Summer & Hot Weather

At this time, of course we all need to pay attention to summer temperatures .

My typical day starts at 05:30 am, I arrive at the stable and put the horses in the walker for about 30 minutes and with others I do some gymnastics ( one day I’ll tell you about that too) . After the night rest it’s important for the horses to move and put their muscles in motion but without pressure.

Then they go back to the stable where they get hay and breakfast and for 2/3 hours they rest and digest.

Around 8:30 a.m. in rotation, some horses go back to the walker for about 20 minutes and others go to the field for about 1h, while others do their training session.

At 12:00 am all in for lunch!

In the late afternoon we start again! Again, In rotation, some horses are ridden, or gym on the rope, others go to the paddock and others to the walker.

Before returning to their boxes everyone does a hand exercise session, followed by a massage and a good brushing.

Snack time : for everyone a good mash with apples and bananas, enriched with electrolytes and seed oil.

Around 7.00 p.m. everyone ready for the evening! Hay and dinner served!

Evening check around 10.00 pm and then everyone to bed but always under the eye of the cameras !

So, this is my typical day at the moment, but I would like to give you some helpful tips that you can keep in mind during those hot days!

It is important to ensure that horses are in great conditions to face hot temperatures in summer for several reasons:

• Health and well-being: Horses are highly susceptible to heat stress and related health issues such as dehydration.
• Performance and productivity: Horses that are comfortable and well-cared for in hot weather are more likely to maintain their performance and productivity levels. When horses are in good physical condition, they can perform their tasks efficiently, whether it's riding, working, or attending competitions.
• Hydration and nutrition: Hot temperatures increase the horse's water and electrolyte requirements. Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration and other heat-related issues.
• Stress reduction: Extreme heat can cause stress and discomfort for horses. By providing them with proper cooling mechanisms like fans and access to water you can help alleviate their discomfort and reduce stress levels.
• Preventing respiratory issues: High temperatures can exacerbate respiratory issues in horses, especially if they are kept in poorly ventilated areas or exposed to dusty environments. Proper ventilation and regular cleaning of stables are very important

"When the temperatures are very hot, it is essential to take special precautions to keep sport horses hydrated.”

Here are some helpful tips:

• Provide abundant clean water: Ensure that horses have constant access to fresh, clean water. Regularly check that water troughs are full and functioning properly.
• Alleviate heat: Offer adequate shelter or shade to protect horses from direct sunlight. If possible, provide well-ventilated stables or keep horses outdoors only during the cooler hours of the day.
• Cooling systems: Use cooling systems such as fans or misters in areas where horses rest or train.
• Schedule workouts during cooler hours: Choose the coolest times of the day for workouts or competitions. Avoid exercising horses during the hottest hours, such as noon or early afternoon.
• Electrolyte supplementation: During hot days, horses can lose electrolytes through sweat. add to  horses' diet with electrolytes is necessary to help maintain proper fluid balance.
• Monitor signs of dehydration: Be vigilant for signs of dehydration in horses, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, dark urine or reduced urine production,
• Gradual acclimation: If you anticipate a period of intense heat, try to gradually acclimate the horses to the rising temperatures. Allowing them to adapt progressively to the heat can help them better manage thermal stress.

Here are some tips for managing training in intense heat:

• Choose the best times: Avoid training horses during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt for the early morning or late afternoon hours, when temperatures are cooler.
• Cooling and hydration:  During training, take frequent breaks . At the end of work, it would be good to bathe the horse's body with cool water to help them cool down.
• Light training: Reduce the intensity and duration of training during hot days. it is important to allow horses to adjust gradually. Start with shorter, lighter training sessions and gradually increase the intensity over the next few days.
• Consider the ground: Also pay attention to the type of ground you are training the horses on.  Try to avoid hard or too soft surfaces.
• Avoid transportation : during hot days avoid transporting your horses

And what about us??? We also need to keep in mind few rules !

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot days when you may be more prone to dehydration.

Here are some tips to help you keep yourself hydrated:

• Drink plenty of water: Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip on it throughout the day.
• Set reminders: It's easy to forget to drink water when you're busy or distracted. Set reminders on your phone  that can help you remember to take regular sips of water.
• Drink electrolyte-rich fluids: During hot days, you may lose electrolytes through sweat. In addition to water, consider consuming fluids that contain electrolytes,
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine: Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and sodas, can have a diuretic effect, causing you to lose more fluids.
• Eat hydrating foods: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute to your overall hydration. Include foods like watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens in your diet.

That´s all for today guys!! 

Enjoy the sun ;-)

Silvia