Summer Essentials for Your Pony
A Pony-Mad Teen’s Real-Life Picks for a Happy Summer at the Yard
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Hi everyone, and welcome back to the second post in our new Equestrian Life series! This week, we’re turning our attention from rider to pony with our Summer Essentials for Your Pony.
As always, this post is created in collaboration with my pony-mad teenage daughter, who has been riding since she was about six. These days, she spends most of her time down at the yard looking after her gorgeous new Connemara pony, competing regularly, and soaking up everything equestrian life has to offer. This little corner of the blog is her space to share the practical tips, tricks, and real-life knowledge she’s picked up along the way.
We hope this list is both fun and helpful, filled with real essentials that will keep your pony cool, comfortable, and happy during the warmer months. We’re delighted to be partnered with Amazon on this post, and have linked all of our favourite items that we’ve tried, tested, and used over the years. Our full affiliate link disclosure can be found at the top and bottom of this post.
Meet the Pony-Mad Teen Behind the List
Our resident pony expert is almost 14, has been riding since she was six or seven, and is currently preparing for her next competitions (more on that in next week’s Show Day Essentials post!). She’s at the yard every single day of the week, rain or shine, and knows firsthand what it takes to keep a pony happy and healthy all summer long.
“People think ponies only need extra care in winter, but summer brings its own challenges,” she says. “From flies and dehydration to dry hooves and sun-bleached coats, there’s plenty to manage.”
10 Summer Essentials for Your Pony
Here are the top 10 items our Pony-Mad Teen swears by when it comes to pony care during the summer months:
1. Hoof Conditioner
Think of it as a pony pedicure! Dry weather can lead to brittle, cracked hooves, so a good hoof conditioner helps keep them strong and moisturised.
🛍We’ve linked our tried-and-tested hoof conditioners below — these are our favourites for keeping hooves healthy, moisturised, and show-ready through dry spells.
- TRM Premium Black Hoof Conditioner – TRI Equestrian
- Natural Hoof Grease for Ponies – Decathalon
- Kevin Bacon’s Hoof Dressing – Amazon
2. Sponges
A good, sturdy sponge is essential for washing down a hot, sweaty pony after a summer ride. Big enough to soak up lots of water, tough enough not to fall apart.
🛍We’ve linked our go-to yard sponges below — simple, sturdy, and great for cooling down your pony quickly after a hot session.
- Ultramaxx Jumbo Sponge – TRI Equestrian
- Horse Riding Sponge – Decathalon
- Jumbo Sponge – Amazon
3. Sweat Scraper
Once you’ve washed your pony down, you’ll need a sweat scraper (a bit like a squeegee) to remove excess water and prevent overheating. Simple but very effective.
🛍We’ve linked a few of our favourite sweat scrapers below — durable, easy to use, and perfect for daily post-ride cool-downs.
- Roma Brights Sweat Scraper – TRI Equestrian
- Horse and Pony Sweat Scraper – Decathalon
- BusoTh Sweat Scraper – Amazon
4. Fly Rug / Fly Sheet
Keep flies and biting insects at bay with a fly rug, especially for ponies with sweet itch. Bonus: they also help prevent darker coats from bleaching in the sun.
🛍We’ve linked our top fly rugs below — lightweight, breathable, and ideal for field turnout on sunny days.
- Tempest Original Waterproof Fly Rug – TRI Equestrian
- Horse Riding Fly Sheet – Decathalon
- Turner Equestrian Waterproof Fly Rug – Amazon
5. Fly Mask
Protect your pony’s eyes, ears, and nose from constant fly irritation. A summer field essential!
🛍We’ve linked our favourite fly masks below — comfy, protective, and pony-approved.
- FlyGuard Pro Fine Mesh Fly Mask – TRI Equestrian
- Horse Riding Fly Mask – Decathalon
- Harrison Horward CareMaster Pro Fly Mask – Amazon
6. Fly Spray
Possibly the most important product on the list. Use a gentle, effective fly spray on your pony (and even lightly on your own gear) to keep bugs away during rides and turnout.
🛍We’ve linked our tried-and-tested fly sprays below — effective, long-lasting, and suitable for sensitive ponies.
- Botanica Fly Spray – TRI Equestrian
- Fouganza Insect Repellant Fly Spray – Decathalon
- NAF Off Citroneela Spray – Amazon
7. Cooling Gel
After a hard workout, a good cooling gel on your pony’s legs can soothe tendons and help prevent injury. Our teen rider swears by this after jumping or flatwork sessions.
🛍We’ve linked our favourite cooling gels below — fast-acting, refreshing, and perfect for after schooling or competition days.
- Lincoln Cool Gel – TRI Equestrian
- Natural Refreshing Tendon Gel – Decathalon
- NAF Ice Cool Gel – Amazon
8. Salt Lick
Ponies sweat a lot in summer — just like us! A salt lick helps replenish lost sodium and keep them hydrated. Some ponies love them, others not so much — we sometimes add loose salt to their feed too.
🛍We’ve linked a selection of reliable salt licks below — practical, affordable, and pony-stable approved.
- Himalayan Salt Lick – TRI Equestrian
- Pure Salt Lick – Decathalon
- NAF Himalayan Salt Lick – Amazon
9. Electrolytes
Especially important on show days or after hard work, electrolyte supplements keep ponies hydrated and balanced. Always follow dosage instructions and consult your vet if you’re unsure.
🛍 We’ve linked some of our go-to electrolyte supplements below — vet-recommended and competition-ready.
- Horse First Heavy Sweat – TRI Equestrian
- Liquid Electrolytes – Decathalon
- Top Spec Electrolytes – Amazon
10. Cooler Rug
Lightweight and breathable, cooler rugs are perfect for post-bath drying or summer travel. Fleece or mesh options both work well to absorb moisture and keep ponies comfy.
🛍We’ve linked our trusted cooler rugs below — versatile, lightweight, and brilliant for travel or drying off.
- Tempest Original Scrim Cooler Rug – TRI Equestrian
- Microfibre Drying Sheet – Decathalon
- StormX Mesh Cooler – Amazon
What’s Coming Next?
We hope this list has been helpful and maybe even a little bit fun! These are the products we rely on most during the summer months to keep our pony cool, healthy, and happy.
Stay tuned for next week’s post: Show Day Essentials for Pony and Rider — plus a real-life update from our Pony-Mad Teen’s competition this weekend. Spoiler: the nerves are already kicking in!
In the meantime, happy hacking, and thank you for supporting Our Little House in the Country. If you shop through one of our links, we might earn a tiny commission — at no extra cost to you — and it helps keep this little blog of ours going.
Until next week, enjoy the sunshine and give your pony an extra treat from us!
Our Little House in the Country
Hi, I’m Ciara — writer, homemaker, and the heart behind Our Little House in the Country. I share slow, seasonal living from our cozy corner of the Irish countryside, where life is a little messy, a little magical, and deeply real. Whether it’s a teen-friendly recipe, a lived-in home moment, or a reminder to let go of perfection, this space is about embracing the everyday and finding joy in what’s already here. Come in, kick off your shoes, and stay a while — the kettle’s always on.
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