08/17/2026
☀️🐴 IS IT TOO HOT TO RIDE? DO THE MATH FIRST!
Just because your horse is willing to work in the heat doesn’t mean it’s safe.
One of the easiest ways to estimate how efficiently your horse can cool himself is to add the actual air temperature (°F) + relative humidity (%).
🌡️ TEMPERATURE + HUMIDITY = YOUR NUMBER
Here’s a quick guide:
Temp + Humidity What It Means
Under 130 🟢 Lower risk — horses can cool themselves relatively efficiently
130–150 🟡 Use caution — cooling ability is decreased
Over 150 🔴 High risk — cooling ability is greatly reduced; avoid riding when possible
Over 180 🚨 DANGEROUS — conditions can become life-threatening with exertion
☀️ HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:
It’s 100°F outside with 58% relative humidity.
100 + 58 = 158
🔴 That puts your horse OVER 150.
Even though 58% humidity may not sound terrible, when combined with a 100°F air temperature, your horse has a much harder time getting rid of the heat produced during exercise.
DON'T FORGET THE INDIVIDUAL HORSE
These numbers are a guideline, not a guarantee of safety.
Older horses, overweight horses, horses that aren't conditioned to the heat, horses with long hair coats, and especially horses with anhidrosis can develop heat stress much sooner.
When temperatures are extreme, consider riding early in the morning, shortening your workout, decreasing the intensity, taking frequent breaks and providing plenty of water.
Sometimes the safest training decision you can make is simply:
It's too hot. We'll ride another day.
