by Beth Moore

As we start seeing more sunshine, we will be spending more time outside with our horses. We need to be reminded that if we spend too much time in the sun, our pretty tan will turn into a nasty sunburn. In addition to being unsightly and painful, too much sun can end up causing skin cancer. Most of us use caution in addition to sunscreen when it comes to spending time in the sun.

Because they are big and strong, we often forget about the affect that the sun has on our horses. Horses, just like people, can sunburn. Sunburn is most frequently seen on horses with a light colored hair coat such as Appaloosa’s, Lipizzans, Paints, Pintos, Andalusians, and grays. Horse owners who own horses with white noses and a lot of pale skin around the eyes often find themselves treating their equine partners for sunburn.

Any change in hormones, like a mare that has been bred, can cause a horse to be extra sensitive to the sun. Horse owners should know that there are some medications that can also cause their horses to be extra sensitive to the sun. Tetracycline is one of those medications that can cause problems if the horse is in the sun too much.

Although dark horses aren’t typically victims of sunburn, the sun often bleaches the dark hair, which causes them to look scruffy and dull. It can make the mane and tail frizz and split, which is not attractive at all.

Sunburn on a horse looks just like a sunburn on us. The skin turns bright pink and will start to crack and peel. With a severe sunburn, a horse will even start to blister.

It’s a simple task to prevent sunburn around the eyes of a horse with light skin. All you need is a fly mask which can be purchased at most tack shops. It is important to be sure to keep the fly mask clean to prevent any irritation. Clean the fly mask with a little soap and water in a sink and then hang it in the sun to dry.

Some fly masks have an extension that protects the end of the nose from getting sunburned. If you do not own a fly mask that covers your horses nose all you need to do is rub your horses nose with sunscreen that you can purchase at your local drugstore. There are special sunscreens made for horses, but you dont need to go to the expense of purchasing special sunscreen for horses when human sunscreen is the same thing.

If you show your horse, you will want to prevent the coat from being damaged by the sun. Many people just keep their horses inside during the day when the sun is the most damaging. Other owners turn their horses out in a light weight fly sheet or turn out sheet to protect them from the sun’s damaging rays. It is best not to keep a horse inside all the time otherwise you risk the horse becoming depressed.

About the Author:
Beth Moore has been a noted authority on growing stunning manes and tails on horses, regardless of their bloodlines, for over 20 years. Visit her website today for a Free copy of her report on owning gorgeous horses.