Summer Riding Beat The Heat
Summer is the time of year that's great for riding since it stays light out so late! There are definitely pros and cons to summer riding, but no matter what, there are things you and your horse can do to make the experience more enjoyable.
Author:Xander OddityReviewer:Dr. Felix ChaosphereOct 05, 202320.6K Shares368.5K Views
Summer is the time of year that's great for riding since it stays light out so late! There are definitely pros and cons to summer riding, but no matter what, there are things you and your horse can do to make the experience more enjoyable.
The first thing I would suggest is to avoid the heat of the day. At our farm, our lessons run in the summer from 8 am - 12 pm, and then start again at 6:00 pm and run until 9:00 pm.
Unfortunately, we do not have anywhere shaded to ride. Riding early and late is really the best option for us and our horses.
If you have trail access, riding in the shade might be a better option. Just remember to bring your horse and bug spray, flies and ticks can be especially bad in the summer.
And speaking of creepycrawlies, putting a fly bonnet on your horse will keep the flies out of his ears and from near his eyes. This will make him a lot more comfortable, and hopefully, make for a more pleasant ride for you!
If you have a young horse or are in a strict training program, time off or taking it easy in the summer might not be an option. If you are schooling a young horse or training for competitions, keeping up with your riding schedule is important.
I suggest to my students that they avoid mid-day rides. I also suggest that they keep their sessions short and sweet. Neither we or our horses have as much patience in the heat of summer.
No matter what, do a proper warm-up then decide what you want to work on and school that one thing until you are happy with it. After that, cool off and call it a day. If you are a pleasure rider, there is no need for you or your horse to overdo it in the summer.
In my opinion, getting on your horse for a half hour a day four for five days a week should be sufficient to keep him going well. Going round and round out in the heat trying to perfect something is just asking for getting into a fightwith your horse. Set yourself up for success! None of us are going to win a fight with a horse. We all know that.
We can't discuss summer riding without discussing the importance of staying hydrated. Drink lots of water and make sure your horse has access to clean water at all times.
For horses who don't drink enough water, you may consider supplementing them with electrolytes, especially if they work extra hard or live outdoors 24/7.
If your horse lives outside all the time, he hopefully has access to some shade! If the flies are really bad, he would probably appreciate a fly mask. I sometimes have mixed feelings on fly masks just because I see how sweaty the horse's faces get... It is really a matter of opinion!
In summary, I recommend ride early or late. Keep your sessions short and sweet. Don't forget the bug spray. And remember to drink, drink, drink! Have a lazy ride in the shade or relax in the shade with your horse.
Xander Oddity
Author
Xander Oddity, an eccentric and intrepid news reporter, is a master of unearthing the strange and bizarre. With an insatiable curiosity for the unconventional, Xander ventures into the depths of the unknown, fearlessly pursuing stories that defy conventional explanation. Armed with a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience in the realm of conspiracies, Xander is a seasoned investigator of the extraordinary.
Throughout his illustrious career, Xander has built a reputation for delving into the shadows of secrecy and unraveling the enigmatic. With an unyielding determination and an unwavering belief in the power of the bizarre, Xander strives to shed light on the unexplained and challenge the boundaries of conventional wisdom. In his pursuit of the truth, Xander continues to inspire others to question the world around them and embrace the unexpected.
Dr. Felix Chaosphere
Reviewer
Dr. Felix Chaosphere, a renowned and eccentric psychiatrist, is a master of unraveling the complexities of the human mind. With his wild and untamed hair, he embodies the essence of a brilliant but unconventional thinker. As a sexologist, he fearlessly delves into the depths of human desire and intimacy, unearthing hidden truths and challenging societal norms.
Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Chaosphere is also a celebrated author, renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking literary works. His written words mirror the enigmatic nature of his persona, inviting readers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche.
With his indomitable spirit and insatiable curiosity, Dr. Chaosphere continues to push boundaries, challenging society's preconceived notions and inspiring others to embrace their own inner tumult.
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