As the weather warms up and you start spending more days out in the sun, remember you may not be the only one who needs protection! Melanin helps block out the UV rays that cause sunburn, but a lack of it gives less shielding from the sun’s harsh rays. Horses can get sunburn, but it’s most common for ones with grey, piebald, or skewbald coats. Generally, horses with lighter pigment, or pink skin are more likely to suffer from sunburn. Just like humans, sunburn in horses can cause melanoma and other serious skin issues. While you gear up to stay safe outside, here are some things you can do to help protect your horse from the sun!
1. Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen comes in two forms: physical and chemical. Although physical tends to be better, chemical can provide great protection too. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and broad spectrum protection. This will ensure an even layer of protection throughout your horse’s body. Horses are most susceptible to get sunburn on their muzzle since it’s hairless and exposed, so that’s a great place to lather up. Physical sunscreens work well on the muzzle area and can be rubbed in like normal. You should also apply sunscreen to any white markings on your horse. Don’t be afraid to add a thick layer because the sun’s rays are only getting stronger!
2. Limit Sun Exposure
Of course, you can’t keep your horse out of the sun all day long. That’s just cruel and unrealistic! But you can certainly restrict his outdoor time based on when the sun’s at its strongest and weakest points. Be sure to provide enough shade for your horse to take cover throughout the day. A stand of trees, a barn, or a run-in shed will often do the trick. If your horse is prone to sunburn, you’ll definitely want to try to sync up his outdoor time with those less-sunny hours (early morning, evening, night). These are also the cooler hours of the day, which will help prevent heat exhaustion.
3. Invest In Protective Clothing
Many companies now offer protective clothing that will keep your horse happy and safe under the sun. Sun-blocking fly masks, sheets, hoods, and wraps are definitely worth looking into if your horse is prone to sunburn. Horses are more prone to getting burned on areas with little hair and a lot of exposure, like around their foreheads, noses, and eyes. These protective garments are lightweight and block out the UV rays to keep your horse’s skin protected. They also keep pesky flies and gnats from biting your horse, which is a huge bonus!
Treatment
If your horse has already grown victim to the sun’s damaging UV rays this year, soothing ointments can help ease the pain. Aloe vera gel provides cooling relief while encouraging a quick recovery with its natural healing properties. For mild cases of sunburn, cover the layer of aloe with sunscreen to prevent any further damage. Be sure to cover the damaged area when healing, or else you risk making it even worse. Sunburn can cause dehydration, so provide plenty of fresh and clean water to keep your horse well-hydrated.
We hope these tips help you and your horse stay safe under the sun this year! Check in with your horse frequently to see if there’s anything you can do as a horse owner to keep him comfortable during the hottest months. If your horse seems to be suffering from a case of severe sunburn, call your vet for further care.