Beat the heat: Horse nutrition tips for Summer feeding

While we enjoy the warm weather, our horses face a few seasonal challenges: hotter temperatures, richer grass, and changes in workload.

Getting their diet right can make the difference between a bright, healthy horse and one that feels sluggish, uncomfortable, or even unwell.

1. Watch the Grass – Its Not Always Greener

Summer grass in the UK can be lush and tempting, but it’s also high in sugars, especially after sunny days followed by cool nights. For some horses, this can lead to weight gain or even laminitis.

Tip:

• Use a grazing muzzle or limit turnout time if your horse is prone to weight gain
• Consider strip grazing to control intake without restricting movement
• Consider low energy, high fibre feeds such as High Fibre Nuts

2. Hydration is non-negotiable

Horses can drink 20–40 litres of water a day in hot weather. Dehydration can quickly lead to poor performance, colic, or heat stress.

Tip:

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times
• Add salt or an electrolyte supplement to encourage drinking after exercise
• Offer soaked feeds; like Harlequin Fibre Mash to boost water intake

3. Balance the diet

Even with good grazing, horses may miss out on certain vitamins and minerals — especially if grass quality drops in late summer

Tip:

• Use a balancer or vitamin/mineral supplement to fill nutritional gaps
• For leisure horses in light work, you may not need high-energy feeds — focus on fibre and balanced nutrition such as Harlequin Horse & Pony Nuts or Mix

4. Keep cool with feeding times

Feeding large meals in the heat of the day can make horses feel sluggish

Tip:

• Provide small, frequent fibre-based meals to keep the digestive system happy such as High Fibre Nuts
• Offer main feeds early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler

5. Watch for Seasonal Changes in Condition

Some horses drop weight in summer due to increased activity or poor grazing during dry spells. Others pile on the pounds.

Tip:

• Use a weight tape every couple of weeks
• Adjust feed accordingly — more fibre and oil for weight gain such as Harlequin Conditioning Nuts or Mix and restricted grazing for weight loss