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Tried and tested sun creams for protecting your horse’s pink skin this summer


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  • If you’re looking for the best sun cream for horses, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not just humans who have to think about using sun protection during the summer months – horses with pink-skinned areas are particularly susceptible to sun damage, so they’ll benefit from the best horse-safe sun creams to help protect their sensitive skin from the sun’s rays and prevent sun burn. Along with fly spray, it’s an essential part of your summer horsecare kit.

    The best sun creams for horses are those that are easy to apply, offer good coverage, are long-lasting and provide adequate UVA and UVB protection.

    Do horses need sun cream?

    Horses with pink-skinned areas, such as their muzzle, are particularly susceptible to sun damage. They’ll benefit from the best horse-safe sun creams to help protect their sensitive skin from the sun’s rays. While you can’t apply sun cream to their coat, you can use a fly rug or UV-protective summer sheet to prevent bleaching, and fly masks with noses will help to offer extra protection to the muzzle.

    Can you use human sun cream on horses?

    In most cases, it is OK to use human sun creams on horses. However, sun creams that are specifically designed for horses are more likely to stay on for longer, and some have additional benefits, too.

    Best sun creams for horses

    Aniwell FiltaBac sun cream review

    Aniwell FiltaBac Antibacterial Cream

    Sizes: 50g, 120g, 220g or 500g | SPF: 30+ | RRP: £7.28 for 50g | H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved |

    This protective and effective antibacterial sunblock cream is formulated to nourish and condition the skin while offering protection from bacteria. It is described as acting as a second skin that allows the cells to breathe, and provides a barrier to the environment, including rain, dirt or insects.

    We tested this sun cream and found it stayed on really well, while doing a great job of soothing and protecting the skin. In our opinion, it’s well worth the investment, plus you can use it as a general antibacterial cream, too. Read our full Aniwell FiltaBac review.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Lincoln Sun Bloc review

    Lincoln Sun Bloc

    Sizes: 200g | SPF: Yes | RRP: £11.99 | H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved |

    This protective, soothing sun cream has been developed to safeguard delicate, exposed areas of skin that are at a high risk of sunburn. It contains UV filters to reflect and absorb UVA and UVB rays, while the water-resistant properties enhance protection, ensuring each application is long-lasting.

    This cream is tinted, which we found made it really easy to apply. A little went a long way, too, which makes this sun cream quite economical and good value. Read our full Lincoln Sun Bloc review.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Barrier Sunburn Soother sun cream review

    Barrier Sunburn Soother

    Sizes: 250ml | SPF: 25 | RRP: £7.61 | H&H Rating: 8/10 |

    A soothing and moisturising liquid formulation, this fragrance-free cream is rapidly absorbed. It uses natural and 100% non-toxic ingredients, and offers SPF25 protection.

    We found this sun cream really easy to apply. Although it being clear meant it was hard to tell where you’ve already applied, this meant it was a great option for taking to a competition. Read our full Barrier Sunburn Soother review.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Gold Label Sun Guard review

    Gold Label Sun Guard

    Sizes: 100g, 250g | SPF: 30+ | RRP: £12.60 for 250g | H&H Rating: 8/10 |

    This SPF50 sunblock soother from Gold Label is aimed at horses with areas that are susceptible to harm from the sun. It is easy to apply, and contains only natural ingredients, including shea butter and calamine.

    We found this sun cream was trickier to apply, so may not be suitable for fussy horses – however, once it was on it did a great job and you can trust it to stay on and provide protection all day. Read our Gold Label Sun Guard review.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Biteback Products Sweet Sun Relief

    Biteback Products Sweet Sun Relief

    Sizes: 250g, 500g | SPF: 30+ | RRP: £14.50 for 250g |

    This plant-based cream forms a barrier to midge bites, promotes calm skin, and has the added benefit of a sun screen. It’s not oily or greasy, and it protects against the drying effects of the sun. 

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk


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