07/03/2026
Summer is here with a vengeance!
Right now it seems like the hot topic is to ride or not to ride when we have hotter temps (for us).
One gallery says absolutely do not ride for the health of the horse and the other says yes absolutely ride for the health of the horse!
Who's right?
The easy and complicated answer is both are correct.
"Wait what"? "Doing hay in this heat must have gotten to your brain your not making any sense Deb."
Let me explain. In this internet world, we forget that we all are individuals. horses like people are better equipped to handle the weather, the better in shape that they are in. For example , a marathon runner , more than likely who is acclimated to their climate will have easier time in the heat,than a person that works in the air conditioned office and maybe goes for a walk on the weekends.
Yes horses can have a harder time acclimating to the heat, then the cold (I feel) but with the right precautions, a horse can still work.
If your goal is to go to a championship in. Texas, Oklahoma, the East Coast. Then you absolutely should be riding in this weather. Your horse should already be in good enough shape that they can handle the added stress of the heat. Now, having said that, you also need to be a good horseman that understands,and knows how to check the respiratory rate and heart rate of the horse know if they're dehydrated and generally be able to tell if a horse is stressed, basically good management. This is also maybe not the best day to work on something that, you know, is difficult for your horse or that you may have to drill your horse. For example they're having a hard time with the left lead. Maybe that's not the thing you focus on for the ride. Lead changes get sticky again may not be the best day when their body is already under the added stress. All horses could benefit from having an easy ride,that is mentally easier for them. And in the end it gives in the confidence in their training
Now, for example, we paused lessons this week. Even though our lesson horses are in decent shape, they are not in riding the circuit shape. They also are a little older. And we need to take that into account as well. So comparing our 20 two-year-old horse who's job is to teach beginners how to walk jog and lope in 45 min rides fitness level to a horse that's preparing to go to a reigning championship it is not a fair comparison to put them under the same unbrella.
The horses I have in training , I still wanted them to work but chose things that were at a slower pace this week.That's what I felt fit their fitness level
So before we start pointing fingers at each other, remember that, as their owner, we need to do what's right by them. Whether it's having the day off or only doing hand walking exercises because that is what their semi-retired horse or a weekend warrior horse can handle. Or work their horse that they may be asked to do high level athletic maneuvers in a warmer climate. As long as the rider is a horseman that takes care of their animal , both are the correct thing to do.
Picture in Kentucky 2024 it was early June and in the 90's even though we hadn't seen temps close to that yet that year,, with proper management all horses came through just fine and showed really well.
