Happy (and Safe) Trails to You This Summer!
Jun 01, 2020
If you’re an equine enthusiast, June is likely the beginning of one of your favorite seasons. With the extra hours of sunlight and warm temperatures, summer is perfect for a creating those memorable outdoor adventures with your horse. Before you load the trailer or saddle them up, check out these tips to protect your pony during trail rides.
Heat Exhaustion
It’s easy to not think about getting overheated until you start to feel the effects, but remember your horse is exerting a lot more energy than you and is wearing hot tack, too, so but an eye out for excessive sweating and increases in body temperature, heart rate and rate of respiration. More serious symptoms include muscles tightening or quivering, the flank drawing up, or the horse dropping or rolling on the ground. If you notice your horse is experiencing heat stress, find a shady area with a breeze (or create one) and douse the animal with water.
Keep cool – especially their back
Horses can hold heat on their back and that increases their overall body temperature. Just like you would prefer an athletic shirt with wicking technology, a horse would prefer a saddle pad that will keep them cool. Visit your local Co-op for many options in horse tack created with warm-weather riding in mind. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect tack and accessories for the safety and comfort of your horse.
Protecting yourself
Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too, while your out riding this summer. First, use sunscreen. Put it on before you start riding and take it with you for additional applications to prevent burns and sun damage. Wear light-colored clothing to keep you cool. Consider fabrics with wicking technology which draw moisture from the body, providing a cooler, more comfortable athletic experience.
As you hit the happy trails this summer, we hope these quick tips will help keep you and your faithful four-legged riding companion healthy and safe!
Heat Exhaustion
It’s easy to not think about getting overheated until you start to feel the effects, but remember your horse is exerting a lot more energy than you and is wearing hot tack, too, so but an eye out for excessive sweating and increases in body temperature, heart rate and rate of respiration. More serious symptoms include muscles tightening or quivering, the flank drawing up, or the horse dropping or rolling on the ground. If you notice your horse is experiencing heat stress, find a shady area with a breeze (or create one) and douse the animal with water.
Keep cool – especially their back
Horses can hold heat on their back and that increases their overall body temperature. Just like you would prefer an athletic shirt with wicking technology, a horse would prefer a saddle pad that will keep them cool. Visit your local Co-op for many options in horse tack created with warm-weather riding in mind. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect tack and accessories for the safety and comfort of your horse.
Protecting yourself
Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too, while your out riding this summer. First, use sunscreen. Put it on before you start riding and take it with you for additional applications to prevent burns and sun damage. Wear light-colored clothing to keep you cool. Consider fabrics with wicking technology which draw moisture from the body, providing a cooler, more comfortable athletic experience.
As you hit the happy trails this summer, we hope these quick tips will help keep you and your faithful four-legged riding companion healthy and safe!