Barn Essentials for Summer in Northeastern US
Sweet summertime! Prime riding weather, long days, show preparation and…sweat, bugs, and baths. I have to admit that this summer in the Northeast has been challenging with multiple heatwaves and the worst flies I’ve ever seen. However, there are a variety of products that I swear by to help to make managing these conditions a lot more bearable. I love that I can get them all in one place at SmartPak and even place many of them on Autoship, so I never run out!
SWAT® Fly Repellent Ointment
The first “tried and true” product I can’t live without that’s been around for years is Swat. When a product really stands the test of time and is still most folks’ “go-to,” it really speaks for itself. I keep several jars of Swat around the barn and sheds and use it daily on chests, underbellies, sheaths, udders, legs, ears, and noses.
The flies are really trying to bite up my horses this year, but the barrier that Swat provides makes a noticeable difference and they’re not nearly as bothered. I also love that the product is safe to use around cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
I currently have a boarder with a wound on her ear that’s hard to keep protected from flies, and Swat really keeps them off. I also love that it’s a nice thick formula that doesn’t sweat or wash off easily, and it smells nice too! While I’ve used both the clear and original pink formulas, I tend to prefer the original formula so I can tell when I need to apply more. One application does tend to last several days though!
OutSmart® Fly Spray by SmartPak
Another super bug repellent that I absolutely love is OutSmart Fly Spray. Trust me, like most horse people I’ve tried all the sprays, but I’ve found that this one really works. With all natural ingredients, I feel safe inhaling the spray as I apply it to multiple horses a day.
I also love that peppermint is one of the main ingredients, since it’s been proven to repel insects in many studies, and you can literally watch the flies scatter and stay away when you use it. With its nice strong scent, it’s long-lasting and cost-effective.
Fun fact: I also use it around the outside of my home and on my patio to keep the mosquitos and flies away! I love that I don’t have to worry about being around chemicals that are found in so many other fly sprays.
Breathable Sun Shirts
I really despise being hot, sweaty, and sunburnt, and I was thrilled when sun shirts became a thing several years ago. However, with SO many on the market these days, it can feel like “trial and error” to test them out. I’ve found that many still feel heavy and non-moisture wicking despite their claims. Also, I like the long-sleeved version which can add to still feeling hot depending on the material.
The one that’s worked the best for me is the Piper SmartCore Long Sleeve ¼ Zip Sun Shirt. The SmartCore technology used in the fabric makes a noticeable difference against your skin, and really helps to make you feel cooler. I also love that the material is UPF 50 which is the highest available sun protection out there.
The mesh under the arms and the ¼ zip feature also gives extra airflow, and the four-way stretch material isn’t constricting. And honestly perhaps the best thing of all is that these come in some really fun colors and patterns, with other matchy gear available to compliment your look. This year I went with the super fun yet always classic gingham with the matching ear bonnet for my horse, Max!
Speaking of Max, he tends to go on a water strike when we go on trips, and that can be very concerning in the heat. While I’ve tried many things in the past, he’s pretty much snubbed it all and makes it clear that he would just prefer to wait until he gets home to drink from his familiar waterer.
Electrolytes to Encourage Healthy Hydration
When Gallagher’s Water came out, I thought it seemed like a really cool product, and one that Max may actually go for. I was right! He can’t resist the delicious frothy green consistency and yummy alfalfa flavor. I love how easy it is to bring with us on the road in convenient packets, and that it also contains electrolytes to help replenish what he’s sweated out.
When the temp and humidity rise, I also offer buckets of it to the whole herd at home to make sure they stay hydrated. It’s certainly a crowd favorite and I love watching them gulp down large buckets of the refreshing beverage. When one of my herd had a colic scare over the winter, this product was our saving grace in making sure he was drinking. I always make sure I have plenty on hand!
Continuing the electrolyte theme, my absolute “go-to” is SmartLytes Pellets. With this crazy hot summer, I’ve ordered it in bulk, and I feed it to my whole herd in their feed. With several picky eaters, I was worried that they would notice the new supplement, but they honestly seem to love the taste and eat it right up. It truly was a genius idea to create an electrolyte product in a pelleted form!
Powder tends to so easily slip right to the bottom of the grain unless you wet it, and it can be a pain to have to mix it up. I love that I can just put a scoop of SmartLytes Pellets right in with their grain and know that they got it all. They often go right to the waterer for a drink after eating, so I know it’s doing its job. Even though we have mostly fully retired guys, it’s so important to make sure they’re getting the hydration they need, and I really can’t recommend this product enough for all types of horses!
EcoLicious Squeaky Green & Clean Shampoo
With extra sweaty, dirty, ponies this year, everyone is getting baths on a regular basis, and I love that I can grab one shampoo that works for everyone. One of my boarders sent over the EcoLicious Squeaky Green & Clean Shampoo, and I haven’t used anything else since.
I’ve found over the years that while one shampoo might get the dirt out, it left their coats feeling dry…or while another might moisturize, I really didn’t care for the smell. This one does everything. I feel like I’m using a high-quality salon level “people” shampoo since it leaves their coats clean, moisturized, and smells heavenly!
I really love the fact that it’s made from earth friendly ingredients with 100% human grade products, so I know I’m not handling chemicals. Everyone seems to enjoy “tubby time” so much more now that we’ve found this great product.
SmartTherapy® ThermoBalance® Ceramic Mesh Brushing Boots
Last but not least, I want to highly recommend the SmartTherapy ThermoBalance Ceramic Mesh Brushing Boots. As the proud owner of an accident-prone OTTB (the aforementioned Max), who also suffers from joint discomfort, we typically ride in brushing boots.
I was so excited when SmartPak expanded the popular SmartTherapy line to more products, and they developed these mesh construction boots. Not only does he barely sweat at all under these, but I also feel great knowing that the ceramic particles in the lining help to activate blood flow and protect against oxidative stress.
The flexible strike pad keeps his legs free of nicks and scratches, and I know that he’s also getting benefits of the ThermoBalance technology during our workouts. These are also such a great price point for the quality, and other boots without all these features are much more! The fit and many benefits really help to make a difference for my boy.
Well, winter will be here before we know it, and we’ll be dreaming of these buggy, humid days, so I’m trying to appreciate all that comes with summer while it lasts. I’m grateful for these wonderful products to help keep me and my herd cooler and more comfortable during these hot days, as we enjoy our rides and our time together in the barn.