This year has been one of the hottest and driest on record, and the smallholding has suffered enormously because of the lack of rain.

Whilst it is nice to be able to go about my daily tasks without three layers of clothing and a set of waterproofs, it has been a huge challenge keeping all the animals comfortable in the soaring heat, and I have often found myself praying for rain!

The paddocks have gone from having a foot of mud and water in the winter to being parched with enormous cracks threatening to engulf anything in their way. Fence wire has slackened, and posts are beginning to loosen in the hot, dry conditions.

Sun protection is vital during this weather, but whilst we automatically reach for the sunscreen and hats for ourselves, we often forget about the animals.

Animals with pink skin, such as horses, can easily burn from overexposure to UV light. Pigs, which cannot naturally sweat, also suffer in hot conditions.

Some of the signs of sunburn to look out for include:
Skin turning deep pink or red in colour
Blisters and scabs
Skin that is peeling
Lethargy and discomfort
Pain

Sails suspended from fencing to provide shade

Jo-Jo under cover

Filling water troughs with a watering can

Shelter from the sun is essential, and all animals on the smallholding should have somewhere to go to escape the sun’s rays. Field shelters and stables will provide this; however, if these are not available in all paddocks, simple structures such as sails suspended from fence posts or awnings can be erected quickly and provide cover.

Other ways of preventing sunburn include:
Using summer sheets and masks on horses, ponies and donkeys. Ruggles Horse Rugs has a fantastic selection available on its website.
Housing horses, ponies and donkeys during the day and turning them out in the evening and overnight
Ensuring field shelters and/or shaded areas are accessible at all times
Applying sunscreen to pink skin. You should use a SPF 30 or higher and reapply frequently.
Ensuring that pigs have a wallow and that this is topped up with water regularly.
Ensure chickens have shaded areas and a dust bath

If any animals succumb to sunburn, it is vital that you act quickly. Aloe vera will soothe a mild sunburn; however, if the skin has blistered or the animal is in any discomfort, you must seek advice from a vet immediately.

Always ensure that all animals stay hydrated and that water buckets are topped up frequently with fresh water. Fresh fruit treats can help to hydrate animals, and adding pieces of fruit to shallow bowls of water or freezing them to make fruit blocks will provide refreshing treats.

The introduction of a hosepipe ban, which came into effect on the 11th of July in Yorkshire, caused added concern. Although the law allows keepers of animals and livestock to use hosepipes to fill up drinking troughs and clean animals, stables, and yards, the ban made me think very carefully about how I use water and what to do with the dirty water in the troughs that need replacing.

Admittedly, before the hosepipe ban, I simply used to empty the troughs into the paddock; however, I now use a watering can to syphon off any water that can’t be used for the animals, and this is used to water essential parts of the smallholding, such as the vegetable plot. Being efficient with water has become a priority, and I have to admit it is much more difficult than I imagined, although I have decided that preserving water is something I will continue to do even when the heavens do open, which they will inevitably do!

Visit Ruggles to find an amazing array of summer sheets and fly rugs, and masks www.ruggles-horse-rugs.co.uk

You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here