It’s undeniable: Each summer seems to feel hotter than the last. These sweltering stretches are not only uncomfortable for your horse but also for you, his caretaker. Heat makes everything more demanding. When the temperatures rise, your routine barn chores lose their luster. Here’s how to stay cool at the barn.
Signs You’re Overheating
At My New Horse, we’ve put together several resources about caring for horses in the summer heat (such as How Hot is Too Hot to Ride a Horse?), but what about the rider? If you’re spending a lot of time outside this summer, you will want to keep your personal health in mind.
When you overheat, you can suffer from muscle cramping, heat exhaustion, or, worst-case, heatstroke. If you start to feel cramping in your legs or your stomach/lower back, this is a sign it’s time to get out of the heat and rehydrate. Drink fluids with electrolytes (such as Gatorade) to help replenish the essentials your body has lost through sweat.
If you start sweating profusely and experience nausea, headache, and/or lightheadedness, this is a sign you’re starting to suffer from heat exhaustion. Your body has lost an excessive amount of water and salt from sweating. Move into a shaded area with plenty of airflow or air conditioning, drink water or a sports drink with electrolytes, and apply wet towels to the back of your neck and forehead.
When you get to the point of heatstroke, medical help is essential. Symptoms of heat stroke include your body’s temperature regulation failing (reaching 104 degrees F or higher), rapid breathing, headache and/or dizziness, and skin that is flush, dry, and hot to the touch. Anyone suffering from heatstroke must be moved to a cool place immediately. While waiting for medical personnel, cover as much of your body as possible with cold, wet towels. Ideally, you should be immersed up to the neck in cold water. (Note: Experts warn against forcing heatstroke victims to drink fluids or giving them pain relievers.)
To avoid these scenarios, take the extra time to think through how you’ll tackle horse chores and riding schedule in the summer heat.
Work Early to Get the Worm
If it’s possible to adjust your schedule, plan your day so you complete all the high-intensity labor early in the morning or late in the evening. Chores such as riding, stacking hay, or other strenuous outdoor activities should be done when the sun isn’t as high in the sky and the humidity isn’t as intense. Indoor chores, such as cleaning and repairing tack or organizing the tack room, are safe to do during peak heat so long as you have adequate airflow in the area.
Enjoy the Breeze
Outfit the barn with fans to keep you cool when cleaning stalls or doing other chores. Movable fans are especially useful for maintaining airflow and deterring flying bugs. Ways to improve your barn’s airflow include placing a large livestock fan in the barn aisle or investing in a misting fan. Open all the windows and doors to your barn to welcome the breeze and lower the inside temperature.
Pro tip: Follow all precautions when using fans in the barn. Use only fans with closed motors, and keep the area around them free of obstructions and dust. Avoid using box fans when you’re not present.
Dress Cool, and We’re Not Talking Stylish
Save your dark riding clothing for the cooler months. Invest in lightweight, breathable breeches and shirts for riding, or even loose-fitting pants or shorts for routine chores outside of the saddle. Western riders will want to avoid wearing chaps or chinks—unless needed for riding in the brush—and should pair their jeans with lightweight tops. When riding and working outside, wear loose, lightweight long-sleeved shirts to help protect your arms from the sun and wick away the sweat.
A light-colored, lightweight hat with good airflow can keep you cool because it’ll divert the sun’s rays from your head, especially if you have dark hair. The hat can also help protect your eyes from the intensity of the sun, reducing the risk of eye strain and discomfort. (Add sunglasses that can block UV rays to prevent potential long-term eye damage.) Check out helmets that come with wide or full brims to cover your face and neck.
Make Sunscreen Your Friend
Each summer, refresh your stash of sunscreen. Keep a bottle in your vehicle, your trailer, and at the barn so you can apply and reapply throughout the day. Using at least 50 SPF sunscreen will protect you from the effects of too much sun. Worried about expiration dates? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sunscreen should remain at its original strength for at least three years. However, some sunscreens list an expiration date for the point at which they’re no longer as effective as when first opened.
Stay Hydrated
Avoid consuming drinks with caffeine, sugar, or alcohol, all of which can dehydrate you. Be careful with sports drinks that might contain too much sugar and salt. Keeping an insulated water bottle or cup filled with water available at all times will encourage you to drink water throughout the day. If you have a small refrigerator at the barn, fill it with fresh fruit, extra water bottles, and other healthy snacks and drinks. This will help you stay healthy and hydrated throughout the day.
Bonus: Use the refrigerator to store cooling towels you can grab for instant relief—for your or your horse!
Don’t Forget to Eat
Eating nutritious foods and staying well-hydrated can help support healthy electrolyte levels. Sometimes you might not feel like eating much during the summer because you’re so hot. However, it’s important to remember to eat lightly throughout the day to maintain your energy levels. Having fresh fruit, crackers, nut butter, and whole grain bread available for snacks and lunches will keep your hunger satiated in a wholesome way.
Take Lots of Breaks
Plan on chores taking longer than normal, and schedule plenty of rest breaks out of the sun. Pushing yourself can cause heat exhaustion. During breaks, catch your breath, drink more water, and wrap your neck with a cooling towel.
Take-Home Message
On hot days, pay extra attention to yourself as well as the humans and animals around you. If you’re in a region that has high humidity, keep in mind that both temperature and humidity levels can affect human and equine health. Even if you’re riding during the coolest part of the day, be cognizant of how you and your horse are reacting to the heat. Take the time to cool your horse out completely.
Stay safe to enjoy the summer!
Related Reading:
- Watch for These 8 Summer Horse Health Risks
- How To Keep Your Horse Cool When Riding
- Keeping Your Horse Hydrated
Megan Arszman, a lifelong horsewoman, loves sharing her passion for horses with others, especially her daughter. Together, they enjoy riding their Quarter Horses around their Central Indiana farm and spend weekends showing Miniature Horses and dogs.
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