Though the transition can be swift, moving from the crisp temperatures of Spring to the warm days of summer are usually a welcome change for riders and their equine partners. It can also mean busy schedules, extended travel and plenty of seasonal challenges, like increased pests, scorching heat and shifting environmental conditions.

Having a proactive summer management program can help keep equine partners healthy from head to hoof. Choosing the right solutions can also help prevent costly vet bills which could keep horse and rider sidelined through beautiful riding weather.

Here are four essential summer categories to plan for:

• Hydration Support: Electrolytes

Electrolyte supplementation isn’t just for elite performance horses. Any horse sweating for a prolonged period benefits from vital mineral replenishment to encourage water consumption during hot, humid stretches. Farnam’s Apple Elite, available in powder form, pellets and oral paste, is a great item to keep on hand when the mercury soars and equine partners need additional support.

• Environmental Protection: Hoof Supplements

While we mostly associate summer with heat, seasonal weather fluctuations can certainly vary. Extreme dry heat can be interspersed with humid, mucky conditions depending on geographical region and weather patterns. Each condition, and the shifting cycle to and from, can be tough on hooves and lead to cracks and weakened hoof walls. A supplement like Horseshoer’s Secret can help keep hooves, a crucial equine foundation, feeling and looking their best. It’s also available in different sizes and forms, like a concentrate and pellets, so horse owners can tailor the supplement to their animal’s specific needs.

• Comprehensive Summer Comfort: Flies & Sand

Depending on where the pasture is, localized seasonal issues can bring challenges beyond just hydration and hoof needs. Biting pests, including flies and mosquitoes, thrive in warm weather and open horses to risk of discomfort and disease. Dry, short summer pastures increase the risk of sand ingestion, which can lead to digestive complications. Targeted support can help protect animals from the inside out. Farnam’s new Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control spray uses new innovation to the equine fly spray category to deal with pests while trusted supplements like Cough Free pellets and SandClear crumbles help prevent internal concerns, like irritated respiratory tracts and sand colic.

• Premium Grooming & Turnout: Skin & Coat

Harsh sunlight, sweating and more frequent bathing can remove natural oils that could dull shiny summer coats and leave manes and tails brittle, tangled messes. Even if a rider isn’t planning on taking a turn in the show ring, their horse’s appearance is a key point of pride. Grooming is also an essential activity to help build the horse and rider bond. Thankfully, proven products like Vita Plus Multi-Vitamin supplement, as well as Horse Health Products Joint Combo Hoof & Coat supplement, can help a horse owner keep their four-legged partner looking and feeling amazing.

Horse owners understand the benefit of preventative care and trusted partners, like Farnam, work hard to make sure they have everything for the ride. Armor Animal Health is proud to connect riders with industry-leading solutions that help them build the right management plans for their specific equine partners and keep them happy and healthy no matter the season. Check out the available products from Farnam on armoranimalhealth.com today!