Dehydration can lead to a number of issues. Why is it important for owners to have fresh water constantly on offer and how can they encourage horses to drink?

Dehydration can lead to impaction colic due to the faeces becoming abnormally dry in the large intestine. Fresh water must be constantly available so that the horse is never thirsty and always has a steady flow through his intestine and kidneys. Sprinkling a handful of table salt onto the feed can encourage a horse to drink more. Electrolyte supplementation should also be considered if excessive sweating has occurred. Soaking hay and wetting feed can also help to increase the daily water intake.

Flies cause horses constant bother in the heat. What can owners do to deter the flies and how should they treat bites?

A good fly repellent is essential and should be applied on a daily basis. If bites are swollen and painful, cold hosing can help. If they are very itchy or become infected then veterinary attention may be required to supply anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medications.

How dangerous are allergies and what can owners do to reduce the chances of their horse being affected?

The common things that horses are allergic to can be divided into three groups. Skin allergens like flies, midges and mitres; respiratory allergens like airborne particles of dust and pollen; and ingested allergens found in certain forage and feedstuffs. Allergies in susceptible humans can cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction but this is extremely rare in horses. Keeping the horse away from the allergen or protecting them from it with barriers like rugs or fly screens in stables may help.

How can owners of laminitic horses reduce the risks of a flare up?

Strict adherence to a grass free and low calorie diet. Rule out underlying hormonal or endocrine causes like Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

What are the symptoms of sweet itch and how can owners keep on top of it?

Intense itching which results in rubbing of the roots of the mane and tail. This is due to a biting midge which only feeds at dawn and dusk so stabling at those times is advised as well as using fly rugs and a good insecticide.

Riding in the warmer weather or attending shows appeals to many, but how can owners keep their horses safe from the heat and aid post exercise recovery?

Horses should be kept in the shade if possible, for example under a tree or in a well ventilated trailer or lorry. If they get overheating competing then washing or hosing with cold water is advisable.

To compensate for losses from sweating, horses can be given an electrolyte supplement in water, feed or oral paste in a syringe.

What are the dangers of riding on hard ground and what can owners do to reduce the risk of impaction injuries?

Hard, compacted ground causes concussive stress and strain on bones, joints and ligaments. Owners should avoid it and instead ride on a specially prepared equestrian surface.

When and why should owners apply suncream to their horses?

Horses with areas of white hair coat colouring usually have pink or non-pigmented skin underneath. This is especially seen in horses who have white markings on their faces or white legs. These areas are prone to get sunburnt. Suncream should be applied to prevent it and also decrease the risk of skin cancer. In the area around the eyes where cream can’t be applied, then a UV filtering face mask should be used.

Aoife Byrne Dr.Med,Vet, MRCVS Cert AVP, qualified from Szent Istvan University Faculty of Veterinary Science in Budapest in 2007 and did an equine internship on the Curragh for 12 months before working for an equine ambulatory practice. She followed this with a stud season at the Beaufort Embryo Transfer Centre.

Aoife then worked at Rowe Equine & The Equine Eye Clinic for a few years before moving to Norfolk where she now works for Chapelfield Vets equine clinic. From a horsey family in Carlow, Aoife enjoys hunting side saddle in the winter and showing in the summer.