Let’s Discuss: How hot is too hot to ride?
At what point does riding in the heat and humidity go from merely miserable to dangerous for horse, rider or both? Do you have a set temperature above which you won’t ride?
- Send an email to wylie, the author of this post at wylie@horsenation.com
I think humidity is worse than pure heat. I grew up on southwest texas where I had to ride well in to the 100s…which was basically the average temperature from April to September…but it was dry. (My mom who still lives there had a cold front come through this week…it was 108!) Now I’m in east Texas and it seems like anything over 95 degrees with the added east Texas humidity is intolerable.
My personal rule is : I will not ride when it is below 25 or above 85. Outside of those bounds it is just silly.
I’m glad you don’t live in Texas…its usually above 85 from February through November
That image is so gross!! I’ve never seen foaming that bad. Looking like shaving cream to me! =P
*Looks like
I’m asthmatic so I have to watch air quality as well as temperature. I can (usually) ride 1 day of ‘code red’ air but more than that and I’m pretty much guaranteed to get sick. Free lunging is my friend.
Living in the south, there is humidity all year round and it gets super hot and gross in the summer. I only ride in the evenings or mornings when it gets this hot and we usually only ride for a little while depending on both of our heat temperatures. If I do ride in the mid-day which is highly unlikely, it’s usually just a walk/trot trail ride and i try to find the shade as much as possible and keep plenty of water on hand!
I live in Arizona and we keep riding all through the summer. However, we are extremely cautious if it goes above 110. All of our horses get electrolytes daily and horses that don’t sweat get 1 AC. We also give both the horse and rider a “bath”, minus the saddle area, prior to riding to keep them cooler. Also, we ride in the early morning or late evening which helps more than anything else.
Last year Birmingham DCTA posted info about what factors you need to look at when making the decision… heat index, humidity, etc. My buddy (and Target Red Ball Jumper) Holly Ratcliff thankfully has it archived it in her blog!
http://4stargazing.blogspot.com/2011/07/baby-its-hot-outside.html
Thanks, Amanda! I almost re-posted this the other day because I, myself, search this out on my blog every-so-often. This formula works and I do trust it!
First off all use a fitted pad. Not a square one. Hosing or sponging the horse often with cool water. Wet your hair then put your helmet back on.
my horse has anhidrosis, so we’re definitely not showing this summer, and i just make sure to ride in the morning (if it’ll be a real ride) or evening (just a hack or longeing)
The heat doesn’t stop me from riding, it just dictates how many horses I ride. When it gets to the 90s I only ride 2 horses, 3 at most. When it’s in the 70s or low 80s I average 4-6 horses a day.
I live in the South as well, so the 85 degree rule would put us out of work for four months! I just try to ride in the morning or evening and am sure to hose my horse off after our work!
I too am in Arizona, and I guess not as young as the other girl from here! I don’t ride when it’s over 100, as there is no shade here. However, 105 (sucks, but is tolerable) if you have a covered arena.