April’s unpredictable weather means roughing off your hunter horse for summer requires patience and care. This guide will help you safely transition your horse over 2 to 3 weeks, ensuring they stay healthy and comfortable as they move to summer pasture life.
The ideal day for turnout is warm, clear, and frost-free. April can bring fluctuating temperatures, so aim for stable weather or consider waiting until May when conditions are typically more reliable. Remember, excessive heat and flies can stress your horse, especially if the pasture quality isn’t yet ideal. A field with high hedges or a shelter adds valuable protection.
Begin turnout with just one or two hours outside each day, gradually extending this until your horse enjoys full summer turnout. If your horse has been stabled all winter, try starting in a smaller paddock to prevent high-energy galloping that might cause injury or pasture damage.
Each horse is unique. For example, an English Thoroughbred has different requirements than a hardier native breed. Evaluate your horse’s current coat condition and clipping type—whether they have a full hunter clip, half-clip, or were left unclipped. This assessment guides how quickly you can remove rugs and reduce stabling.
As turnout time increases and work decreases, gradually reduce hard concentrates to avoid digestive upset. Swap towards more hay and pasture grazing, which better suit a summer lifestyle. Increasing forage helps minimise colic risk and supports a healthy digestive system during the change in diet.
Avoid over-grooming to preserve natural oils in your horse’s coat and skin, which protect against weather and insects. However, regularly check under rugs to ensure no mud or debris has built up, as this can irritate the skin.
Reduce exercise gradually; by the time you turn your horse out for summer, they should only be walked for roughly thirty minutes a day. Resist the temptation to bring them back inside once turned out unless the weather severely requires it for their health and safety.