No Products in the Cart
Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 06/03/2025
Whether you have a horse who is prone to sunburn or not, the sun can affect more horses than you would think. Some more than others, horses can develop sensitivities at any point. Understanding exactly how to tell if your horse is experiencing sensitivity or damage from the sun, how to treat sunburn and how to prevent sunburn in horses is important for all horse owners to become aware of. Here is everything you need to know (and then some) about the dangers of sunburn when it comes to horses.
Just like with humans, some horses are more prone to sunburn than others. Just as humans with more fair skin tend to experience sunburn more easily, the same goes with horses who have nonpigmented or pink skin. [1] Typically white horses or horses with thin hair are more readily exposed to the dangers of sunburn. If you are not sure if your horse is prone a great way to tell is by taking a look to see if any of their skin appears pink after washing them.
Around the eyes and nose tend to have the thinnest hair therefore making it the most common area for sunburn to occur although it can occur just about anywhere on the body that is exposed. [1] [3] Breeds that are most commonly known to have nonpigmented skin and are more prone to sunburn include Appaloosas, Paints and Pintos although any breed of horse can present pale areas of skin. [1]
Signs of sunburn can differentiate in physical appearance and severity. Some common signs of sunburn in horses include the changing of color in skin to deep pink or red. Peeling, blistering and scabbing are also common and can range in appearance. In some cases the sunburn will not be so noticeable to the eye, but can still be under the hair or skin if a horse becomes more sensitive to the touch in some areas and especially if they become suddenly head shy. [2]
The muzzle and around the eyes are the most common and can cause the most damage. If you are unsure if your horse may be prone in these areas, asking for a second opinion or consulting with your veterinarian is the best idea in avoiding any unwanted negative circumstances.
The overexposure of ultraviolet or UV light can not only result in sunburn, but also photosensitization. While they can appear the same, sunburn is most commonly seen around the eyes, on the muzzle or head whereas photosensitization appears elsewhere on the body. Sunburn is a direct effect of overexposure of the sun while photosensitization occurs when a horse ingests a plant that contains a photodynamic agent. [2] [3]
This can cause adverse effects on white horses or with horses with nonpigmented skin in two different ways. The first way is when the photodynamic agent enters the bloodstream can develop an adverse reaction to UV light once it comes in contact with the vessels of the skin. [2] The second way is if a hepatotoxic plant is ingested and contains phylloerythrin it can cause direct damage to the liver. The most common signs of photosensitization can appear similarly to sunburn, but in more serious cases lesions can occur. [2] If you suspect your horse may be experiencing photosensitization it is recommended to contact your veterinarian immediately.
The best and most simple way to keep a horse who is sensitive to the sun is to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. This can mean providing them with night turnout only or using coverage such as a fly mask, fly sheet or high quality equine sunscreen. If you are unsure about which products may be right for your horse consult with your veterinarian as they may have more advanced, medical grade options.
If your horse already has damage from the sun and is experiencing pain, sensitivity or exposure of the skin avoiding infection is always the main concern. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a high strength antibiotic and softening cream to keep the area calm, protected and fighting infection. [2]
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ's.
Jessica is a brand consultant who brings awareness and intention to equestrian and pet platforms. As a former collegiate equestrian athlete and animal lover, Jessica leads with passion and experience through her writing and brand work for companies who advocate for creating a difference in their space. When she's not riding her horse or walking her dog (with iced coffee in hand), you can find her sharing her love for health and wellness with others and integrating these practices in her everyday work.
