When is it too hot?

JW, when is is too hot to ride? IK I live in Maine but it still can get pretty hot up here.

Depends on the horse. If I really need to work a horse but it's 95F out, I'll just give them a light work. Anything over 95F I won't ride in.

I figure if it's hot enough that it's not fun for me, it probably isn't fun for the horse. Humidity matters more to me than heat. If it's over 85 F here, the humidity's probably in the 80%'s, too. Not pleasant... can barely tack up without needing a shower after. A little breeze makes all the difference.

Ok. Thanks! My horse sweats a LOT. Should I think about putting him on electrolytes?

Are you serious? =/ I mean don't wild horses ride in hot, sunny weather? I'm just curious too, there isn't a day in the summer when it's under 95 here.

It also depends on what your horse is used to. If they have very thin coats from hot summers, they're fine for hard work under more extreme temperatures.

My horse is not a wild horse. He is domestic. All horses are different. My horse is used to Maine climates. He was born and raised in PA. He is used to being in a stable with fans because he raced a lot

So like, I'm near Houston. Would you suppose the horses here are customary to being worked in this heat? I know most are clipped just for the purposes of keeping them cool.

We don't work our horses in the heat because we don't have to. If your ride early enough or late enough, you can beat the heat. If you can avoid it, why wouldnt you? I know that some horses can go for hours in the 100 degree heat, but it is more about what they are used to than what they arent. On days like that, you want to take it easy and offer water whenever possible.

As far as the sweating, some horses just sweat more than others. I have a 'sweater' too and we just make sure he has a mineral block and lots of water.

Wild horses generally find ways to beat the heat if they get too hot; mud baths, hanging out in shady spots, etc. Acclimation has a lot to do with it, too, as equiniphile said.

Also, 95 F with low humidity can feel peachy and comfy, while 85 F with high humidity can feel like the hinges of you-know-where.

Every hot-weather rider ought to be somewhat familiar with the symptoms and treatment for heat-related problems in horses (and themselves ), just in case.