At a glance: Sand in the intestines, sweating in the paddock, sensitive digestion in spring – the warm months pose special challenges for horses. We show what is behind the Höveler Summer Mash, how its ingredients work, and with which targeted supplements you can support your horse through typical spring and summer complaints.
Spring is coming, the grass is growing, temperatures are rising – and with them the demands on your horse’s digestion. While we humans enjoy a cold tea on hot days, there is now a kind of “iced tea” for horses too: The Höveler Summer Mash is a mash specially developed for the warm season that can also be prepared with cold water. But what exactly is inside, what do the ingredients do, and which supplements make sense in the spring-summer season? We have taken a detailed look at the product.
What exactly is mash – and why a summer version?
Mash is traditionally a classic build-up and feel-good feed that horse owners have used for generations. The typical idea: Horse feed is mixed with warm water, swells, and the horse gets a soothing, easily digestible meal – especially after training, in the cold season, or with sensitive digestion.
The problem: On hot summer days, classic warm mashes seem rather unsuitable. This is where the concept of Summer Mash comes in. It contains micronized linseed, which allows preparation with cold water – the mucilages are released even without heat. This makes it possible to prepare a mash that provides your horse with additional fluid without heating it up further at 30 degrees.
What is in Höveler Summer Mash?
If you want to know what you are feeding, you should take a look at the composition. Höveler Summer Mash deliberately relies on a grain-free, stomach- and gut-friendly recipe:
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Timothy grass hay, alfalfa | High-quality fiber sources, provide protein and structural feed |
| Sunflower extraction meal, apple pomace | Tasty base, rich in fiber |
| Linseed cake, linseed (micronized), linseed oil | Omega-3 fatty acids and mucilages for the intestines |
| Brewer's yeast | Stabilizes the gut flora, provides B vitamins |
| Psyllium seeds (0.5%) | Swelling agents, gently transport sand out of the intestines |
| Citrus peels NOR Spice AB (0.08%) | Prebiotically effective, supports the immune system |
| Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, sodium tripolyphosphate | Electrolytes to compensate for sweat loss |
| Calendula, grape seed meal | Skin-caring and antioxidant components |
Nutritional information (selection): Crude protein 15.2%, crude fat 7.1%, crude fiber 25.5%, starch 3.0%, sugar 3.7% – so very low in sugar and starch.
The 4 main functions at a glance
The Summer Mash was specifically designed for the needs of horses in the warm season. Four main focuses are:
1. Additional fluid intake
Many horses do not drink enough in the heat. The Mash can be mixed with double or even more water – almost like a tea or soup. This way, your horse takes in fluids through the feed without you having to "force" water.
2. Balance electrolytes
Horse sweat contains significantly more salts compared to human sweat. On hot days or after intense work, your horse loses considerable amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium. The Summer Mash contains exactly these electrolytes and can compensate for the loss.
3. Protect digestion
The combination of flaxseed, psyllium husks, and brewer’s yeast acts mucilaginous, stomach-friendly, and prebiotic. This can be especially valuable for horses with sensitive digestion during turnout and summer.
4. Transport sand out of the intestines
On dry, overgrazed pastures, horses often ingest sand while grazing. If it accumulates in the intestines, sand colic can occur. Psyllium husks swell in the intestines and bind the sand, so it is naturally excreted.
How is the Summer Mash prepared?
Preparation is very simple – and that’s one of the advantages:
- Measure amount: 50 to 150 g per 100 kg body weight (for a 600-kg horse, that’s 300–900 g)
- Add water: Double the amount of water, warm or cold
- Let soak: Wait about 10 minutes until the Mash is nice and soft and creamy
- Serve: Optionally dilute with even more water to create a "drinking meal"
Tip: If you want to give your horse an extra fresh boost on particularly hot days, mix the Summer Mash with significantly more cold water – this creates an iced tea-like consistency that further increases water intake.
For which horses is the Summer Mash useful?
The Mash is designed as a supplementary feed, not a replacement for the main ration. Those who can especially benefit include:
- Horses that drink little in summer
- Horses that sweat heavily (sport horses, dark coats, geldings with thick manes)
- Horses with sensitive digestion in spring or during feed changes
- Horses on dry, sandy pastures
- Seniors who eat less on hot days
- Horses after intense training sessions or competitions
Important: The Summer Mash does not replace a complete mineral feed ration. If you want to know whether your horse is generally well supplied, it’s worth checking the hay quality and possibly a blood test by the vet.
Typical spring and summer complaints – and which supplements make sense
A Mash alone does not cover all needs. Depending on your horse’s individual situation, targeted supplements can help get through the season. We have compiled the most common complaints and suitable solutions.
Stressed metabolism and liver in spring
After a long winter with hay, straw, and possibly concentrate feed, the liver as a central metabolic organ is heavily stressed. Added to this is the switch to fresh grass in spring. Signs of an overloaded liver can be dull coat, fatigue, skin problems, or loose manure.
Useful supplements:
- NURA Vital Source (Metabolism Liquid) – supports metabolism and relieves detox organs with high bioavailability
- Bitter herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, or nettle over several weeks
Sensitive digestion when starting to graze
The switch from hay to fresh grass overwhelms many horse stomachs. Consequences can be loose manure, diarrhea, or bloating – in the worst case even laminitis.
Useful supplements:
- Stiefel Stomach Herbs – traditional herbal blend to soothe the digestive tract
- Stiefel Brewer’s Yeast – stabilizes the gut flora, provides B vitamins
- Stiefel Psyllium Husk – as an addition to Mash for particularly sandy pastures
More on the topic: In our article "Introducing Your Horse to Pasture," you'll find a detailed weekly table on how to gradually accustom your horse to the pasture.
Sweating, exhaustion, and electrolyte loss
During longer rides, competitions, or simply on hot days, even well-conditioned horses can lose significant energy and minerals. Signs include drooping ears, lethargy, reduced drinking, and decreased willingness to perform.
Useful supplements:
- Summer Mash with extra water on hot days
- Salt or mineral lick stone for free intake
- NURA Kopfklar (Nerve Liquid) for stressed, heat-sensitive horses
Summer eczema and skin problems
Biting midges and horseflies trouble sensitive horses during the warm season. Anyone with an eczema horse knows: skin regeneration and immune modulation are crucial here.
Useful supplements:
- NURA Haarmonie (Skin & Coat Liquid) – specifically supplies skin and coat with nutrients
- Stiefel Zinc Plus – important for skin regeneration after insect bites
- Stiefel Black Cumin Oil – immunomodulating, feed only seasonally (March–October)
- Stiefel Linseed Oil – Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects
More on the topic: In our article about summer eczema, you'll find the complete 4-pillar model for horses with eczema.
Respiratory stress caused by hay dust and pollen
In spring, pollen exposure is high, and hay dust accumulates in the stable – both can affect sensitive airways. Signs: coughing when warming up, increased nasal discharge, poor condition.
Useful supplements:
- NURA Frischluft (Respiratory Liquid) – supports clear airways
- Soaking or steaming hay – simple immediate measure in the stable
Increased activity and joint stress
Longer rides, more exercise, maybe the first competition after winter – the joints are now running at full speed again. Older horses and those with pre-existing conditions especially benefit from targeted support.
Useful supplements:
- NURA Beweglichkeit (Joint Liquid) – with MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate
- Stiefel Willow Bark – natural support for joint complaints
- Stiefel Mangan Plus – trace elements for connective tissue and joints
Hormonal fluctuations in mares
Spring and summer bring heat-related mood swings for many mares. Milk thistle, chasteberry, and balanced mineralization can help balance this.
Useful supplements:
- Stiefel Mönchspfeffer – traditionally for hormonal balance in mares
- NURA Kopfklar (Nerven Liquid) – for inner calm
Höveler Summer Mash compared to classic Mash
If you’re wondering whether Summer Mash really makes sense or if a regular Mash is enough, you should know the most important differences:
| Feature | Classic Mash | Höveler Summer Mash |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Only with warm water | Warm or cold possible |
| Grain content | Often with wheat bran | Grain-free |
| Electrolytes | Usually not included | Specifically added |
| Prebiotics | Rarely | Citrus peels NOR Spice AB |
| Sand binding | Hardly any | Psyllium husks integrated |
| Sugar and starch content | Varies greatly | Low (3.0% / 3.7%) |
| Seasonal suitability | More Autumn/Winter | Spring/Summer |
When is Summer Mash not the right choice?
As useful as the Mash is – it is not suitable for every horse in every situation. You should be cautious in these cases:
- Acute colic or digestive disorders – always consult the veterinarian first
- Known allergies to individual ingredients (e.g., alfalfa)
- Heavily overweight horses – even a low-sugar and low-starch Mash provides additional energy
- Horses with special diets – always clarify in advance with a veterinarian or feed advisor
FAQ: The most common questions about Höveler Summer Mash
What is Höveler Summer Mash?
It is a grain-free Feed Supplement for horses, specially developed for the warm season. Thanks to micronized flaxseed, it can also be prepared with cold water and provides electrolytes, prebiotics, and mucilage-forming components.
How often can I feed Summer Mash?
According to the manufacturer, the Mash can be given daily if needed – the recommended amount is 50 to 150 g per 100 kg body weight. Many horse owners use it 2–3 times a week, others only on particularly hot days or after exertion.
Can I use Summer Mash in winter as well?
Theoretically yes, since it can also be prepared warm. However, it is specifically tailored to summer needs (electrolytes, sand binding). For the cold season, there are more classic Mashes or special winter Mashes with different focuses.
Is Summer Mash suitable for horses with EMS or Cushing’s?
With 3.0% starch and 3.7% sugar, Summer Mash is one of the more metabolism-friendly Mashes. Nevertheless, if your horse has metabolic diseases like EMS, Cushing’s, or laminitis, you should always consult your veterinarian before introducing a new feed.
How much water do I use for preparation?
The standard is double the amount of water to the Mash quantity. If you want a particularly liquid "iced tea consistency," you can add significantly more water. Important: Let it soak for at least 10 minutes so that the mucilaginous substances can fully develop their effect.
Does Summer Mash help against sand colics?
The contained psyllium seeds can help gently transport sand out of the intestine. However, a true sand colic is a veterinary emergency – the Mash is more of a preventive measure for horses grazing on dry pastures. Always involve a vet if sand in the intestine is suspected.
Is Summer Mash a complete feed?
No. It is a Feed Supplement that complements the normal ration – it does not replace it. Hay, mineral feed, and if necessary, concentrated feed remain the basis of horse feeding.
Can I mix other supplements into the Summer Mash?
Yes. Because Mash is tasty and moist, it is excellent for mixing in powdered or liquid supplements – for example, mineral feed, herbs, or liquids. This way, even picky horses easily accept supplements.
Conclusion: A well-thought-out seasonal product with a clear application focus
The Höveler Summer Mash is a well-designed Feed Supplement for the warm season that addresses several typical summer issues at once: fluid intake, electrolytes, gentle digestion, and sand binding. The option to prepare it cold is practical and distinguishes the product from classic Mashes. For horses that drink little in summer, sweat a lot, or graze on dry pastures, it is a sensible supplement – but it does not replace a well-thought-out basic ration or targeted additional feed for specific complaints.
If you want to support your horse holistically through the spring and summer seasons, ideally combine the Summer Mash with appropriate Feed Supplements depending on the individual situation. In the kavalio online shop, you will find the Höveler Summer Mash as well as the entire Höveler range, our own brand NURA HORSE SUPPLEMENTS, and an extensive boot selection for targeted solutions.
