Here in New England, many riders get the bulk of their riding done from May-November. Unless you have access to an indoor arena (or are incredilby hardy), snow, ice and single-digit (or lower) temperatures can make riding a less-than-fun experience, so during the nice weather, we take advantage of every moment we can spend in the saddle. Of course, summer presents its own set of challenges, and at Whitman's, we have what you need to meet them.
For the Rider
Riding in hot weather can be uncomfortable - heat and humidity can sap your endurance and make you feel as though your usual 1/2 hr. of ring work or 4 mile trail ride were trials rather than treats. The right riding gear can be a big help. Cotton is great when the weather's not too extreme - we have On Course and Tuff Rider cotton breeches, which offer comfort and good looks for moderate temperatures. When the heat's really on, a technical fabric that wicks sweat and helps keep you cool is often a better choice - Kerrits Ice Fil and Venti tops, Performance and Klassic tights all fit that description. Tredstep Nero breeches are another good choice for hot weather - their ExCell fabric wicks moisture and helps keep you cool. We also have SSG Kool-Flo and Noble Outfitters Cool Mesh gloves to protect your hands without trapping the heat (the Noble Outfitters gloves are touchscreen friendly, too). Paddock boots and half-chaps are a cooler option than tall boots. We have the Tredstep Giotto, Ariat Heritage, Performer and Terrain, and Dublin Advance paddock boots. Finally, top things off with a Troxel, Tipperary or IRH helmet. They're well-ventilated and lightweight, so you can stay safe without baking your noggin.
For the Horse
Heat and humidity can take a huge toll on your horse. They really prefer cooler weather (they're most comfortable at between 20°F and 60°F, depending on condition and hair coat), so it's important to keep them as cool and comfortable as possible. Access to shade is vital; if they have access to a run-in shed or stall (or if they have limited access to turn-out), a large box fan can be used to keep the air moving and increase their comfort. Hosing your horse down with cool water is another good way to cool them down; be sure to scrape excess water away so the air can reach the skin and facilitate the cooling process.
And speaking of water, ample water intake is vital at any time of year. Access to a salt block is an excellent way to encourage your horse to drink more water; we have the Himalayan salt blocks, and they are really amazing. They're really long-slasting - they're rock hard so horses can't bite chunks off, and they won't crumble to powder in humid weather the way pressed salt and mineral blocks can. They also contain macrominerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, and microminerals like zinc, boron and selenium.
Electrolytes are a great thing to use as well, especially if your horse is working hard and sweating a lot. They encourage water intake, and replace the vital nutrients that sweating can deplete. We carry Finish Line's Apple-A-Day and Farnam Apple Elite electrolytes, which are apple flavored and sugar-free; if you horse prefers something on the sweeter side, Stress-Dex orange flavor contains dextrose to appeal to the sweet tooth. You can add these to your horse's water, or mix with grain.
Bugs are another summertime issue, and here in the Northeast, tick and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease are a serious problem. We carry a full line of spot-ons, sprays/wipes and physical barriers (sheets and masks) from Farnam, Absorbine, Durvet, Weatherbeeta, Cashel and more!
So enjoy your good riding weather, and remember, if you have questions, you can reach us in the tack shop at 802/442-2851, email horsingabout@yahoo.com, or leave a comment here on the blog!
