The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Summer riding

3K views 31 replies 14 participants last post by  tbstorm 
#1 ·
Hello!

So i am now finally riding constantly every week :) yay! Before it was a lesson here at a friends house there so i am quite excited. But im not used to riding in the summer and I am exersizing four horses for the entire summer so what i was just wondering what some of you guys do to tolerate riding in the heat? What do you wear? any useful tips?

Thanks :)
 
#2 ·
It's best to ride early morning or late evening, I would avoid anything from 11.00-5.00 at all cost. I made the mistake today when I changed plans from going out at 7 to around noon because I woke up late and I was suppose to go out to dinner. Well, absolutely horrible idea.
While you probably won't have to walk over a mile to find your four in the field (I didn't even know the field was that big o.o ), I was quite literally dripping sweat by the time I found her and walked back (with the rest of the herd stampeding towards us at one point and then following us) to the barn..normally I can go hours in the heat without dehydrating or getting thirsty..but as soon as I got her in the cross ties I went to the house for water. By that time, I had no effort or want to ride, I was already wiped out.
I was only wearing a cami and jeans..which ended up looking like I jumped in the river or something by the time I left the barn, after being there for only 2 and a half hours.

But..nothing between 11-5, lots of water, sunscreen (and I like a hat, since I don't wear sunscreen), more water, flyspray (for both of you!), some sort of shade for breaks..and did I mention lots of water for everyone?
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#3 ·
If it's over 77F, I restrict my riding to early morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. If I do only have time to ride during the hottest part, I go into the woods where it's cooler under the forest canopy. I do wear equestrian specific riding gear designed to wick away sweat & keep you somewhat cool-er. When I am done riding, a cold beer goes down good.:-p
 
#4 ·
As long as you ain't still out in the heat when ya get the beer. o.o
You'll end up like my boyfriend, puking in my neighbours yard and letting me get hollered at for it when she has to clean it up. >.>
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#7 ·
Funny thing, it was only about 7-8 beers in 5 hours..he just had to wait until after we left the beach and got to my house to do it, lol.
But, I'm gonna have to say I completely agree with you. It's even better after a 40 minute drive back to civilization. :p
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#8 ·
I agree, the alcohol can sneak up on you in the heat! In BC, Canada, the Cariboo where I live, it rarely gets 85. An enjoyable 75 or 76 is normal, and always cools off to below 70 at night and it is not humid, a dry heat. It is ideal to ride in, pretty lucky I guess.
 
#10 ·
Haha i only know celsius and I'm in B.C. too and also 16 lol so no cold beer for me ;) its around 20-27 degrees right now which for me is way way way too hot! i prefer cloud cover or rain :) I honestly would much rather ride in shorts and suffer then ride in jeams in the heat, how bad could it possibly be? Any ideas on how im going to fit in all four? i was thinking do the boys and then the girls at different times? i also have to work around the property while im there. On a side note i would like to say this is THE BEST summer job ever :)
 
#11 ·
Try to fit in the horses that need the most work at the cooler times of the day. That way you'll be able to focus better and be more comfortable.
Riding in shorts really isn't that bad. I mean, you don't look professional but who cares when it's so hot right? But if you can't ride in shorts at your barn then where your shorts when working and then change into breeches when you go to ride. Don't where jeans! They are wayyy to hot most of the time!
Remember to keep water with you!!
 
#12 ·
I try to ride in the AM when possible. I have ridden in the afternoons. The hottest I will ride at is 95F which is um... 35C according to my calculator. Some people say I am mean to my horse but I think it's more mean to take it to a show on a day that is that hot, or hotter, when it is only used to being worked at cooler temps....and expect it to be at it's best all day for the show. They perform better on hot days if they are already used to being worked in the heat.

I prefer light colored cotton summer breeches when it's hot. Even regular breeches are much cooler than blue jeans which just trap all the heat. I also like riding in lightweight shirts. IF I'm indoors it's a t shirt if it's outdoors I wear long sleeve (I burn easily). This may sound strange but...for summer tops I go for light weight cotton pajama tops...(I find mine at Target). They keep you from sunburn but they are thinner than other shirts so they don't hold the heat in as bad. The darker the color the better because the lighter ones are sometimes a little too see through for my liking.

I have also been known to ride in shorts and half chaps...shhhhh don't tattle on me.
 
#13 ·
Ok! i wanted to ride in shorts but the owner told me that i will get major rubs and thats its not a good idea... maybe now that shes gone for the summer ill try, just dont tattle on ME ;) I dont think it will quite be up to 35 around here. its supposed to be cloudy tomorrow which im happy about! I have a bunch of golf shirts that im thinking would work perfectly! they're thin and i think i might even have a tank top ish one.

So im thinking that im going to take the boys out in the morning, lounge them one at a time tack up and then work one at a time and have the other one tied in the shade with a bucket of water. Would it be bad to have both out at once?

The girls will come out in the evening but im thinking i could do one in the day because it only gets up to just below thirty at the most and the one is perfect and needs little ground work before i can ride her while the other one is a bit of a freak and i need to really concentrate on getting her head in the right place before i work her.

But tomorrow ill ask and see what the owner thinks.
 
#15 ·
For myself, I just bought some really nice daskin excercise shorts. I like to ride bareback in just shorts, and I am thinking of wearing simply a sports bra and the shorts. But I wonder if that would look too... sporty?

Either that, or I'll cut the sides of an old t-shirt and slip that over so as to be nice and airy with my sports bra.
 
#16 ·
I dont think it would look too sporty! I think it would be fine. I try to wear whats the most comfortable. I'm thinking i may actually do the same, i also have some running tank tops that i've been riding in recently :)
 
#19 ·
The heat hasn't really had any effect on me this summer. I generally ride in long sleeves and jean's (I'll burn to a crisp otherwise), but I do ride in the morning generally for the horses sake. I'm not riding my horse for while, so I take it easy with the other horses I ride because I don't know how much is too much for them.
 
#22 ·
well, i only dont ride if its over 100. that being said, my horse in excellent shape for competetion and used to the heat.

to keep ME cool:
-get a helmet with vents, makes all the difference
-we keep one of the sports coolers in our indoor, next to some paper cups.
-when packing to go to the barn, bring multiple water bottles....i usually bring a bottle of gatorade and two or three water.

to keep my horse cool:
-keeping a bucket of water in the ring for walk breaks(sips only)
-picking a trail in the shade with creek crossings along the way
-using thin saddle pads
-doesnt hurt to jump off and sponge some cool water on their chests.

when riding in the heat, take extra good care of you and your horses after a ride. it usually takes me about 45 minutes to safely hydrate, cool, and make sure he is comfertable to turn back out.
 
#24 ·
Definitely take advantage of the cooler parts of the day. Since you have 4 that you are exercising for the summer, if you are confident, ponying is a wonderful alternative. I've even tacked up both and hit the trails. Pony one, then switch rides on the way back home (don't forget to loosen the girth a bit on the pony horse to give them a breather.)
I'm so glad to hear that everyone is being safe in this record breaking heat we've experienced. Here's to a quick and beautiful Fall!!
 
#30 · (Edited)
I just found something that may work for you! If you have facebook check out saddle jeans. My friend just sent me the link. Kind of goofy, but hey I would think it would save your thighs! I really am thinking about ordering some. ;)

For all who don't have facebook or rarely venture on like me;; http://saddlejeans.com/

AND, honestly I feel that is a bit steep for the price. I think I may attempt making a pair for my saddle, lol.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top