In order to reduce your horse’s risk of developing skin-related issues, it’s a good idea to invest in some sunscreen for your trusty steed. 

Below, we’ll dive into some of the best sunscreen options for your horse. We’ll also share how you can apply sunscreen to your horse properly to ensure that he’s safe while out in the sun. 

What Kinds of Horses Need Sunscreen?

Sunburn is most often associated with light-colored horses like grays, Appaloosas, Paints and pintos. Horses can experience sunburn just like us, with painful, inflamed skin that can peel and become painful to the touch. Most horses experience sunburn around the facial area. 

Note that darker horses may experience a faded or “bleached” coat from sun exposure, but this is typically a cosmetic issue more than anything else.

Best Sunscreen Options For Your Horse

Without further ado, here are some of our favorite sunscreen options for your horse that are designed to keep your steed safe while soaking up the sun. 

Equishield

This zinc oxide sunscreen is formulated by veterinarians and designed to keep your four-legged friend safe with it’s gentle, protective formula. The sunscreen also contains soothing aloe vera and citronella oil to help repel insects. This thick cream is easy to apply and comes in a large, 1-pound tub so that you won’t have to constantly pick up another product. Reviewers found that the formula was also helpful for healing minor sun blisters. The sunscreen is also mild enough to apply to your horse’s nose and facial regions. 

Equiderma Paste

This sunscreen paste from Equiderma has strong UV protection with its zinc oxide formula. Not only does this sunscreen keep your horse protected, but it can also heal existing burns or scratches. The topical paste is great for horses with sensitive skin and is water resistant so you can count on its efficacy even when it’s especially humid outside. 

Horse Sun Butter

If you’re seeking a smooth solution to protect your horse’s nose and other small areas, this horse sun balm is a great choice. The moisturizing butter contains shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, and other natural botanicals to soothe your horse’s skin. Plus, it contains zinc oxide so your horse will be protected from harmful UV rays. Riders found this product to be easy to apply with it’s smooth consistency. 

Zinc Oxide

For a simple solution that works well on sensitive skin, it’s worth considering pure zinc oxide. This ointment provides soothing relief to minor skin irritations whilst protecting your horse from harsh sun rays. It’s incredibly affordable for it’s 1-pound size, so it’s definitely a great pick if you have multiple horses to protect from the sun. The fragrance-free healing ointment is a great buy for all seasons.  

Livestock Sunscreen

If you’re looking to protect the entire barn, then it’s worth considering this powerful livestock sunscreen. The paste only has two ingredients, making it great for animals with sensitive skin. With UVA and UVB protection, your horses will stay properly protected with this paste. The sunscreen is fragrance-free and safe for most animals with it’s gentle yet effective formula. Plus, the non-greasy formula doesn’t attract dirt, so your horse will stay clean and protected all summer long. The sunscreen can be used once daily for all-day protection.  

How To Apply Sunscreen For Your Horse 

Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen stocked up for the summer season for your equine companion. When applying spray sunscreen to your horse, it may make sense to transfer the product to a cloth or your hands especially near the facial regions so that you don’t get it in your horse’s eyes or nose. 

Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. A thick layer helps ensure that your horse is properly protected while having fun in the sun. Don’t forget that frequent application of sunscreen often yields the best results-- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper reapplication time. 

Remember to limit your horses' time out in the sun during the hot season. Provide plenty of fresh water, shade, and ventilation so that your four-legged friend can cool off effectively after a ride. Also, be sure to diligently monitor the weather and the outside temperature to keep your horse safe. 

Overall, using sunscreen is a great way to ensure that your horse is safe out in the summer sun. Any of these options will serve as great sun protection for your trusty steed. Happy riding!