Whether you’re a serious competitive equestrian or a casual horseback riding enthusiast, we know it can be fun to ride horses all year round! Here in sunny Southern California, it is important to practice safety measures during the hot summer months in order to maintain the safety of both equestrians and their horses. Here are a few very important precautions that should be taken if you plan on horseback riding over the summer.
Check the Weather
During the summer months, it is very important to keep an eye on the weather forecast when you are planning your outdoor activities, particularly if you will be exercising. If your area is experiencing a heatwave, or if air quality or sun safety warnings have been issued, you will probably need to reschedule your outdoor time. Remember that your horse will also be affected by the heat, so take their health concerns into account when you are deciding whether or not it is safe to go on a ride that day. If you really need to get your practice time in, try to get outside early in the morning before the day heats up!
Stay Hydrated
It is extremely important for both the rider and the horse to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. If you are going on a horse trail, be sure to bring water with you for both you and your horse. If you are taking lessons at a training facility, take frequent water breaks and make sure that your horse has adequate access to water. Your trainer will be able to help you with this. If you’re looking to treat your horse, apples actually contain quite a bit of water! This will help them stay hydrated. If you need to pick up some extra feed or water, there are plenty of places where you can get horse supplies in San Juan Capistrano.
Wear the Right Gear
We know it can be tempting to leave out some of the riding gear you usually wear when it’s hot outside, as extra layers of clothing and equipment can add to the heat factor However, it is very important to wear all the safety gear that you normally wear when riding, even when it is hot outside. You should always protect yourself from potential injuries!
Seasonal Grooming
It is important to take good care of our horses year-round. This includes frequent brushing and cleaning their stalls. Even though it’s hot outside, it is important to remember to keep up with their cleaning and grooming routines. This will help them stay comfortable in the heat. If you’re trying to beat the heat yourself, brush your horse and clean their stall early in the morning!
If you’re riding on the San Juan Capistrano trails, familiarize yourself with the area before going! It’s a good idea to map out where you want to take breaks and where you can take breaks when you’re riding. Some areas may be shadier and cooler, making them more ideal for summer walks. It can be easy to get lost, which can be disastrous if you don’t have water on a hot day.
We hope this information helps you and your horse have an awesome and safe summer! We’ll be practicing summer safety with our horses and riders here. Get basics of horseback riding with safety tips and step-by-step advice. If you don’t have a horse of your own and are interested in taking equestrian lessons with us, call Reveal Equestrian in San Juan Capistrano today!
