Too Hot to Ride? Heat Index, Signs of Overheating, and a Safe Summer Game Plan
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 7 to 9 min read
Summer work does not have to be guesswork. Use a simple heat index formula, read the early signs of stress, and follow a calm repeatable cool down routine. Same horse, smarter plan, better outcomes. Modern performance with proven calm even when the temperature climbs.
The Heat Index. A Simple Rider Formula
The heat index combines air temperature in Fahrenheit with relative humidity. When both are high the body cannot release heat efficiently. That is when rides need to change or stop.
Green light. Heat index under about 90. Normal work with water breaks and shade.
Yellow. Heat index around 90 to 100. Shorten sets, ride earlier or later, build in more walk breaks.
Orange. Heat index around 100 to 105. Keep work very light or switch to brief hand walking or light longe work. Prioritize shade and airflow.
Red. Heat index above 105. Skip ridden work. Hand walk only if needed and focus on hydration and cooling.
Quick mental check. If the temperature in Fahrenheit plus the humidity percentage is greater than about 150 and humidity is over 60 percent, treat it like orange or red. The horse will struggle to shed heat.
When to Scale or Skip
Heat management is a series of small smart adjustments. Use these as a guide.
Shorten warm up and cool down but keep both present. Use more walk and less long sets of trot or canter.
Swap schooling fences for poles or low rails. Work on accuracy and rhythm instead of height or speed.
Schedule rides at first light or late evening. Avoid dead air indoor arenas or uncovered pens during peak sun.
Stand down more often for older horses, unfit horses, dark coats, and horses that are not acclimated to current heat.
Early Warning Signs of Overheating
The goal is to catch heat stress before it becomes an emergency. Watch for:
Elevated breathing that does not settle within a few minutes of walking.
Very heavy sweating or a sudden stop in sweating in hot conditions.
Glassy or distant eyes, dull behavior, unsteady steps, or a loud heartbeat that is easy to hear at rest.
Skin pinch on the neck that stays tented and gums that feel tacky or appear dark instead of bright pink.
Emergency. If a horse is dull, wobbly, or not sweating in heat, start active cooling right away and contact your veterinarian. This article is general education and does not replace veterinary advice.
Fast Safe Cool Down Protocol
Use a simple repeatable pattern so everyone in the barn can cool horses the same safe way.
Step 1. Walk and water
Hand walk in shade with the bridle or halter loosened. Offer small sips of cool but not ice cold water every few minutes.
Step 2. Hose and scrape cycles
Hose large muscle groups such as neck, shoulders, back, flank, and hindquarters. Scrape immediately so water does not trap heat, then repeat until breathing and heart rate improve.
Step 3. Air movement
Use safe barn fans to move air across the body. Aim for a steady breeze over the barrel and hindquarters not directly into eyes or nostrils.
Step 4. Post work support
Once the horse is cool and mostly dry you can apply sensation free support to high motion areas if appropriate. Then allow quiet time in a shaded stall or paddock with fresh water.
Barn Routine for Heat Waves
A consistent barn plan takes pressure off riders and staff during hot weeks.
Plan feeding and riding during the coolest parts of the day and keep timing as consistent as possible.
Provide electrolytes according to label directions for working horses, along with free choice clean water and plain salt.
Maximize shade and airflow in stalls, barns, and tack up areas. Reduce time in stale still air.
Track recovery after work. Count breaths per minute and heart rate if you are comfortable doing so and note how long it takes to return toward baseline.
Note. This article gives general guidance. Always follow the advice of your own veterinarian for your horse, climate, and discipline.
Sensation free support after work that fits modern heat management. Helps keep recovery calm so breathing and heart rate can settle without extra stimulation.
Note. Avoid using topical products close to eyes or delicate mucous membranes and always follow label directions.
Work smart in the heat.
If you want a printable heat index chart and recovery checklist for your tack room you can reach out to our team. We can help you tailor a plan to your climate and schedule.
Hot Weather Riding FAQ
What is the fastest safe way to cool a hot horse
Move to shade, walk the horse, use hose and scrape cycles over large muscles, keep air moving over the body, and offer small sips of cool water often. Contact your veterinarian if recovery is slow or the horse seems distressed.
Can I use cold water on a hot horse
Yes. Apply cool or cold water to large muscle groups and scrape immediately so water does not trap heat. Repeat until breathing and temperature trend toward normal. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for your situation.
How should I adjust work on high heat index days
Shorten rides, increase walk breaks, ride during cooler hours, and focus on light technical work instead of intense conditioning. If the heat index is above about 105, skip ridden work and prioritize hand walking and cooling.
Are Draw It Out products show safe in hot weather
The flagship gel is sensation free and trusted by many competitive riders as part of their warm weather routines. Rules can change, so always confirm current regulations for your association, show, and discipline before competition.
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That bracelet was created to stand for exactly what you described, choosing faith when fear gets loud. Knowing it gives you strength on hard days means more to us than you probably realize. We’re grateful you’re part of this story.
