BY ANNIE BIRMINGHAM
If you start sweating just walking to your car in order to get to the barn, you might be wondering if it’s too hot to ride. During these blistering summer days when riding seems like a bad idea, we have some good options for barn time when it’s boiling.
Clean Your Tack
While all of your horse’s tack should be wiped down after every ride, it’s important to remember to give a deep cleaning every once in a while (particularly in the hot and humid months) to preserve the leather and prevent mold. When it’s too hot to ride, take the time to ensure that your tack is in top shape with a detailed cleaning and conditioning. Our personal favorite for cleaning and conditioning leatherwork is the Belvoir Glycerine Soap and Belvoir Leather Conditioner.
Bathe Your Horse
When the temperatures reach the upper 90’s and beyond, why not spend some time in the wash stall to help both you and your horse cool off? Keeping a consistent bathing schedule can help to prevent skin and coat issues, and a hose down with cool water on a hot day can prevent your horse from overheating. Plus, you can spray yourself down as well to cool off!
Organize Your Tack Trunk
With all of this extra time on your hands, ensure that your trunk is ready for anything the rest of the summer might have in store. Use The Plaid Horse’s six “Tips on Tack Trunk Organization” and get organized!
Hand Graze Your Horse
Even with record-high temperatures, it’s still important to get your horse out of their stall and moving around. Find a spot out of the sun and spend some quality time hand grazing.
Clean Buckets
With constantly varying temperatures, it is imperative that horses have access to fresh, clean water. Lend a hand to the staff at your barn by dumping, cleaning, and refilling the buckets in your horses stall and paddock to help yourself and your horse cool down.
If all else fails, hide out in the air conditioning in the barn lounge and read a book during the hottest days of summer. Sometimes, it’s best for everyone to stay in the shade!
About the Author: Annie Birmingham is an 18 year old equestrian from Long Island, New York. A freshman at Long Island University studying equine management, Annie can usually be found spending time at the barn and grooming at horse shows up and down the East Coast.
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