Your First Pony - Riding During Summer

This article is from the January 2019 Horse Deals magazine

Your First Pony - Riding During Summer with Catherine Shelley NCAS EA SSTA/ CE Level 2 General Coach, NCAS Level 1 RDA Coach, Dip. of TB racing - Melton Equestrian accredited with EA Ready, Set, Trot program.

When riding on hot days, there are a few things to take into consideration; that make sure the experience is a safe one, comfortable and most of all, enjoyable for both you and your pony.

Sun safety

Sunscreen is a must. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer; so, slather on the 50+ sunscreen, all over your face, ears, front and back of your neck and arms. The peak of your riding hat will not prevent you from getting a sun burnt face, so use sun protection on your ride just the same as you would at any other time.

The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight; and sunburn causes 95% of melanomas; which is the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Just because the sun may have cloud cover, you can still get sunburnt; even sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning can still cause damage to your skin cells over time which may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year, can also lead to skin cancer.

If you do ride your pony when it is hot, do not do away with wearing your correct riding clothes, and more importantly wearing your riding helmet. Nowadays, there are some great vented and lightweight helmets available at most saddlers. There are quite a few riders who own summer and winter helmets, thus making it more comfortable riding throughout the ever-changing weather conditions we have here in Australia.

Remember to cover your arms - a lightweight shirt with long sleeves offers more protection than a t-shirt or vest top, against scrapes and grazes, and is just as comfortable and cool.

Black Horse clothing have a great Lightweight SPF, which is sun-safe, as well as a moisture wicking fabric that works to keep riders cool whilst being covered up and protected by the sun.

Horses can burn in the sun in the same way as people can, especially on pink and white areas - around the nose and muzzle particularly. There are lots of different types of sunscreens and sun blocks available specifically for horses and ponies, so choose the best one for your particular needs.

The heat
Early mornings and evenings, during the summer time are the best times to ride if possible.

I love to start my day early, so I can ride before the day starts to heat up. Try to avoid riding during the hottest hours of the day, from about 11.30am to 4.00pm; particularly if you and your pony are training hard.

A very good idea is to check the official weather reports, early during the morning before you prepare to go riding. You can do this by radio, television, following the news, online or on the home page of a family mobile phone. Then decide if you want to go riding or stay in the cool.

If you are going to be riding during the sunniest times of the day, think about your route before you set out and try to aim for shadier areas, where both horse and rider can stay cool.

Long leather or rubber boots can be very hot and uncomfortable, so wear a pair of Jodhpur boots which are far more practicable for the warmer months; and you can put on chaps whilst in the saddle.

Hydration

Hydration is very important for both horse and rider particularly when it is hot, so carry a drink bottle filled with water, and stop to have a drink regularly and don’t forget to offer your pony a drink at the same time.

A quick and easy way to check the hydration levels of both horse and rider is by lightly pinching an area of skin, such as the back of the hand for the rider, or the neck for horses. The skin should spring back quickly, and not take more than a second to return to normal. Any longer than that is a symptom of dehydration, and you should seek shade, cool down, and drink or offer water.

Heat exhaustion

Whilst riding, always be aware of the signs of dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion in both yourself and your horse.

For yourself, signs are the onset of struggling for breath, feeling that your heart is beating faster, your mouth is very dry, and you feel quite weak, almost as though you are going to faint, and if your pony could talk he would tell you the same thing.

Remember, if you are feeling the heat in any way, shape or form ...your pony will be feeling it also; and probably being more affected by the heat than your good self.

Flies & bugs

You probably already use a fly repellent on your horse if they are turned out over the summer, and it’s just as important to protect them during your ride as well. Fly fringes which attach to the browband can make a big difference in minimising fly irritation to your horse’s eyes. You’ll also probably want to consider using some form of bug repellent for yourself when the flies are out in force, to avoid being bitten to death by horseflies.

Gear & surface

If you use a numnah or saddle cloth, try to steer clear of heavy and fur covered ones - consider lighter, moisture wicking equivalents instead. Remember that as your horse starts to work and sweat, the girth will loosen, so check it regularly throughout your ride to make sure that the saddle is still secure.
On hot days, your horse or pony will warm up faster than during the colder months, but it’s still important to go through the warm up process at the start of your ride in order for your horse’s joints and muscles to prepare for exertion.

The ground will be harder after the sun has been out for a while, so take this into account when considering your pace and performance.

Horses at higher risk

Mature or overweight horses and ponies are much more susceptible to the problems over heating can bring, so being in tune with the needs and issues of the horse you are riding is very important.

Cool down correctly

Remember as you come towards the end of your ride, to cool your horse down properly by relaxing the pace.

Once you return to the stables, remember the golden rule of equine care - always put your horse’s comfort before your own. Offer cool but not cold water once the horse has cooled down, and if he has exerted himself significantly, consider if you may need to add replacement electrolytes to his water.

If your horse has sweated a lot during the ride, consider rinsing him off with cool (again, never cold) water, and rub him down.

Getting the very best out of your horse or pony, and enjoying your time with him, is what equestrianism is all about - so get out there and enjoy it!

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