TWO THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR HORSE’S SKIN THIS SUMMER

Between sun and sweat, your horse’s skin can bear the brunt of summer conditions.

Take a few steps to protect his skin---for the sake of his looks and his overall health.

• Shield it from the sun. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight will not only fade a horse’s coat but can lead to serious health conditions. Protect your horse’s skin just as you would your own: with sunscreen and clothing that blocks ultraviolet light. Some fly sprays incorporate sunscreen and work well for wholebody application. For more specific areas, you can also use a sunscreen lotion formulated for horses or humans with sensitive skin.

Thick creams like zincoxide are a bit messy but work very well to protect delicate pink skin on the muzzle that tends to get burned. To protect white skin around the eyes--an area that is prone to developing cancerous growths after exposure to ultraviolet light---use a UV-blocking fly mask, the equivalent of your own sunglasses.

• Rinse regularly. Dried sweat dulls the coat and can make a horse itchy. If your horse is sweaty after a ride, hose or sponge him thoroughly with cool water. Skip the soap, though---bathing a horse too frequently can strip his coat of natural oils that protect the skin and contribute to shine. Save full baths for when he’s truly filthy or you have a special event to attend. After you’ve hosed down your horse and scraped off most of the water, turn him out and try not to wince when he immediately rolls. The thin layer of dirt he’s acquiring for himself is a protective barrier against bugs.