Sun Rides

During these hot summer months, it's easy to come up with any excuse to complain or grouch about not wanting to ride. Here in Texas it's not uncommon for summer to carry on all the way to late October. So when it's hot, and I mean really hot, it's often justified to let dust collect on your saddle due to feeling lazy or even exhausted between the heat, humidity, glaring sunlight and grumpy horses.

Have no fear though, all of this can be adjusted and alleviated by some simple steps to keep you cool, comfortable and motivated to enjoying summer rides.

First, lets start with time of day, location and clothing. For many riders, work day hours fall between 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.. This means that you'll have to plan either early morning or late, late in the evening to accomplish your riding.

To ride safely in the evening, most likely, you'll need to ride in an arena, but not everyone will have access to this type of facility. What arena riding offers is a place to safely contain your riding exercises, and it can be more convenient when time constraints are an issue.

Many trainers use late night hours because it is cooler on horses and riders. The main challenge to doing this is that you'll have to adjust to new sleep patterns. Between the hours of 10 P.M. to 3 A.M. is often the optimal time for training- unless you're in a position where this is practical, it can prove to be difficult to attempt and energy. So the early morning ride is the next choice available. You may have to still create a new sleeping schedule, but the sunrise ride to me is the best. Horses seem to be fresh and more willing at the start of the day. Whether it's a before work tune-up ride for one or two hours or a day off pleasure ride before the temperature climbs to triple digits, you can both have fun working up an appetite for breakfast, and then you've got the rest of the day to recover.

If neither of these options are possible and you want to still ride your horse, a covered arena can be the next best alternative or if you must hit the trails, pick a shady tree covered path that keeps you both cool.

When riding in hotter climates, your outfit and your horses outfit matters a great deal. Light weight riding apparel and even colors such as white, tan and breathable fabrics makes you less likely to suffer from exhaustion. Half chaps instead of boots and chaps may still feel warm, but they are lighter while offering the security of chaps.

Never would shorts be sensible or appropriate because your legs could receive and nasty burn, but white jeans or thin yoga pants for women could be one option, for men chinos or khakis work great. Also, under gear type shirts that football players wear are excellent for working away sweat. Tank tops are too risky for sunburns, scratches, and insect bites.

Chambray shirts or anything 100% cotton including simple t-shirts are better than heavy denim. Some of this seems obvious but you'd be surprised how much a rider's equine riding apparel can help when heat is a factor.

Big floppy bonnet type hats are fine but a big palm leaf can be cooler and look more horseman like. Helmets are the safest and have vents, and if you feel they are still too hot, try this little trick, place a slightly damp or cool cabbage leaf on your head before putting your brain bucket on.

Always be sure to carry water, but a word of caution concerning water reservoir back packs, they can possibly offset you center of gravity thereby affecting your overall balance and coordination. The choices for your horse is just as important as the rider's choices.

A 3/4 inch wool horse blanket is my preferred choice over heavy synthetic pads. Synthetic pads can actually trap heat not properly allowing your horse to cool off, but a wool horse blanket will breathe. Even the color of your blanket plays a role, too. Avoid dark colored blankets such as black or navy. This also might be the time to use your English saddle, if you have one, or maybe your lighter western saddle. Don't forget bareback riding. It is an excellent way to keep your horse cool, and for you to work on your leg strength and independent seat. Even though you're trying to stay cooler, you're also working on variety and skill by exploring different riding equipment.

No matter what you wear or tack-up with, one thing that must be included is your pacing priorities. This is a check list of riding criteria to protect your horse from overheating. If your horse overheats, immediately get off, and remove all tack. If you have access to a hose or pond, splash water on the neck, chest and the inside of the horses legs. This will help them cool off more quickly. Never spray a hot horse's back. The cold water can cause painful muscle tightening.

1. Begin with a healthy horse in top condition.
2. Care for his feet.
3. Feed him breakfast early enough for the ride.
4. Use clean, well-fitting, professional quality gear.
5. Alternate trotting and walking at reasonable rates.
6. Climb hills in a zigzag pattern.
7. Take frequent breaks to allow your horse to rest. Remove the bridle to drink.
8. Avoid profuse sweating.
9. During breaks, dismount, undo the rear cinch, and tip the saddle to cool the horses back.
10. Take time to clean any debris from pads, and reset the saddle. Be sure to check saddle tightness during your breaks.

By using these tips as a guide to safer and more comfortable riding, your time on the trail or in the arena will be more tolerable and fun.

The rider's effectiveness is determined by their level of fitness and awareness. Just like your horse, it is important to monitor your body and heat level. If you feel yourself overheating, take a break in the shade. I don't think your horse will mind a bit. Remember to drink water before you're thirsty. Caffeine dehydrates you and if you like some taste to your refreshments, add sweet tasty sports drinks with water and it will help you absorb them easier without the energy drop afterwards.

Here's a tip from movie sets, take a banana soaked in sea breeze astringent and ice. Drape it on the back of your neck for a quick cool-me off. You can also eat cooling snacks, or take some in your ice chest and when you finish riding. Watermelon is the perfect hot day food, and your horse loves to eat the rind.

Summer is the best reason to explore sunsets and the fresh foods that remind us of our childhood when eating snow cones, swimming and sleeping under the stars were reasons to stay outdoors all day. Now we have to pay attention to sunscreen, electrolytes and the ozone. So before you find excuses, reasons or to much advice that discourages you to get out and ride, follow these simple steps to plan a great ride that will be comfortable, enjoyable, and full of vitamin D and who knows maybe after the sun goes down you'll have an urge to catch a few fire flies.

Instructor/Trainer - Robert M. Liner has helped thousands of people improve their understanding of horses through his Intuitive Equine Guidance™ seminars, clinics, and lessons. For more information, see his Spirit of the Horse™ Demonstrations or visit www.equineinline.com.

Until next time, Ride the Wise Ride.