TIPS AND TRICKS FOR RIDING IN THE HEAT

As many of us know (all too well!) the increase in temperature of the summer months can be hard to manage, particularly if we want to ride. These high temperatures are not to be messed with and pose risks for both ourselves and our ponies. Higher temperatures increase the chance of illness and even injury in our ponies, and heat stroke is not uncommon for riders either!

YOUR PONY IN THE HEAT

Ponies overheat much quicker than humans – three to ten times faster, to be precise. Their size, muscle mass, and the rate at which their muscles work can cause their temperature to rise from normal (37-38 degrees) to upward of 40 degrees in less than twenty minutes!! In short, if you’re feeling the heat, your pony is feeling it more. Heavy work in the heat can cause colic, muscle spasms, kidney problems, heat stroke and dehydration, so you really do need to be careful! In this article we give you some top tips for keeping your pony cool and comfortable this summer to make sure that you both stay safe and healthy.

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR PONY COOL

1. Be aware of his breathing and vital signs

If your pony is showing irregular breathing or has a very high or irregular heart rate, it’s time to slow down and cool off. Pay attention to how he is breathing, and if it seems ragged or loses rhythm, you should stop your session for the day. You can check for dehydration by pinching the skin on your pony’s neck. If the skin stays in the ‘pinched’ position or slowly goes back to normal, your pony is dehydrated. You can also look at his gums above the teeth which should be healthy and looking pink. If they are sticky and dry, he is dehydrated.

NOTE: The signs of dehydration mentioned in this point are quite severe, and you must speak to an adult immediately if you notice them.

2. Consider your tack

If may seem like a small thing, but thinner, lighter equipment and tack can make a big difference to how your pony feels in the heat. The less he has to wear and carry, the better. Consider fitted numnahs in the summer months, as opposed to square numnahs, and using a thinner numnah allow the skin to breathe a bit more beneath the saddle. Oh, and ditch the sheepskin boots!

3. Make sure your pony has access to water

There is nothing wrong with your pony drinking during lessons and schooling sessions. In fact, the more he drinks, the better. A 400kg pony can drink up to 30 litres of water on a normal day and this can go up to almost 40 litres on a hot day. This may sound like a lot but a pony can sweat up to 15 litres per hour in hot conditions, and the water and electrolytes that are lost in the sweat, need to be replaced.

4. A wet sponge is your friend

The more a pony works, the hotter he will get. Drinking water helps to rehydrate and cool your pony, but applying a cold, wet sponge to your pony’s skin can also give them great relief.

5. Try and ride at cooler times of day – for the most part

As temperatures rise, it makes sense to choose early mornings and later afternoons for riding if you can. If you’re competitive, it may not be a good idea to do this all the time though, as you never know what time of day you’ll end up riding at a show, and your horse will struggle more with a midday round if he hasn’t been acclimatised to the heat.

6. Take breaks, and try to find some shade

Just as if you were going to a sport’s practice in the heat of the day, take rests between exercises to allow your pony’s heartrate and breathing rate to come down. Stand in the shade during these breaks, offer him water and sponge him down if you can.

7. Cool your pony down properly

Once you’ve finished riding, make sure you cool your pony down as quickly and effectively as possible. Remove his tack as soon as you can and let him drink water if he wants to. Be sure to hose his body all over with water. Ideally, you want to keep hosing until your pony’s skin temperature is back to normal. If there is a breeze, stand him in it to speed up the cooling process.

8. Make sure you replenish salt and other electrolytes

Ponies lose a lot of electrolytes when they sweat. It is a good idea to give table salt in the food all year round, but for ponies who work very hard, you should chat to your equine nutritionist to get their advice on whether you need to add extra electrolytes as well.

KEEP YOURSELF SAFE AND COOL TOO

1. Protect your skin and eyes

When you are in the sun, make sure you’re as covered up as possible! As uncomfortable as this can be, it’s better to be hot than to be sunburnt. Long sleeve, breathable fabrics or sun sleeves are a must, as are sun visors or wide-brimmed helmets. Make sure you have good sunscreen close by and reapply regularly. Arenas with silica sand have a wicked glare, which can be damaging for your eyes. Consider a pair of sunglasses designed for sport that block both UVA and UVB rays for maximum eye protection.

2. Stay hydrated

It’s just as important for you as it is for your horse to keep some water close by when you are schooling. Drink whenever you can and replace electrolytes with your own electrolyte solution after sweaty rides.

3. Wet towels and ice cubes are your friends

A wet towel on the back of your neck is a lifesaver on hot days, and you can place ice cubes inyour pockets or down your shirt. Cooling towels get ice cold when you put them in water and then shake them so invest in one of these if you can!

4. Take plenty of breaks

However, hot you’re feeling, your horse is feeling it more, so never be shy to take breaks when you need them. It’s beneficial for both of you.

YOUR PONY IN THE HEAT

Sometimes it’s better not to ride. The higher the temperature and the humidity, the more dangerous it can be. Just remember the rule of thumb –if you’re struggling with the heat, your pony is struggling more.