01/09/2026
Over the last few weeks, I have noticed a few common issues popping up during my appointments!
The changing weather and a lack of rain for 3 years! can take a big toll on our horses’ bodies, and their behavior usually tells us first.
�Here are 3 main things popping up on my radar right now:
• Ulcers and girthiness: With the grass drying up, many horses are spending more time on dry grazing or adjust to forage changes. As a result, I’m seeing more horses showing classic ulcer signs, like reacting when being tacked up, pulling faces during grooming, or general fussiness on the ground.
• Soreness from hard ground: The ground is like concrete in places right now! That lack of give can lead to concussion through the feet and legs, causing our horses to be sore footed, tight through their shoulders, or just generally uncomfortable in their movement.
• Lethargy and dehydration: The summer heat is real, and a lot of horses are feeling drained. Dehydration can leave them lacking energy, feeling stiff, and just not quite having their usual spark!
If your horse is feeling a bit off, you are definitely not alone! so many of us are facing the exact same challenges right now!
�How is your horse coping with the hard ground and heat at the moment?
