As temperatures rise and summer conditions set in, many horse owners begin to notice changes in their horse’s skin and coat. From sun bleaching and dryness to itching caused by flies and sweat, hot weather can put extra pressure on your horse’s skin health.

The good news? With the right management and targeted nutritional support, you can help your horse maintain a healthy, glossy coat all summer long.

During warmer months, your horse’s skin works overtime. It plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, protecting against UV rays, and defending against insects and environmental irritants. The skin is the horse’s largest organ and acts as a barrier against external stressors like bacteria, insects, and sunlight. Add sweating, dust, and increased exposure to flies, and it’s easy to see why skin issues can arise more frequently in summer. Common signs of seasonal skin stress to look out for include a dull or faded coat, dry, flaky skin, itching or rubbing, and sensitivity to bites.

While grooming and fly control are important, true skin health starts internally. Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining strong, resilient skin and a glossy coat. Ensuring your horse is getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they need to maintain good skin health is most important step when the temperatures heat up. There are different components of herbal skin supplements to look out for to make sure your horse is getting the most out of them. We would always recommend to include:

• Essential fatty acids - picking a supplement that contains omega oils is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and coat shine. For example, micronised linseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids known to support skin condition and promote a smooth, shiny coat.
• Supporting detox and circulation - in summer, horses may benefit from herbs that support internal cleansing and skin function. For example, cleavers is commonly used to support the lymphatic system, which plays a role in clearing toxins and thus maintaining healthy skin.
• Nutrients for coat growth and repair - skin and coat health relies on key nutrients, such as biotin, minerals, and vitamins. Biotin is essential for keratin production, the building block of hair, making it particularly important during coat changes or stress periods.
• Supporting immunity and resilience - a strong immune system helps the skin defend itself against environmental stressors. Herbs such as marigold, often included in skin blends, are traditionally used to support skin health and act as natural “blood tonics”.

Many herbs used in our supplements have specific benefits for skin and coat health:

• Marigold Flowers – known as the supreme skin herb and is used extensively throughout the world to support the skin and skin health.
• Garlic – really helpful as a fly repellent; once this is in your horse's system the slight smell of garlic secreting through the skin is enough to put off most biting insects.
• Seaweed – provides minerals essential for skin, including iodine, sulphur, zinc, and magnesium.
• Cleavers – supports lymphatic drainage and skin balance, as well as being rich in silica to help hair & coat health.

We offer these supplements both individually, or as a part of our herbal blends. Our Healthy Skin blend is packed with all these ingredients, as well as micronised linseed and burdock. Meanwhile, our popular Cleavers & Marigold blend uses these sister herbs that work together to maintain healthy skin and help manage reactions, promoting clearer skin.

Alongside supplementation, daily management makes a big difference:

• Regular grooming to remove sweat, dirt, and dead skin
• Consistent fly control to reduce irritation
• Access to shade to avoid sun damage
• Balanced diet with plenty of fibre and clean water

Supporting your horse’s skin and coat during hot weather is about comfort, health, and resilience. By combining good management with targeted herbal support, such as omega-rich blends, detoxifying herbs, and skin-supporting nutrient, you can help your horse stay comfortable and glowing throughout the summer months. Ultimately, a healthy coat isn’t just seen; it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside.