We are in the dog days of summer across America, and I don’t know about you, but I am struggling. So, here are a few ideas for staying cool when temperatures are climbing.
1. Ride before or after peak temperatures.
When possible, ride early in the morning, before temperatures get too high, or late in the evening, when the sun has gone down and temperatures have – hopefully – dropped a few degrees. This may be difficult for many of us, but it can make such a difference for both you and your horse. US Equestrian advised Competition Management in a June 25th communication that, “If the temperature combined with the relative humidity is greater than 180, we recommend canceling the event for that day or rescheduling classes to early mornings and/or later in the evenings when temperatures and humidity may be lower.”
2. Be aware of air quality and how it can affect both you and your horse.
Summer and wildfires go hand in hand, especially on the West Coast, so air quality is an extremely important factor to take into consideration when saddling up. Prolonged inhalation of smoke and associated particulates can cause a number of ongoing health issues with the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health recommends limiting exercise when smoke is visible, providing plenty of fresh water, and giving ample recovery time after any smoke-induced airway assault.
3. Increase electrolyte consumption for both you and your equine partner.
We lose a ton of water, sodium, and chloride when we sweat excessively, and we need to replace that to continue to perform at our best. SmartPak recommends offering a free-choice salt lick, as this is often sufficient for horses to meet their daily sodium requirements. However, for horses in heavier work, a salt lick may not be sufficient, so electrolyte supplementation might be a good idea.
Electrolytes are formulated to replace the minerals lost when sweating (including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, among others). Electrolyte supplements do contain some salt, enough to encourage a horse to drink water, but SmartPak notes the salt in electrolytes may not be enough to meet daily requirements alone. Electrolytes can be found in pellet and powder form, and can be mixed with grain, or directly into the horse’s water bucket. When offering electrolytes in a water bucket, make sure to offer a second bucket of just plain water, as some horses can be put off drinking by the smell or taste.
There are a number of products on the market for human electrolytes, including powders, liquid water enhancers, and sports drinks.
4. Dress appropriately for the heat – that goes for both you and your horse!
While your horse may be bothered by flies, he can also overheat wearing a fly sheet, mask, and fly boots for turnout. If your horse absolutely cannot tolerate flies, it may be better for him to stay inside in front of a fan on unbearably hot days.
As for humans, we all want to look professional when we are riding, but sometimes the heat overrules your typical polo and breeches or jeans riding attire. Make sure you are choosing fabrics that are lightweight, and lighter in color. Opt for sleeveless over long sleeves or even a T-shirt, and change out of your boots as soon as you can when you finish riding. Tall leather boots are notoriously hot, and this small change can help you cool down in much less time. A hat to keep the sun off your face, and taking your helmet off as soon as you are out of the saddle can also make a huge difference. In a 2022 study, Cao et al. also note that “cooling the neck during exercise improves endurance performance in endurance athletes in the heat.”
5. Cool out your horse by continuously running water over his topline.
Recent research has found that the most efficient way to cool your horse down on really hot days is to walk him out until his breathing rate has returned to normal, then continuously run cool water over his topline, including his poll, hips, loins, and legs. If running water is unavailable, sponging with cool water will also help bring down your horse’s temperature, notes the University of Minnesota.
6. Monitor both yourself and your horse for heat stress.
Dr Katie Flynn, US Equestrian’s Senior Staff Veterinarian for Equine Health & Biosecurity, reminds riders to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress. Equine symptoms include elevated temperature (over 103°F; 105-107°F can indicate heat stroke), rapid breathing and/or pulse, stumbling or weakness, dry skin, and dehydration. If your horse is exhibiting these symptoms, cool him off with cool water, offer fluids for rehydration, and move him to the shade or in front of a fan. If symptoms have not gotten better within an hour, contact a veterinarian.
Human symptoms of heat exhaustion may come on rapidly, or build slowly over time and, according to MayoClinic, include cool, moist skin with goosebumps in the heat, heavy sweating, faintness or dizziness, fatigue, a weak and rapid pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. As with your equine counterpart, if you are experiencing these symptoms and they do not get better within an hour of moving to a cool, shaded area, ceasing activity, and drinking a cool water or sports drink, contact a doctor.
7. Monitor the heat index in your area.
Sometimes, it is simply too hot and humid to ride, and that’s completely okay.
