Sun Protection for Horses: UV and Preventing Sunburn

Protecting your horse against the sun is vital in the summer months. Like humans, horses can get sunburnt and develop other skin issues as a result of UV rays. We’ll be discussing what UV is, how it affects horses, and what you can do to protect your horse.

What is UV and How Does it Affect Horses?

UV stands for ultraviolet and UV radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun. UV is the best natural source of vitamin D but too much UV exposure can cause problems like sunburn.

While you can feel the heat from the sun and see its light, UV rays are not detectable to us. This is why it’s important to take precautions and protect your horse against UV as you will only notice the effects once the damage has been done. There are three main ways UV specifically affects horses:

Coat Bleaching

In the summer months, it’s common to see black horses with patches of light brown on their coat. This color change is a result of too much sun exposure and is noticeable on darker horses, such as bays, blacks, and even chestnuts. Dark manes and tails can also be bleached, giving them a red tinge at the ends.

The color of your horse’s coat comes from a pigment called melanin. UV damages the melanin which gives the coat a lighter appearance. The hair will stay this color until the new coat comes in.

How bleached the coat becomes depends on your horse’s genetics. Diet also plays a secondary role as deficiencies in minerals, such as zinc and copper, have been linked to sun bleaching. Zinc and copper help with melanin production which protects against UV.

Sunburn

Just like our skin can be burnt by the sun so can your horse’s. Despite being covered by hair, the sun’s rays can still penetrate this and reach the skin.

Pigmentation in the hair and skin provides some protection against UV light. So, horses with little or no pigmentation, such as greys, palominos, duns, or cremellos, are more prone to sunburn. Any areas with white hair or pink skin will be sensitive to sunlight. White face markings and legs can also be affected – your horse’s heels in particular can be easily burnt as there is little hair coverage.

Sunburn can be painful and it damages the skin which may lead to secondary infections spread by flies or insects.

Photosensitization

Photosensitivity, a light sensitivity issue, can resemble sunburn but it is caused internally. Certain grass, feeds, and medication release photodynamic compounds inside the horse which then react with UV light. This is known as primary photosensitization and leads to blistered, itchy, flaky skin that can become infected.

Secondary photosensitization is a result of liver damage. Certain plants, such as some types of clover and buttercups, can damage the liver. The damaged liver is then unable to remove the photodynamic compounds which also react with UV light.

Typically, areas where there is no hair, like the muzzle and eyelids, are affected. Grey horses, those with a lot of chrome, or pintos with large sections of white coat can also be more prone to photosensitization.

How Can I Protect my Horse from UV?

There are several ways to protect your horse against UV rays. A combination of good management through the summer months and physical barriers to block UV will help to minimize the risks.

Apply Sunscreen

Use sunscreen on areas with light or pink skin, such as the muzzle or heels. There are equine-specific sunscreens or you can use a human sunscreen designed for sensitive skin. Remember that it needs to be regularly reapplied for it to be effective and high-SPF sunscreen offers the most protection.

Summer Horse Accessories

Applying sunscreen to your horse’s whole body isn’t practical so summer and fly sheets are an excellent way to protect your horse against UV rays. These will not only help to prevent sunburn, bleaching, and photosensitization but they also offer protection against flies.

Not all sheets offer the same amount of UV protection. The UV rating will depend on the outer fabric; a closer weave will offer a higher level of protection. For ultimate coverage and protection, try the Amigo® Aussie All-Rounder which provides 100% UV protection. The lightweight fabric is also water-resistant with anti-bacterial qualities.

Another option is the Rambo® Natura Summer Sheet. With 95% UV protection this is an ideal choice for horses with skin issues or those sensitive to the sun. This sheet is also part of the new Eco Collection and is made from an eco-friendly hemp-cotton blend.

Summer and fly sheets are typically light in color. This may seem an impractical choice for horses but white is the best color to reflect sunlight to prevent overheating.

For complete protection, use a fly mask and boots with the sheet. The Rambo® Tech-Fit Fly Boots are designed to provide maximum coverage. The unique hybrid shape combines fabrics to offer advanced fly protection, as well as 90% UV protection. Regularly applying sunscreen to the legs can be tricky so the use of boots gives you peace of mind that the legs are safe from the sun.

To protect the delicate eye area from sunlight, use a fly mask. Look for one that covers both the ears and muzzle, like the Rambo® Plus Fly Mask, for maximum UV protection. In addition to being shielded from the sun’s rays, your horse will also be unbothered by irritating insects.

Summer Management for Your Horse

The best method to protect your horse against UV is to limit their sun exposure. This isn’t always possible so you’ll want to use sun protection products, like sheets and masks, when your horse is in the sun.

You might want to consider changing your horse’s turnout schedule so they are stabled during the day and out in the paddock once the sun has gone down. You can also monitor UV levels using a weather app. The UV index will give you an idea of how strong the sun’s rays are; the higher the number, the higher the risk of overexposure. UV levels usually peak around midday so ensure your horse is out of the sun or wearing protective products at this time.

If your horse is out in a paddock or pasture during the day, ensure there is adequate shelter. A purpose-built shelter or natural shelter from hedges and trees will offer a place to retreat out of the hot sun.

To reduce the risk of photosensitization, check the land in your paddock or pasture for plants that can cause photosensitivity. Some culprits of this include perennial rye, buckwheat, St. John’s wort, and alsike clover.

Consult an Expert

If your horse is photosensitive then consult a vet to create a treatment plan. If you suspect they may be suffering from secondary photosensitization, a blood sample can be taken to assess the liver function. It’s also a good idea to check with your vet if any medication your horse may be on could cause increased photosensitivity, such as tetracycline or thiazides.

An equine nutritionist can evaluate your horse’s diet to ensure they have a good balance of minerals for a healthy coat. This can help limit sun bleaching as well as give the coat a lovely shine.

Now that you understand what UV is and how to protect your horse against the sun, you can act to minimize the effects of overexposure. With good summer management and UV protection products you can prevent sunburn, bleaching, and photosensitization. Enjoy the warmer weather with your horse – just don’t forget to apply sunscreen on yourself too!

Another summer challenge for horse owners is protecting their horse from flies and insects. Click here to learn more about fly protection for horses by reading our Fly Sheets for Horses guide.