Sunburn & Photosensitivity: Too Much of a Good Thing

Just as humans can be burned by the suns ultraviolet rays light coloured horses may suffer from sunburn. Even horses with dark coats can be vulnerable to sunburn if they have white markings on their faces or legs.
Sunburn is seen most often in spring and early summer when longer periods of sunlight coincide with shedding of winter hair. Skin around the eyes top of the tail muzzle and ear tips may become reddened and may swell blister or peel in severe cases.
Help your horse avoid sunburn by following these precautions

Keep horses stalled during the hours of most intense sun and avoid turning horses out without access to shade.
Use a childsafe human sunblock preparation on areas that are likely to burn. Be careful not to get sunblocking products in the horses eyes. Apply to a small area first to check for skin reactions before applying to a large area of the horses skin.
Reapply sunblock regularly. Horses that are grazing may need frequent applications because creams will be wiped off on tall grass. Some products come in a range of bright colors which will make it easier to see when its time to put on more cream. A number of shampoos fly sprays and coat conditioning products include a sunblock but may not contain enough screening to be effective. Check labels for sun protection factor SPF claims. The higher the SPF number the better the protection.
Look for a fly mask with extensions that cover the ears and most of the muzzle. For lightskinned horses with thin coats consider turning out in a light cotton sheet or summer fly sheet that offers UV protection.
Danger in the Grass
Common pasture plants may trigger sunlight hypersensitivity in horses making them much more likely to develop serious skin damage after sun exposure.
Primary sensitization occurs when sunlight reacts