Why Double Dilute Horses Need Extra UV Protection

How thoughtful sun protection helps Cremellos, Perlinos, and Smoky Creams stay comfortable, healthy, and thriving.

There’s no denying the breathtaking beauty of double dilute horses.

Whether it’s a glowing gold Cremello, champagne-toned Perlino, or striking Smoky Cream, these horses turn heads everywhere they go. Their pale coats, light skin, and often blue or amber eyes create an unmistakable look—but that beauty also comes with unique care needs.

For double dilute horses, sun protection isn’t just cosmetic—it’s part of responsible health management.

Because of their reduced pigmentation, these horses are naturally more vulnerable to UV exposure, skin irritation, and sun-related eye discomfort. The good news? A few simple protective measures—especially UV-blocking gear—can make a huge difference in daily comfort and long-term wellness.

What Is a Double Dilute Horse?

Double dilute horses inherit two cream dilution genes, which significantly lighten coat, skin, and eye pigmentation.

This includes:

• Cremello horses (cream coat, pink skin, light eyes)
• Perlino horses (cream coat with darker mane/tail tones, pink skin, light eyes)
• Smoky Cream horses (cream-toned coat, pink skin, light eyes)

While gorgeous, lighter pigmentation means less natural protection against ultraviolet rays.

Think of it this way: horses with dark skin have built-in UV defense. Double dilutes have far less of that natural shield.

That means the sun hits differently—and often harder.

Why UV Exposure Is a Bigger Concern

Double dilute horses are especially prone to:

Sunburn

Pink skin around the muzzle, eyes, and other exposed areas can burn much more easily than darker skin.

Repeated sunburn can lead to:

• skin irritation
• peeling or crusting
• soreness
• chronic inflammation
• increased skin sensitivity over time

Photosensitivity

Many light-skinned horses become noticeably uncomfortable in bright sunlight.

You may notice:

• squinting
• watery eyes
• seeking shade constantly
• head tossing in bright sun
• rubbing eyes or face
• reluctance to work facing sunlight

This isn’t attitude—it’s discomfort.

Eye Irritation & UV Stress

Light-colored eyes can be more sensitive to glare and harsh sun exposure.

Long-term UV exposure may contribute to:

• irritation
• tearing
• inflammation
• increased sensitivity to bright conditions
• cumulative tissue stress around delicate eye structures

For horses already prone to sensitivity, daily UV protection matters.

How Kensington Helps Protect Double Dilutes

At Kensington, protection is designed into the product—not added as an afterthought.

For light-skinned horses, the right fly mask and turnout protection can dramatically reduce UV stress.

73% UV Blocking Fly Masks: Everyday Essential

Kensington’s standard UV protective fly masks offer 73% UV blocking protection, helping reduce daily sun exposure while still providing breathability, visibility, and reliable fly defense.

For many double dilute horses, a Kensington UV Protective Fly Mask becomes part of everyday turnout—especially during peak summer months.

Benefits include:

✓ softer filtered light
✓ reduced glare
✓ fly relief
✓ protection for delicate tissue around eyes
✓ cooler, more comfortable turnout

UViator: Maximum UV Defense

For horses with extreme sun sensitivity, pale eyelids, watery eyes, or horses turned out in intense sun, Kensington’s UViator Fly Mask offers 90% UV blocking protection.

That level of defense can help create a calmer visual environment for highly photosensitive horses while protecting delicate facial tissue from harsh sun exposure.

Ideal for:

✓ Cremellos
✓ Perlinos
✓ Smoky Creams
✓ blue-eyed horses
✓ horses with pink eyelids
✓ horses prone to squinting or tearing

Don’t Forget the Nose

One of the most common burn spots on light horses?

The nose.

Pink muzzles are especially vulnerable to:

• sunburn
• cracking
• peeling
• painful sores
• chronic UV damage

Choosing a fly mask with nose protection adds valuable coverage to one of the most exposed areas on your horse’s face.

For many double dilutes, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

Body Protection Matters Too

Sun exposure doesn’t stop at the face.

Double dilute horses may also benefit from UV-protective sheets during long turnout hours—especially in hot, bright climates.

A breathable UV sheet can help protect:

✓ shoulders
✓ topline
✓ hips
✓ barrel
✓ sensitive skin areas prone to irritation

while also helping reduce flies and coat bleaching.

A Little Protection Goes a Long Way

Double dilute horses may need extra management—but they give plenty back in beauty, personality, and presence.

Protecting them from UV exposure helps support:

✓ healthier skin
✓ more comfortable eyes
✓ reduced sunburn risk
✓ better turnout comfort
✓ long-term wellness

For horses built lighter, protection simply matters more.

With thoughtful gear like Kensington’s 73% UV-blocking fly masks and premium 90% UV-blocking UViator collection, owners can help keep their light-colored horses comfortable, protected, and shining bright—for all the right reasons.