Sun smart ponies

In Australia we’re blessed with stunning weather much of the year, across much of the country. The majority of us have learned how powerful the Aussie sun can be through lived experience - we’ve all done a sunburn oopsie, no? I certainly have and it can be incredibly painful, not to mention incredibly damaging in the longer term. Our horses are not exempt from the damage that can be caused by Australia's harsh UV rays. 

We’re often blessed with large properties in Australia, meaning many horses live outside 24/7, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they’re adequately protected from the elements - wind, rain and sun!

All horses are at risk of sun burn but those that require sun protection as a necessity are horses with pink skin; the most common areas being around the nose, eyes and ears.

As always prevention is best, so it is recommended that owners of horses with pink skin apply sun protection on sunny days before signs of sunburn are recognised. Sunburn in horses often appears as a red, inflamed area of pink skin that can be warm to the touch, scabbing is not uncommon either. If you see scabs appearing on pink skin, it’s best to assume it is sunburn and protect adequately.   

There are a few options for protecting horses with pink skin, it is recommended that one or more of these be employed, with the specific combination being individualised to your horses requirements. Common sun protection options: 

Access to shade throughout all daylight hours (necessary for all horses, despite skin colour)

Application of a sunscreen product specific for horses, such as Sun Dust

Use of a field safe UV mask

For horses with a lot of pink skin, summer rugging may be necessary

Dietary amendments to reduce photosensitivity (more on this to come)

It is important to also be selective about any sun protection products used on horses, something without harsh chemicals and specific to horses is a must! Look for products that block both UVA and UVB rays, as both types of UV rays can cause sunburn and significantly damage sensitive skin. Natural zinc based products are the most common, they are gentle, soothing and highly effective but block out UVA rays only. The ideal product will be natural, easy to apply, contain minerals known to block both UVA/UVB rays as well as support for soothing sensitive or already sun damaged skin.