of it as flavoring your horse's water with alfalfa and adding electrolytes. Many horses are encouraged to drink more when their water tastes a little better (just like us!). Plus there's a No Sugar Added and treat version, too.
Our Pick for Added Electrolytes: SmartLytes®
Available in pellets, powder, and paste, SmartLytes help replace electrolytes lost through sweat while encouraging healthy water intake. Pellets or powder are great for daily use through summer (and winter) while the paste is ideal for shows, trail rides, and hauling.
Summer Accessories We Never Leave Home Without
Protect Sensitive Skin
Our Pick for Coat Conditioning: Absorbine® Santa Fe™ Coat Conditioner & Sunscreen
Specially formulated to protect, condition, shine, and detangle, this spray-on horse coat conditioner and sunscreen is formulated with Vitamin E and Panthenol for silky softness and a healthy shine.
Our Pick for Spray Sunscreen: Sunflower Suncoat™ Spray
This spray contains sunflower extract, which helps stop hair degradation, plus an additional select sun blocker for protection to help maintain your horse’s true coat, mane and tail color.
Our Pick for Pink Noses: Essential Equine Sunscreen
This non-greasy and easily absorb formula provides SPF 20 and is easily absorbed, making it a great choice for sensitive areas like the nose, face, and ears.
Cooling Saddle Pads
When temperatures climb, but the lesson must go on, breathable tack can make rides much more comfortable. Whether you're looking for an all-purpose pad, a dressage option, or something built specifically for cross-country, SmartPak's cooling saddle pad collection uses mesh construction and COOLMAX® lining to maximize airflow.
- SmartPak Deluxe Mesh AP Saddle Pad
- SmartPak Deluxe Mesh Dressage Saddle Pad
- SmartPak Deluxe AP Saddle Pad with Mesh Spine and COOLMAX®
- SmartPak Deluxe Dressage Saddle Pad with Mesh Spine and COOLMAX®
- SmartPak Deluxe XC Cooling Saddle Pad
Don't Forget Yourself
Summer riding isn't just tough on horses! Some of our favorite rider essentials include:
- Cool on Track Cooling Towel for quick relief after rides.
- Catago FIR-Tech Summer Mesh Gloves for breathable grip and comfort.
- Kerrits Cool Core Full Seat Tech Tights with moisture-wicking technology and UPF 50+ protection. (also available in Bootcut and Kids' styles)
One More Summer Essential
Every horse should have access to free-choice salt year-round, but it's especially important during hot weather when sweat losses increase. A quality Himalayan salt block is an easy way to encourage daily salt intake and support hydration throughout the summer. Check out options from Hilton Herbs, Crypto Aero, and Redmond Minerals.
Make the Most of Summer
Summer brings some of the best memories we'll make with our horses, from trail rides and beach rides to long show weekends and lazy, hazy evenings at the barn. A little preparation goes a long way toward helping your horse (and you!) stay comfortable through the hottest months of the year.
Whether you're fighting flies, keeping your horse hydrated, or simply trying to stay a little cooler in the saddle yourself, we hope our list of summer must-haves are helpful!