Horses and heat
Horses have a hard time in the heat, so it’s ok to ease up on our training and spend some time doing fun activities.
If you have the option, water exploration can be a great way to combine work and fun.
Most of us look forward to the summer every year and every year we forget just how oppressive the heat can get during the hottest weeks of the year. With temperatures well over 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, it can be very difficult to do anything productive outside during the day.
Finding the time to work with our horses in these times can be tricky, as the only real option is the (very) early morning. And so, a lot of us find ourselves torn by the need to keep our horses fit and the worry that it's too hot to work them. Horses are less able to handle strenuous work in the heat than humans are. While they do sweat (unlike dogs for example), they have a harder time cooling their bodies, simply due to their size and muscle bulk. This is also one of the reasons they have an easier time in winter. When deciding whether or not it's too hot to work your horse, remember that it's not only the temperature that's the deciding factor. It's the humidity too. In high humidity, sweat does not evaporate as easily, thus reducing its cooling function.
If you're like me, you feel a twinge of guilt for not keeping your horse in proper training during the hotter time of the year. You worry about him losing stamina and muscles, you worry about the negative effects of a weaker core. But let's be honest, sometimes a break is a better call. Giving your horse a break from heavy work during a heat wave is probably a better idea and will be overall more beneficial than sticking to your training schedule no matter what. Remember, horses don't lose endurance as quickly as people do, so a couple of weeks off serious work won't have that big an effect on his overall athletic ability.
Instead, you can decide to spend this time working on your relationship and exploring low intensity activities. You can try meditating with your horse, teaching him tricks, or trying cool things like scent work. This is also a good time to explore some bodywork techniques and focus on static core exercises. A 15-minute walk in the woods, followed by 15 minutes of core exercises and a short session of learning a trick or two is actually a great way to spend a training session. If you follow that up with some gentle stretching or bodywork and a nice cold shower, your horse will probably be much happier than if you insist on working him under saddle despite the heat. So, be easy on yourself and your horse this summer and indulge in some joyful activities together.