20.05.12

Beat the Heat Keep your cool with clothing: breathable moisture wicking fabrics such as Coolmax and other trademarked technologies can be found in both schooling and show clothes. Evaporative cooling products are soaked in water to activate and draw heat away from the body with special fibers. Vests, neck coolers and under helmet or headwear items work well for equestrians. The technology is also available in products for horses and dogs. Schedule your ride time to avoid the hottest part of the day. Ride after the sun goes down or early in the morning before it heats up. Enjoy a cooling spray in the washrack along with your horse! When the mercury rises, keep an eye on humidity as well; high temperatures and humidity put you and your horse at risk of heat-related illness. When the heat index (temperature in degrees Fahrenheit plus humidity percentage) reaches 120, your horse’s natural cooling mechanisms begin to be compromised; over 150 is the danger zone.

Source: HorseChannel.com