• It’s hot and (in many states) humid. Take steps to make sure your horse is well hydrated. Generally, a horse needs at least one gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight—about 10 gallons a day for the average 1,000-pound horse. If your horse is exercising in hot, humid weather, he may need two to four times the minimum amount of water.
• Make sure your horse has access to plenty of fresh, clean water and free-choice trace-mineralized loose salt; get horses’ blood-selenium levels rechecked (repeat twice each year); put sheets on show horses if even temperatures fall below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mow pastures to control last-season weeds, or apply a dose of selective herbicide.
• Record fecal egg counts and deworm if you do so monthly.
• Check your records for immunizations and give EEE/WEE biannual booster in mosquito-ridden areas; PHF annual booster if endemic in your area (as your vet if you’re unsure).
• Schedule monthly farrier appointments.
