As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, many horse owners start spending more time in the yard, in the field and in the saddle. This is the perfect month to get ahead with seasonal horse care, from fly protection and turnout preparation to grooming, rugs, rider clothing and everyday stable essentials.
At Watermans Country Supplies, our equestrian range includes products for both horse and rider, including horse care, supplements, rugs, grooming products, fly and pesticide repellent, wound care, bandages, stable equipment,riding clothing, footwear and more.
Warmer weather often means more flies, midges and biting insects around the yard and fields. For horses, this can quickly become irritating and uncomfortable, especially during turnout or hacking.
Before fly season gets into full swing, it is worth checking that you have the essentials ready. Fly repellent, fly masks and lightweight protective products can help keep your horse more comfortable during the day.
Lincoln Ditch The Itch is a summer essential for horses and ponies prone to irritation from biting midges. This 1 litre repellent helps protect against biting midges and horseflies by creating a protective barrier that helps prevent insects from making contact with the skin.
Enhanced with natural ingredients, it is ideal to keep on hand during the warmer months, especially for horses susceptible to sweet itch or midge bite sensitivity.
The Hy Equestrian Synergy Fly Veil is a stylish way to help keep your horse comfortable during warmer-weather rides. Its close-knit crochet design, breathable mesh ears and mesh panel help your horse stay cool while offering coverage from irritating flies and insects.
Finished with smart silver binding and available in a choice of colours and sizes, it is a practical addition for turnout, hacking and everyday riding.
Regular grooming is also useful, as it gives you the chance to check for bites, rubs, sore patches or small wounds before they become more of a problem.
Perfect for summer grooming, the HySHINE Active Groom Dandy Brush helps remove dried sweat, dust and loose hair after turnout or exercise. Its stiff bristles make it ideal for tackling mud and dirt from the coat, while the soft-touch design keeps it comfortable to hold during daily grooming. This is a handy brush to keep in your summer grooming kit for quick clean-ups before or after longer rides.
It is also a good time to review your yard routine. Keeping water troughs clean, removing droppings regularly and maintaining a tidy stable area can all help reduce the number of insects around your horse.
For many horses, spring and early summer mean more time out in the field. Before increasing turnout, check fencing, gates, water supply and field conditions. Look for loose posts, broken rails, damaged electric fencing or areas where horses may be tempted to push through.
Your horse’s rugging needs may also change at this time of year. Some days can still be cool and wet, while others are warm and dry. Lightweight turnout rugs, fly rugs and breathable layers are useful to have available so you can adjust depending on the weather.
Turnout is also a good time to keep an eye on condition. Rich spring grass can affect some horses more than others, so monitor weight, behaviour and general wellbeing. If your horse needs additional support, consider whether supplements or feed adjustments may be useful as part of their routine.
A good grooming routine is especially important as horses shed their coats, sweat more during exercise and spend longer outside. Grooming helps remove dirt, loose hair and dried sweat, while also supporting coat condition and comfort.
After riding, pay particular attention to areas where tack sits, including the girth area, saddle area and around the bridle. Sweat and dust can build up quickly in warmer weather, so regular cleaning can help prevent rubbing and irritation.
From our grooming tools collection, the HySHINE Miracle Brush is a handy summer grooming essential for keeping coats clean and comfortable through warmer months.
Gentle on the coat, it can be used while shampooing and helps remove dirt, mud, dried sweat and stubborn grass stains after turnout or longer rides. It is also useful for removing loose horse hair from saddle pads and rugs, making it a practical addition to any grooming kit.
Grooming is also one of the easiest ways to spot small issues early, such as heat, swelling, cuts, insect bites or changes in skin condition.
Longer evenings and better weather make the summer months a great time to get out hacking, schooling or preparing for summer activities. Before heading out more regularly, take time to check both your horse’s kit and your own riding gear.
Look over your tack for wear, loose stitching or cracked leather. Check that boots, hats, gloves and riding clothing are still comfortable and suitable for the season. Lightweight tops, jodhpurs, riding socks and practical yard boots can make a big difference when you are spending longer days at the yard.
Safety equipment should also be checked regularly. Riding hats, back protectors and gloves all play an important role in keeping riders comfortable and protected.
The Champion Titanium Ti22 Body Protector is designed to offer reliable protection without compromising on comfort. Its flexible segmented style, ultra-lightweight foam and revolutionary SegTek construction allow freedom of movement in the saddle, while the military-grade outer mesh and heavy-duty YKK zips add durability.
Finished with a cool-feel titanium coloured lining and airflow heat-release system, it is a practical choice for riders preparing for training, hacking or competition.
With more turnout, longer rides and warmer weather, yard jobs can quickly increase. Buckets, brushes, feeders and drinkers, racks, hooks, and stands, as well as stable tools and cleaning equipment are all worth checking before the busy summer months.
Having the basics ready means less last-minute rushing and a smoother daily routine, whether you are caring for one horse or managing a full yard.
Now is the perfect time to get your horse and riding kit ready for the season ahead.
From fly protection and turnout rugs to grooming products, stable essentials and rider clothing, our equestrian range has everything you need for horse and rider.
