Breathe Easy This Summer

We are all pining for warm, sunny summer days, however with warmer weather comes higher pollen counts.

For horse owners, keeping an eye on the forecast for the pollen count is at the top of the agenda, and how we can help our equines be more comfortable too.

Particular Pollens

If you are susceptible to pollen allergies yourself, you may or may not know, that there are different variations of pollen and that the allergic reaction may not be to all of them.

For horses, this is also the case, you may notice, for example, your horse reacts more when hacking near a certain crop, or wood, or possibly only notice the irritations at certain times of the day.

An example of this, is that grass pollen releases from around 7.30am, whereas tree pollen is released in the afternoon, meaning the reactions at the beginning or the end of the day, are not linked to the same pollen!

Changing Your Routine

This can be a minefield to navigate when is best to ride for your horse, due to the amount of pollen releases during the day. This can be made easier if you are able to determine the peak of reaction, or if you are able to have specific testing through your vet (however this may not always accurate).

Pollen counts vary throughout the day and often it is thought evening time is best to keep our horses respiratory comfortable, however the cooler evening air can mean pollen drifts back to the ground, causing the count to rise later in the day. This teamed with the tree pollen in the afternoon, and grass pollen in the morning, it is advised that the lowest pollen levels are riding in the lovely morning sunshine, before 7am. A time which most horse riders are quite familiar with!

Supplementing for Pollen

Feeding a supplement can help to alleviate symptoms of pollen or aiding the horses respiratory system during the competition season.

Whilst supporting the respiratory system, supplements can also help to maintain mucus levels, keep chests clear and resist the effects of seasonal allergens.