10 Tips for Working Your Horse in Hot Weather

Keep You and Your Horse Healthy and Energetic

Working your horse in hot weather can be a risky business due to the threat of heat stress and potentially heat stroke. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition for horses which can cause them to collapse and may prove fatal if left untreated.

As a rider you should wear appropriate hot weather clothing and consider sunscreen for exposed areas. Carry plenty of drinking water for yourself.

Needs of Individual Horses

Any horse can suffer discomfort in hot weather and there are various factors to take into account. Horses, just like humans, are individuals and have individual needs. Breed, size, coat length, normal body temperature and overall fitness all play a big part in how much heat a horse can cope with before heat stress occurs.

There are precautions a rider should take to reduce the risk of serious conditions developing:

• Ride at the Coolest Time of the Day. Early mornings are ideal, when both air and ground temperatures are at their lowest points. Although air temperature drops in the evening, heat stored in the ground can still elevate a horse`s temperature.
• Essential exercise only. Limit exercise to only what is absolutely essential to maintain the horse`s fitness and wellbeing. Warm up carefully, keep to a steady pace and avoid any sudden exertion, it is just as dangerous in hot weather as in cold.
• Monitor breathing and sweating. As a horse`s temperature rises, the breathing rate will increase and become shallower, resulting in discomfort and lethargy. By observing your horse`s normal breathing rate, it should be possible to know when there is something wrong. All horses sweat, it is part of their natural cooling process. However, a full body sweat can indicate heat stress and a total absence of sweat, known as Anhydrosis, is a sign of both overheating and dehydration. Both are very serious problems.
• Cool down. Towards the end of the exercise period, cool down in the usual way, it is just as important in hot weather as at any other time. A steady walk on a long rein with a loosened girth is one way. Better still, dismount and walk the last half mile.
• Shade Breaks. Take frequent breaks in the shade to allow your horse to cool down. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Offer small amounts of water frequently rather than letting them gulp large quantities at once. Movable sun shelter for horses.
• Washing Down. Once back home, remove saddle and bridle as soon as possible and wash the horse off with cool water in a shaded area. Pay particular attention to the back, flanks and legs. Continue until sweating has stopped and breathing appears normal. Swinging arm Horse Wash Attachment - Wall-mounted Spray Boom Preventing hose tangling and trampling while washing your horse.
• Water. Once the horse appears comfortable, offer plenty of tepid or cool water. Avoid icy cold water as this may cause the horse to colic. During other times, horses should have water available on demand. Horses can be fussy about their water source so clean and fresh water will encourage your horse to drink. This automatic animal waterer helps assure your horses always have enough fresh water.
• Electrolytes. During exercise in hot weather, horses lose a lot of their natural body salts due to sweating. These must be replaced by using electrolytes which can be added to drinking water or horse feed. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and regulate nerve and muscle function. Additionally, electrolytes hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. For horses, the primary electrolytes are sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). equinine electrolyte supplements at reasonable prices.
• Barn Fans. One of the most important parts of cooling a horse down is to have barn fans to keep the air moving and helping the cool down process. The fans also help drive away flying pests that are attracted to sweaty horses. You can choose the best fans for your horse barn including ceiling fans, portable fans, or wall fans. Be sure to keep fire safety in mind and select fans with enclosed motors. The dusty environment of a barn can be fire fuel from the heat of unenclosed fan motors.

Common Sense when Horseback Riding in the Heat

The most important thing of all is to use common sense where your horse is concerned. If it is very hot and there is no essential reason to exercise - then don`t! Get to know your horse really well, observe how he behaves or reacts to a variety of situations, how much he normally sweats and his usual recovery time after exertion. Learn how to monitor his temperature and heart rate correctly.

The main point is that the more you know about what is `normal` for your particular horse, the faster you will know that there is a problem and the quicker you can deal with it.

Hot Weather Riding Clothes

Hot weather riding clothes are more important as each summer gets warmer than the previous summer. Summer riding is hot in most parts of the country, there is no denying it. However, you will feel much better when wearing the right hot weather clothing. Hot weather horseback riding clothes are important for staying comfortable and safe on your horse in warmer climates. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the best hot weather horseback riding clothes:

• Riding Helmet. Wear a ventilated riding helmet that has mesh windows to allow air flow and keep your head cool. A helmet can also protect you from sunburn and head injuries. Some examples of ventilated riding helmets are: Ovation Z-6 2.0 Glitz Helmet -Stay Cool: Strategically placed vents prevent overheating. Many customer reviews cite breathability during rides. Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet The Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet is the number one best seller on Amazon. Looks cool, feels cool: This horse riding helmet also has low profile vents to keep your head cool and comfortable while riding.
• Moisture Wicking Shirts. Wear a moisture-wicking shirt that can help you stay dry and cool by drawing sweat away from your skin. Look for shirts that have sun protection and light colors to reflect sunlight and prevent sun damage. Some examples of moisture-wicking shirts are the Kerrits Ice Fil Lite Short Sleeve Shirt and the Ariat Sunstopper Shirts
• Breeches. Wear breathable breeches or riding tights that have lightweight material and stretchy fabric to allow movement and comfort. Avoid jeans or heavy pants that can trap heat and cause chafing. Some examples of breathable breeches or riding tights are the Irideon Synergy Tights and the TuffRider Ventilated Schooling Tights.
• Light Weight Socks. Wear lightweight socks that can keep your feet dry and cool. Avoid thick or woolen socks that can make your feet sweaty and uncomfortable. Some examples of lightweight socks are the Wrangler Women's Western boot socks and the Ovation Coolmax Zocks.
• Moisture Wicking Underwear. Wear moisture-wicking underwear that can prevent irritation and chafing in sensitive areas. Look for underwear that has seamless design and smooth fabric to avoid rubbing and discomfort. Some examples of moisture-wicking underwear are the Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster and the Knix Air Seamless Bikini.
• Ventilated Gloves. Wear ventilated gloves that can protect your hands from blisters and sunburn, while also allowing air circulation and grip. Look for gloves that have mesh panels and synthetic leather palms to provide comfort and durability. Some examples of ventilated gloves are the SSG Hybrid Gloves and the Heritage Performance Gloves.
• Ventilated Riding Boots or Short Boots. Wear short and/or ventilated riding boots that can keep your feet and ankles cool and supported. Avoid tall or leather boots that can be hot and restrictive. Some examples of short and/or ventilated riding boots are the Ariat Terrain H2O Bootsand the Ovation Women's Lightweight Equestrian Horse Riding Ankle Length Synthetic Vega Leather Quantum Zip Paddock Boots.