We don’t get many hot-hot days in the UK but when we do the world goes mad, so we asked our Rural team to give us their top tips for surviving the heat!
Here were our top tips:-
- Cover up! – However warm it gets, remember to keep your arms and shoulders covered when riding. A lightweight shirt with long sleeves will offer more protection than a t-shirt or vest top against insect bites, cuts, scrapes and grazes and of course… sun burn!
- Keep flies away – It is common practice for us to use a good quality fly spray on your horse if they are turned out over the summer, but it is important to protect them from flies whilst riding too. Fly fringes are very useful, they to attach to the brow band and can often make a big difference in reducing fly irritation to a horse’s eyes. Some fly fringes will also cover the ears too! Alternatively, ear bonnets can always be used to keep ears fly-free. Remember to use some insect repellent for yourself too, there is nothing worse than those horseflies out to get you on a hack!
- Remember your sun tan lotion – Not only is it important for us to apply sun protection before we head out to ride, our horses can burn just as easily as we do – so remember to take some high factor sun tan lotion with you to the yard and regularly apply to your horse if they are going to be out in the sun. Pay particular attention to the nose and muzzle areas but also the heels, as these are often quite pink for horses who have white socks and therefore very prone to sunburn!
- Plan your rides – It is always best to ride in the early morning or later in the evening on warmer summer days. Never ride in the full heat of the sun around midday, if possible, as it will be harder work for both you and your horse and can cause heat exhaustion. In warm weather it is a good idea to plan the route of your rides, take rest when you can in shady areas and keep yourself and your horse hydrated. Remember to cool your horse down towards the end of your ride by reducing the pace to a free walk.
- Keep your cool – Once the horse has cooled down, offer them cool but not cold water. If the horse appears to be overly exhausted it may be a good idea to consider adding electrolytes to your horse’s water to replace those which may have been lost during exercise. Always remember to keep water with you and keep hydrated in warm weather.
- Scrub up – Once you have finished riding and both you and your horse have rehydrated, remember to hose your horse down or wash them with clean water and a sponge. Pay particular attention to the hind legs, chest, girth and saddle areas especially. Scrape away sweat, any sweat that is left on the horse can cause itching and be very irritating, and can lead to sores. Rub the horse down after washing and remember to re-apply fly spray and sun tan lotion which may have washed off!
Feel free to add your own by commenting on our social media posts, www.facebook.com/ravenhallrural or @ravenhallrural
RM
