August can be one of the most rewarding months to own and care for a horse — long days, warm evenings, and (hopefully) plenty of time in the saddle. But with the benefits of summer come some important yard jobs that will keep your horse comfortable, healthy, and ready for the season ahead.

Here’s a run-down of essential August tasks for both horse and yard, including fly control tips, worming reminders, tack room tidies including personalised bridle racks and sorting your grooming kit.

1. Water, Shade & Heat Management

In August, hydration is non-negotiable. Horses can drink up to twice as much in hot weather, and stagnant trough water can quickly grow algae.

• Check & refill water twice daily
• Scrub troughs and buckets weekly to prevent slime and to keep midges under control.
• Ensure shady areas in paddocks and turnout fields are accessible during the hottest part of the day

2. Worming in Late Summer

August is an ideal time to review your worming programme. Rather than worming on autopilot, base treatments on faecal egg counts (FECs). I use Westgate Labs, which makes life so easy. But remember to make a note of when you have wormed and with what product you used.

• Carry out an FEC test to check worm burden
  
• Only worm if counts are high or your vet recommends it.
  
• Remember: Tapeworm saliva tests can be done in late summer or autumn
  This targeted approach helps prevent resistance and protects your horse’s gut health.

3. Fly & Midge Control

Flies and midges are at their peak in August — irritating for your horse and potentially leading to issues like sweet itch.
Here’s a layered defence plan 

• Fly masks and sheets for physical protection – remember to wash your fly masks and rugs often, as a dirty rug or mask will attract more flies. I use a Snuggy Hoods for Po as she has problems with midges. and Lilly has a premier Equine sweet itch buster rug as its 100% UV.
• Fly repellents and creams (reapply as per instructions) – I opt for a Switch pour on lotion. Which you apply approx once a week.
• Check Pond or standing water to stop midge larvae from thriving
• Stable fans or fly traps to deter insects in enclosed spaces
• Muck removal at least once daily to cut down on breeding grounds
  
  

4. Pasture & Fence Maintenance

Grass growth slows in late summer, so manage grazing to prevent overgrazing:

• Rotate paddocks to allow recovery
• Top rough patches to encourage even growth and control weeds
• Check for poisonous plants (ragwort, buttercups, foxglove) and remove them before they set seed.
• Walk your fence line to spot and repair loose posts or wires, or vegetation that is touching your electric fencing.
• Check for rabbit holes and fill as appropriate if they pose danger to your horses.
  

5. Hoof Care in Dry Weather

Dry, hard ground can lead to cracks or bruising in hooves.

• Be careful doing hard fast work on hard ground this can cause bruised soles and sore feet. Not to mention the strain on joints.
• Pick out hooves daily
• Apply a hoof moisturiser if they’re dry or brittle
• Watch out for fly strike – especially if we have some rain. Rain and heat can equal maggots in the feet. (or if really unlucky in those really sensitive boy places too!)
• Keep farrier visits on schedule — regular trims help prevent chips

6. Grooming Kits & Exercising in the Heat

• August riding can be glorious, but heat management is key:
  • Ride early morning or later in the evening
  • Sponge or hose down your horse after exercise to remove sweat
  • Check for rubs under tack and fly gear
  • Remember to apply sun cream to your horse is they have pink parts that get sunburnt.  I use Filterbac by Aniwell. (its amazing stuff and I totally agree its like a second skin.)
• Make sure your grooming kit is in good order, clean your brushes and give your grooming kit a good tidy too. If your brushes are not in great shape think about replacing them. A good strong tack box will help you to keep everything neat and tidy. I sell grooming kit boxes on their own or as part of a set with the brushes included. These can be personalised so you will not get it confused with others down the yard.

You can shop for them HERE

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7. Tack Room Tidy & Add a Personalised Bridle Rack

A tidy tack room isn’t just satisfying — it’s practical. I love it when I can have a really good sort out, and while the weather is dry and warm, this is the best time to get everything out and plan your tidy. 

• Repair, clean and reproof your winter turnout rugs. Get rid of anything that is no longer used or perhaps is no longer waterproof.
• Any rugs that you don’t use but are still in good condition, clean and waterproof, you can donate to Redwings horse sanctuary.
• If you have tack that you no longer require you can donate it to Redwings too. Their residents at the Sanctuary can use it or they can sell it at the visitor centre tack sales or via their eBay shop to raise vital funds for their horses. It just needs to be clean and in a usable condition bagged or boxed you can email them at preloved@redwings.co.uk.
• Deep clean tack and condition leather to prevent heat damage, have a good sort through again get rid, sell or donate anything that is no longer in use.
• Get a system – label draws boxes or trays that you store your equipment in. So you can get your hands on the right item quickly.
• Wash saddle pads and keep them stored nicely, remember to allow them to dry after a sweaty ride.
• Sweep the floor and dust shelves to deter rodents, remove all the cobwebs and if possible get your paint brushes out to give your tack store a real freshen up.
• Upgrade your bridle rack to a personalised wooden bridle rack to really make your tack room smart and organised. So you will know who’s bridle is who’s. A personalised bridle racks are a great way to keep tack tidy, prevent mix-ups, and add a touch of character to your yard space. You can get yours here.

 

8. Plan Ahead for Autumn & Winter

• Review your hay supply — order now before prices rise in winter
• Check that field shelters and stables are in good repair before wetter weather
• reseeding bare patches in pasture before the autumn rains arrive.
• Think about gateways that get poached and a bog to walk through each day in winter, now is a good time to do some work on these to make a massive difference in the autumn and winter months. Putting hardcore down or pasture matts can make a world of difference and much better for your horses legs and feet. To help avoid things like mud fever.

9. Stable name plaques

• Think about adding a stable name plaque to the stable door.  It will really add character and gives your horse a home. My design your own service, allows you to chose the material, colour, brown or grey, font, design and you can even add bling.  You may want to add extra wording such as love by… or owned by to help out of a busy livery yard. Shop name plaques HERE.

9.The fun bit – plan ahead for competitions and events.

Our diaries get booked up so quickly and unfortunately so many events clash but planning ahead can really help so you don’t miss out. – search Facebook for your local event centres, join groups and if your not already in one search out your local riding club.  They are fantastic way to make more friends and they have training and events galore so you wont be bored.

If you fancy a few nights away with your horse then get planning. These get booked up so quickly so if you have missed out this summer, book in for next year. Beach ride, forest rides or camps mean you will have the best time and bonding experience with your horse. 

Search on the booking websites such as my riding life, equo etc. You may find venues that you haven’t been too that will be a good fit for you.

I hope this little list of jobs has helped you get your jobs into perspective and also inspired you for those tidies of your take room. You can shop for Personalised bridle racks HERE and Grooming Kits HERE and my whole Equestrian range HERE.

Enjoy the sun this August and most importantly have fun and enjoy your horse.

Lots of Love Liz, Lilly & Po