How to protect the horse from flies?

A mix of measures: fly sheet and mask, early or late pasture times, repellent spray, shade. One alone rarely suffices.

When to check the pasture in summer?

At least once a week. During heat, water daily. During growth (May-July), watch laminitis risk for sensitive horses.

How much water in summer?

30 to 50 liters per day, sometimes more. Check the trough every visit.

What does OPAn say about summer keeping?

Protection against extreme weather. In summer: shade on pasture or paddock, well-ventilated cool stable.

Guide

Horse in summer: heat, flies and pasture for the sharer

2 min read

In summer, horse care shifts. Hot midday hours, fly plague and fast-growing pastures need more attention. This guide shows what the sharer watches in Swiss summer, the riding thresholds and how to keep flies away.

Heat: ride or not

Swiss summers have become warmer (MeteoSwiss). For the sharer: adapt, don't force.

Up to 25 °C: Normal work unless humidity high.
25-28 °C: Move riding to cooler edges of the day, hydrate before and after.
28-30 °C: Markedly reduce. No gallop, no jumping. Walk and short trots possible.
Above 30 °C or heat alert: No riding. If at all, walk in the shade.
High humidity (>70 %): Reduce even at 25-28 °C.

Signs of overheating: dry mucous membrane, fast breathing at walk, dry skin despite sweat patterns, apathy. Stop immediately.

Flies, mosquitoes and gnats

Summer plague in Switzerland between June and September. Swiss Equestrian recommends multi-layer protection.

Fly sheet and mask at stable and pasture.
Repellent spray applied each visit, especially legs, belly, neck.
Time management. Flies most active 10-17 h. Early and late pasture cuts load.
Shade on pasture. Dense tree or shelter.
Clean water troughs. Stagnant water attracts insects. Daily cleaning.

Pasture management in summer

Swiss pastures have two faces: energetic grass May-July and dry short grass August-September.

Spring grazing adaptation. From stable to pasture gradually. 30 min start, then 1 h, then 2 h. Prevents laminitis and digestive issues.
June growth. Energetic grass, increased laminitis risk for sensitive horses (ponies, overweight, with history).
August dryness. When pasture thins, supplement with hay.
Pick up droppings once or twice weekly to reduce parasites.

FSVO reminds that pasture is a controlled feeding area, not a buffet.

Sunburn and light skin areas

Horses with pink nostrils (greys, white blazes) can get sunburn. In Swiss high-altitude summer, fast.

Horse sunscreen with high SPF on light skin areas.
Mask with nose cover for sensitive horses.
Shaded pasture time for the most affected.

Sore, scaly or red spots: inform owner and vet immediately.

Swiss summer rhythm for the sharer

Early morning (6-8 h): Ideal riding slot June-August.
Morning (8-11 h): Grooming, tack care, stable work.
Midday (11-16 h): Horse in box or shaded pasture.
Late afternoon (16-18 h): Paddock change, light groundwork.
Evening (18-20 h): Second possible riding slot.

For working sharers, the dual-window (early or late) is efficient in summer.

Frequently asked questions

Above what temperature should you not ride? From 28 to 30 °C, reduce markedly. Above 30 °C or heat alert, don't ride.

How to protect from flies? Sheet, mask, early/late pasture, spray, shade.

When to check the pasture? At least weekly. Water daily in heat.

How much water? 30-50 liters/day, more in heat.

OPAn for summer? Protection against extreme weather: shade and ventilated stable.

Sources

Track summer observations in HorseCompanion

Heat phases, insect issues and paddock changes are noted per horse. Start for free

Updated: June 2026