The second leg of the Foal Championship qualifiers took place, on Tuesday 15th September in Kernans Equestrian, in County Armagh.There were 35 foals entered, amongst these were Connemara ponies, Welsh Ponies, Irish Sport Ponies & Horses and Traditionally bred Irish horses.The Pony Eventing section started off the day with Sharon Walshs foal Pineview Junior Sunshine (WPC) taking the win. This colt foal is by Pineview Junior Boss (ISP), out of Moydrum Sunshine Bui (CP), out of Rocklawn Elvis (CP). Second place was Jackie Hockleys filly foal, Carnakilly Sydney (CP), by Carnakilly Mac Guire (CP), out of Carnakilly Empress (CP), by Glenree De lAulne (CP).Pineview Junior Sunshine (WPC), by Pineview Junior Boss (ISP), out of Moydrum Sunshine Bui (CP), out of Rocklawn Elvis (CP). Bred by Sharon Walsh.The second class of the day was the Pony Showjumping section. Thomas Webbs unnamed colt foal, by Quality Time (HOLST), out of Future Lady (ISH)[TIH], by Song of Freedom (CP), took the win here, in a class of 5 pony foals. Second place went to Pineview Amys Junior (WPC), filly foal bred by Sharon Walsh, sired by Pineview Junior Boss (ISP), out of Amy Mirah (CP), by Westside Mirah (CP).Unnamed colt foal, by Quality Time (HOLST), out of Future Lady (ISH)[TIH], by Song of Freedom (CP). Bred by Thomas WebbThe Horse Eventing section was the next class of the day. Out of eleven competitors, Gordon Drurys filly foal, Dourough Ferro Star (ISH), was the champion. Dourough Ferro Star (ISH) is by Creevagh Ferro (KWPN), out of Dourough Keepsake (ISH), by Colandro (HOLST). Second place was awarded to Keenan Stables colt foal Bellardo (ISH), out of Bellavalent, who is by Valent (KWPN), sired by world number 1 eventing sire, Diarado (HOLST). The top placed traditionally bred foal of the day was Maria Melvins Glenkeeran Rive Runs Deep (ISH)[TIH], a colt by Watermill swatch (TB), out of Glenkeeran River Deep (ISH)[TIH], who is by Crosstown Dancer (ID).Dourough Ferro Star (ISH) by Creevagh Ferro (KWPN), out of Dourough Keepsake (ISH), by Colandro (HOLST). Bred by Gordon Drury.The final class of the day was the horse showjumping section. There were 15 competitors in this class. Taking the win was Lisa Rosbothams filly foal Miss My Way (ISH), by Drumhowan Studs My Way (OLD). This filly is out of Miss Valent (ISH), who show jumped herself to 1.35m. Second place went to Jessica Boyds filly foal by Aristoteles V (KWPN), out of Cavalli Dior (ISH), who is sired by Castlelawn Galloway (OLD). The dam Cavalli Dior, also show jumped herself to 1.20m.Miss My Way (ISH), by My Way (OLD), out of Miss Valent (ISH), by Valent (KWPN). Bred by Lisa Rosbotham.Congratulations to all competitors and thank you to all the breeders who continue to support the Foal Championship.The Foal Championship is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under National Breeding ServicesThe next leg of the Foal Championship qualifiers will be held in Goresbridge, on 24th September. Click HERE to enter.The post Foal Championship Qualifiers : Leg 2 appeared first on .

Wilmington, OHIO Entries and circuit/weekly stall reservations are now open for the 2027 Winter in the Midwest Series at World Equestrian Center Wilmington, spanning 17 weeks of US Equestrian (USEF) rated hunter/jumper competition from December 2, 2026, through April 11, 2027. New for this year, exhibitors now have the option to reserve circuit stalls for the Winter in the Midwest SeriesSource

Ocala, FL Calluna Spa at The Equestrian Hotel has introduced its fall menu, designed to help guests reset and settle into the season. Located at World Equestrian Center Ocala, the spas wellness experts created seasonal treatments with both the needs and pleasures of autumn in mind. Available through November 15, the fall menu pairs expert care with restorative ingredients and autumnalSource

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Ocean! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse RescueAdoptable Horse: Ocean, a 27-year-old, 14.2hh American Quarter Horse mareOrganization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.Get to Know Adoptable Horse OceanMeet Ocean! At 27 years old, this beautiful buckskin mare is ready to spend her golden years as the perfect companion horse. Ocean is a large pony with a sweet presence and funny personality, making her a wonderful addition to any farm.While she may be retired from riding, Ocean still enjoys staying active. A few days each week, she participates in basic groundwork with a volunteer trainer to keep her body moving and her mind engaged. She enjoys having a little job and spending extra time with people.Ocean would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a kind, easy horse to love, groom, and enjoy. Could Ocean be the perfect addition to your herd?Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Ocean!Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Ocean appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

If youre in the market for a new truck for towing, you may have considered going electric. Can electric trucks really replace gas-powered trucks when it comes to hauling?We place impressive demands on our farm and towing vehicles, and we expect them to work as hard as we do. We fill up the truck bed with bags of feed, move hay, drive out to the pasture with a load of fence posts, andprobably dearest to the equestrians heartwe haul horse trailers.For many decades, the only option for this type of work were the traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles that we all grew up with. And these trucks are still in high demand today for towing horse trailers and performing general farm work.But theres a new option available as well: fully electric, battery-powered trucks, which are rapidly gaining popularity. Can they perform the same tasks? And can they haul our horse trailers with the same ability as a traditional truck?The Ford F-150 Lightning (Platinum edition shown) is the EV sibling to Americas bestselling vehicle.Important Differences Between Electric Trucks and Traditional TrucksAt first glance, an electric truck looks pretty similar to a traditional truck; youd be hard pressed to identify one on sight. (Except perhaps the Tesla Cybertruck, which was intentionally designed with a unique appearance.)Theres no mistaking a Tesla Cybertruck on the road, but these trucks are also powerful towing vehicles.Standard options youd find in a modern gasoline or diesel vehicle will still be present in the electric version, though the interiors and dashboard look undoubtedly modern. The major difference is that electric trucks are powered by battery-driven electric motors, rather than fuel-powered internal combustion engines. There are some definite advantages to this design, as well as some negative trade-offs.Provided its equipped with the right towing package, your EV truck shouldnt have any trouble pulling a loaded horse trailer. But as with any towing situation, there are some caveats to watch out for.Youll need to estimate your trailers loaded weight: the gross trailer weight (GTW), and make sure that your electric truck has the towing package required for that load. Also, gooseneck hitches arent typically installed at the factory, so if you pull a gooseneck horse trailer, youll need to install one of these after purchaseand not every model will be capable of gooseneck pulling.Quiet and Clean(ish)Electric motors work by combining electrical current with magnets to produce movement. As a result, electric trucks are silent when idling.They also produce no exhaust; youll often see this advertised as no tailpipe emissions. While its nice to not have the smell of exhaust as you work around your truck, the electricity used to recharge your trucks battery likely came entirely or in part from fossils fuels, so these vehicles may not be as environmentally clean as you first imagine. Wind and solar options are gaining ground in the U.S., but currently the majority of our electricityincluding whats powering your EVcomes from coal, natural gas, or nuclear sources. There are emissions somewhere, just not coming out of your truck. However, with an increase in home solar panels, you may be able to charge up cleaner if you have these on your rooftop.The Rivian R1T is from a new automaker but has quickly gained popularity across the U.S.Instant Torque Have you ever noticed how your traditional truck has to rev up some RPMs before it begins to actually move a heavy trailer? Electric trucks have very strong and almost instant torqueso they instantly transfer power from the motor to the wheels.This can be especially handy in heavy traffic, or when accelerating up an on-ramp. Electric trucks are quite effective at quickly getting your heavy rig up to highway speed.And if youve ever tried to delicately back a heavy trailer into a precise location with a traditional vehicle, you know that feeling of having to press the accelerator quite hard to achieve the necessary RPMs to moveand then the truck and trailer move too quickly! Electric trucks with strong, fast torque can make this task a bit easier, too.The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is the electric successor to the popular pickup brand.Towing Range of Electric TrucksNow for range. This is an aspect of electric vehicles that often worries potential buyers. Its a rather inconvenient aspect of physics that towing a trailer significantly reduces the range of a vehicle; this is true for traditional trucks as well. In generaland there are a huge number of variables that can change this numberyou can expect your EV trucks range-per-charge to be cut roughly in half when towing, and possibly more, to maybe 30 or 40 percent of normal range. The weight of the trailer obviously affects this number greatly, but so does the height of the trailer (which creates wind resistance), along with the air temperature (batteries dont last as long in the cold).The Chevy Silverado EV means Chevy fans can go electric, too.Also, if youre heavily running the heat or A/C, you can expect to take a small hit on range because the batteries are pulling double duty by driving the truck and keeping the passengers comfy.Range can be further affected by variables like the age and health of the battery, and especially by how fast you are traveling: interstate speeds of 75 mph drain the battery far faster than highway speeds of 55 mph.One nice feature is that some electric trucks remember detailed data about your last trip with the trailer, and over time can create a custom profile for your rig, providing a better estimate of range each time you get behind the wheel. Some trucks constantly update their estimated range on the dashboard as they tow, compensating for the weight of the vehicle. These numbers can help give you confidence during your next trip, and aid in planning charging stops.By the way, payloads in the bed of your electric truck dont affect range much at all. So you can load up your feed bags, bedding, fence posts, tack, and put your electric truck to use as a farm vehicle without the range anxiety.Is It Right for You?Can an electric truck tow your horse trailer? Absolutely. If you dont exceed their maximum towing capacity or recommended tongue weight, each of the trucks on our list (below) has the strength and horsepower to pull a horse trailer at full highway speed.And with the excellent torque abilities of electric motors, some aspects of towing may be even easier. However, range remains a major issue, especially when towing through rural areas where fast-charging stations are further apart. Electric trucks have a shorter range-per-charge than an equivalent gasoline or diesel truck does on a full tank of gas. And when theyre pulling a heavy load like your horse trailer, this range drops significantly, placing towing ranges typically down under 200 miles and even far less.Furthermore, charging a battery to maximumwhich you will need to do more often on a long triptakes significantly longer than filling up a gas tank. Not all charging stations offer pull-through parking, so this can mean finding a place to unhook your horse trailer safely and then backing the vehicle into a fast-charging stationsometimes for as long as an hour.When youre not on a long trip, you can do slower charging at home. (Shown: The GMC Sierra EV)This can present a real challenge for horse owners, especially during hot summer months when many events take place. Indeed, it may be impractical to use an electric truck for horse transport on a long trip.But for short trips, say of 50 miles one way, electric trucks can do the job with less inconvenience, making the round trip with range to spare in the tank (er, battery). If youre traveling to a local barn or show, a nearby trailhead for a ride, or perhaps to a local equine veterinarian, you wont need to stop to charge.In these examples, an electric truck could provide an experience equal to or better than a traditional gas-powered truck. Think of electric trucks and traditional trucks as two different tools with different strengths and weaknesses, and then decide on the right tool for the task. This article about hauling with electric trucks appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Can Electric Trucks Haul Horse Trailers? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Mark training is a form of liberty training. In regular liberty training, a horse is trained to be drawn to the handler, but in mark training, the horse is sent to a mark. A mark is any object that you train your horse to go to. We typically use a thick piece of wood that is a couple feet long and a couple feet wide. You can also use a mat, a pedestal, et cetera.Photo by Bronwyn IrwinWhat is Mark Training?Mark training has often been used in the film and television industry. For example, say a horse was being filmed and needed to run into a scene and then stop at a particular spot in an open field. The trainer cant be standing near the horse, so he must be taught to go to a mark. The trainer puts the mark down, practices calling the horse to it, and then sends him to it again with the cameras rolling. However, even if you have no practical need to send your horse to a mark, its a cool skill and quite fun to teach to horses.The main concept is that youre going to work your horse away from the mark and then rest him on the mark. This builds the horses desire to be on the mark because he will look at it as a place of rest and comfort.When I say on the mark, I mean the horses front feet are both on the mark. For the purposes of this article, well assume youre using a piece of wood.Getting Started with Mark Training Your HorseFirst, you need the horse to be comfortable standing on the mark. Begin by walking the horse onto the wood and then petting him. You might have to lift up a foot to help position him on the mark the first few times that you do this.Now back the horse off the mark, walk him around for a minute, and then lead him back onto the mark and pet him again. Repeat this several times.Remember to back the horse off the mark instead of leading him forward and over it when its time to leave. This is because eventually youre going to send the horse to the mark at a fast speed, and you never want him to cross over the mark or he might overshoot it as speed is added.Adding CuesNow that the horse is comfortable standing on the piece of wood, you then want him to begin going to it on cue. Start by standing about 6 feet it front of the horse and position the mark halfway between you and him.Position the mark roughly halfway between you and the horse and then practice calling him onto the mark. A whip can be used to help guide him. Photo by Bronwyn IrwinThe horse should be outfitted with a halter and lead rope. Its also a good idea to hold a training stick or a buggy whip.Now say the word mark, and pull on the lead rope to call the horse forward and onto the mark. You can also use the whip to help guide him where you want him to go. The horse will probably fumble around the first few times, but use a lot of patience and help the horse onto the mark. Be sure to pet and reward him once he completes the task.Its a good idea to do this drill standing beside an arena wall or fence, because the fence will help keep the horse straight, and it wont be easy for him to just wander around the mark. You can gradually begin to call the horse to the mark from a farther distance.Increasing EffortOnce the horse it starting to go to the mark on command, you now want to create more desire in him and have him put more effort into the training.To do this, position the mark in the middle of the arena. Stand on the mark yourself and begin to longe the horse around you. Assuming your horse is circling to the left, have him go around you a couple times, then call mark, and at the same time swing your whip under the lead rope to the left to cut the horse off.Next, back up and draw the horse onto the mark. You will likely have to help him onto the mark with the lead rope the first few times you do this exercise, but gradually try to guide the horse to the piece of wood using the whip.Keep in mind that you are going to eventually do this with no halter or lead rope, so you need to work toward not relying on those tools. The reason for longeing the horse around you and then onto the mark is that it shows the horse that being away from the mark is work, while the mark itself is the resting place.As the horse improves in his training, you can then work toward sending him to the mark. Instead of you being near the mark, youre going to be somewhere else, and its the horses job to go to the mark on his own without you guiding him there.Once the horse can be called to the mark, you can work on sending him to the mark from a distance. Begin by longeing him around you and then send him to the mark. Photo by Bronwyn IrwinGaining IndependenceStart by positioning the mark beside a wall or fence. Longe the horse slowly around you and onto the mark. Be sure to give the voice cue mark right as he nears the mark. You want him to walk onto the mark and stop.You can block him a little bit with the whip to encourage him to stop. Positioning the mark in an arena corner can also help prevent the horse from overshooting the object.Go very slow with this part, but as the horse starts to go to the mark on his own, you can then send him from greater distances and at faster speeds. When everything is working well, you will take off the halter and lead rope and do this at liberty.Photo by Bronwyn IrwinRemember to use a lot of patience with this training. Make sure the horse views the mark as a very happy place to be, and dont work too long during any one session because you want to make this fun for the horse as well as for you. Good luck to you and your horse!Check out www.thehorsetrainers.com for more training tips from Jason and Bronwyn Irwin.This article about mark training your horse appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Try Mark Training with Your Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Sleep is often an overlooked element in the life of an equestrian, overshadowed by early morning barn chores and multi-day competitions. Most days are filled balancing training schedules with your other daily responsibilities. But sleep is the cornerstone of recovery and performance, and has a major effect on injury prevention for all riders, whether youre navigating the intricacies of dressage, mastering the sliding stop, or spending long hours on the trail. Lets explore the science of the importance of quality sleep for riders and how it directly impacts your performance, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.Photo by Jamie Isaacs PhotographyWhy Prioritize Sleep?Sleep is essential for peak athletic performance, especially for equestrians. Its not just about feeling restedits about riding effectively, minimizing injury risk, and supporting your bodys recovery and adaptation after long days at the barn.Studies show that athletes across various sports who prioritize sleep experience improved reaction times, decision-making, and adaptability. These factors are specifically critical for riders. Whether its calculating the proper distance to a jump, responding to your horses random spook, or staying balanced during a reining spin, both mental sharpness and physical stamina rely on more rest.Did you know that sleep inconsistency, irregular bedtimes, or insufficient sleep disrupts your bodys hormonal balance? The consequences include reduced muscle recovery, weakened bones, and elevated stress levels, which is a recipe for burnout and injury.Sleep & Hormones Without adequate sleep, cortisol levelsthe bodys primary stress hormoneincrease, while testosterone and HGH levels decrease. This imbalance has been shown to slow recovery, reduce the ability to focus, and increase the susceptibility to injury.Elevated cortisol levels are associated with unexplainable weight gain, muscular weakness, and higher blood pressure. These will of course have an effect on your riding performance.One major aspect of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep contributes to testosterone levels. REM sleep is the phase where vivid dreams can occur and the timeframe where the body produces most of its testosterone.Although you may think its only for men, this hormone plays a vital role in both men and women, enhancing strength and stamina for those long days and rigorous rides. It also supports bone density and regeneration, particularly important for middle-aged riders before and especially after falls or accidents.Growth hormone production happens during non-REM sleep. In the early stages of deep sleep, the body releases human growth hormone (HGH), essential for tissue repair and muscle recovery.For riders, HGH helps with repairing micro-damage from physical activities. This hormone is responsible for building and maintaining strength, critical for hoisting hay bales and maintaining good posture in the saddle. Its easy to forget that riding requires a lot of muscular activation for extended periods of time. These muscles need to have a chance to rest, recover and rebuild nightly.Fatigue & Reaction TimeEquestrians are no strangers to physical risks, from falls to overuse injuries. Sleep plays an important role in maintaining bone health by preventing unnecessary fatigue-related accidents. Sleep-deprived riders are at greater risk of falls due to slower reaction times and decreased coordination.Precise concentration is essential across all disciplines and can make or break your performance. Lack of sleep hampers memory, reaction time, and decision-making, leaving you less prepared for the inevitable unexpected scenario. Increased fatigue and reduced coordination lead to more miscommunications with your horse and higher injury risks.Immune SystemA strong immune system is vital for keeping your body healthy through long seasons of conditioning and training. Quality sleep also strengthens your bodys immune response, helping you recover faster when you do get sick.Practical Tips for Good Sleep Consistency: Aim to go to sleep or wake up at the same time every day. Consistency helps regulate your bodys internal clock. Screen Time: Avoid screens at least a half hour before bed to allow your mind and body to wind down and prepare for sleep. A Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your sleeping area dark, cool, and quiet if you can. Consider blackout curtains and white, pink, or brown noise machines to minimize disturbances. Power Naps: If a full nights sleep isnt possible, short naps during the day can provide a much-needed boost. All you need is 10-20 minutes. Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or restorative yoga can help reduce stress, preparing your mind and body for rest after another busy day. Hydration and Eating: Proper hydration and avoiding heavy meals later in the evening can improve sleep quality because your body isnt trying to process food while youre sleeping. Pay attention to caffeine intake and its effects on your body, especially later in the day.Sleep isnt just a luxury for equestrians; its a necessity. From maintaining physical and cognitive performance to safeguarding bone health, recognizing the importance of sleep and prioritizing your rest is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your riding journey. Quality sleep will enhance your safety and help you perform at your best, in and out of the saddle.Find more equestrian health tips from Ifa Simmonds at ifafit.com.This article about the importance of sleep appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Fit Rider: The Importance of Sleep appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ocala, FL Competition continued Wednesday at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) during The Championship Show 2026, running through September 20. Wednesdays schedule featured a strong lineup of competition across arenas, highlighted by the $15,000 Maturity Limited Horse Western Pleasure, $10,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Non-Pro & Intermediate Non-Pro Western Pleasure, $5,000 4 & 5-Year-Old Open TrailSource

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Pearl! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse RescueAdoptable Horse: Pearl, a 13-year-old, 14.0hh pinto mareOrganization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.Get to Know Adoptable Horse PearlSay hello to Pearl, a stunning 2013 pinto mare with those unforgettable blue eyes that are sure to turn heads wherever she goes! Shes completed Wild at Hearts groundwork training and is now stepping into her under-saddle journey.Pearl has the brains, attitude, and willingness to make her next chapter exactly what you dream of. If youre looking for a beautiful, smart, and eager mare to finish into your favorite disciplinewhether thats out on the trail or in the arenaPearl is ready to shine.Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Pearl!Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Pearl appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Read the full article about caring for horses with sensitive skin in Horse Illustrateds November/December 2026 issue! Below is some great content we couldnt fit in the print article, featuring information about summer skin sensitivities.Summer brings its own set of challenges for extremely sensitive-skinned horses, as insects, sweat, humidity, and even insect repellent products can trigger skin irritation.Photo by niku16/Adobe StockPrioritize Insect ControlHorses with insect allergies may develop equine eosinophilic collagenolytic granulomasround, firm, raised nodules that are often covered by normal-looking hair. Consistent insect management, including fly sheets, masks, boots, fans, and topical insect repellent products like fly spray, may help reduce reactions in susceptible horses.Whensensitiveskinned horses are bitten by insects, the resulting itching and inflammation can lead to rubbing, scratching or biting. This trauma weakens theskinbarrier, providing an entry point for bacteria and increasing the risk of secondaryskinproblems, including rain rot and staph infections.Choose Fly Spray CarefullyFor somesensitiveskinned horses, fly control presents a catch-22: Insect bites trigger irritation, but the fly spray used to prevent them may also cause a reaction. Certain horses may besensitiveto the active ingredients or carriers used in a particular formula, including the ingredients that distinguish water-based from oil-based fly sprays.Water-based fly sprays are typically lighter, dry more quickly, and leave less residue, making them a useful option for horses that haveskinreactions to oil-based products.Oil-based formulas often last longer and resist sweat or light rain, but they can leave an oily buildup that traps dirt and sweat against the coat, which can lead to secondaryskinconditions or allergic reactivity.Regardless of the formula, patch-test every new fly spray on a small area for 24 to 48 hours before applying it all over the horse. This can prevent a localized sensitivity from becoming a widespread reaction.Stop using any product that causes redness, swelling, hives, itching, or hair loss, secondary infections, and hose the horsesskindown immediately if they do react. Because frequently rotating products can makeskintriggers difficult to identify, introduce only one new product at a time.Sweat, Humidity and SummerSkinFlare-UpsSummer heat, humidity and frequent insect exposure can keep asensitivehorsesskindamp and irritated for hours.After riding or turnout, remove sweat and dirt from high-friction areas such as beneath the saddle, girth, mane and between the hind legs. Hose off, bathe, or wipe the coat as needed, then allow it to dry completely before applying fly sheets, fly boots, etc.Check theskinregularly for early crusting, scabs, itching, swelling, or hair loss in the summer, especially during very hot and humid weather. Persistent moisture from humidity, insect bites, and rubbing can weaken theskinbarrier and contribute to rain rot or secondary bacterial infections.Clean grooming tools, tack, and saddle pads regularly to prevent sweat, dirt, product residue, and infectious organisms from building up and further irritatingsensitiveskin.The post Summer Survival Guide for Horses with Extremely Sensitive Skin appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.