As horse riders, it feels like we wait all year for the summer. The fairer season brings longer evenings and drier conditions and with them, plenty more opportunities to get out and ride. For the most part in the UK, the temperatures tend to be fairly mild, but the country also is no stranger to heatwaves and periods of extreme heat. When these hot temperatures roll in, it may leave you wondering “when is it too hot to ride a horse in the UK?” Keep reading to find out all you need to know.
When is it too hot to ride a horse in the UK?
When it comes to how much heat a horse can handle, it’s not just the temperature you should be looking at, but the humidity too. Humidity is an extremely important factor to consider as it can raise your horse’s temperature due to the water in the air preventing the sweat on their skin from evaporating effectively.
The horse heat index
To determine how hot is too hot to ride in the UK, do a simple calculation by adding together the actual temperature and the percentage of humidity, this is known as the horse heat index. Bear in mind that the horse heat index is measured in Fahrenheit, not Celsius.
Temperature (F) + Humidity (%) = The Horse Heat Index
| 120 or less | It’s fine to ride, continue as normal. Your horse’s cooling system will be working effectively. |
| 120 – 150 | Stick to lighter work with more frequent breaks. Your horse’s cooling system won’t be as efficient, and they’ll sweat more. Be sure to cool off well after riding. |
| 150 – 180 | Skip the exercise or do very light work. Your horse’s ability to regulate their temperature is greatly reduced and there’s a risk of heat stress. Cool down properly post-ride. |
| 180 or more | Avoid exercise. It’s incredibly dangerous to work in these conditions as your horse will be unable to regulate their temperature and, in some cases, it can even be fatal. |
As a general rule, the hotter and more humid the weather, the more your horse will be unable to cope. Horses do rely on sweating to keep cool, but sometimes this just isn’t enough, and they can get far too hot when they’re being worked. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and skip the ride.
Other factors to consider
The too hot to ride a horse in the UK chart listed above is a rough guide and there are other factors you should consider when it comes to the temperatures your horse can cope with.
1. Fitness level
Fit horses that get ridden regularly and consistently work hard will be far more likely to be able to deal with the heat. Horses that only get ridden a couple of times a week in lower-level work will usually find higher temperatures harder to deal with.
2. Acclimatisation period
Consider how acclimatised your horse is to the heat and humidity. If they have had a period of time to gradually build up to working in the higher temperatures, they will find this easier than a horse that has had no time to acclimatise.
3. Weight
Overweight horses will find it much harder to regulate their temperature as the excess fat traps heat and can cause their temperature to increase to dangerous levels. It can also place more stress on their cardiovascular system.
4. Intensity of work
Horses can’t do as much in hot weather as they would at other times because they are not used to working for long periods in the heat. If it’s hot, stick to calmer work instead. Go for a shady hack in the woods or if you’re lucky enough, head on down to the beach for a splash in the sea. Spend most of the ride in walk and avoid too much fast work or riding them too hard. Allow plenty of time for breaks too.
5. Health conditions
Horses with asthma or allergies will find hot temperatures particularly difficult to deal with as they will interfere with their breathing and reduce their ability to regulate temperature. Additionally, horses with Cushing’s disease typically have thicker coats and will struggle more with the heat, therefore it may be a good idea to clip them to remove the excess insulation.
6. Time of day
The time of day you ride plays a huge part in how hot it actually feels to you and your horse. Try and beat the heat and go really early in the morning before it heats up too much or go much later in the evening when the temperature has dropped again. Always avoid the hottest part of the day for exercising your horse.
Make sure you also pay close attention to the ground. With dry conditions comes hard ground and this is something that has to be factored in when it comes to riding horses in hot weather.
If you do ride when it’s hot, make sure you cool your horse down well post-ride. The best way to do this is by continuously pouring water all over their body and allowing it to drip off. It’s a myth that water must be scrapped off otherwise it acts as an insulator – there is no need.
Offer them a drink straight after riding too, it’s an old wife’s tale that it can increase the risk of colic, it’s completely fine to do so.
Signs of dehydration to look out for
When exercising during periods of extreme heat, it’s incredibly important to look out for signs of dehydration in your horse. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Thick and sticky saliva
- Mucous membranes (such as gums) that are redder in colour
- Increased pulse and rate of breathing
- Lack of appetite
- Flaring of nostrils
- Dark urine or not passing urine
If you spot any of the signs listed above, it’s time to act as soon as possible. Move your horse to a cooler location and try offering them some water. For horses that are reluctant to drink, you can provide a sloppy rehydration feed, such as Saracen RE-COVERY mash to try and encourage the intake of fluids. If you’re concerned about your horse and are struggling to get them to have any fluids, contact your vet right away. Left untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stress which can be fatal.
Now you know when it’s too hot to ride a horse in the UK! Looking for more information on caring for your equine in the summer months? Check out our guide on looking after hot horses next.