Is it too hot to ride your horse? The answer isn’t as simple as checking the thermometer.
As a former collegiate athletic trainer, I learned that heat safety isn’t about comfort—it’s about physiology. In this episode, I compare modern sports medicine protocols used by the NCAA, NFL, Olympic athletes, and the military with the way we think about heat in the horse world.
You’ll learn why temperature alone doesn’t tell the whole story, what Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is, why humidity, sun, wind, footing, and workload all matter, and how to recognize the early signs of heat stress in both horses and humans before they become emergencies.
We’ll also discuss:
- Why horses and humans overheat differently
- How fitness, breed, age, and equipment affect heat tolerance
- Why behavior is often your first warning sign
- The importance of measuring core body temperature
- Why “cool first, transport second” saves lives
- How to make informed decisions instead of relying on arbitrary rules
The best horsemen aren’t looking for a number—they’re looking for information. By understanding the physiology behind heat stress, you’ll be better equipped to protect both yourself and your horse during hot weather.
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You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube under Come Ride with Me Riding Videos. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightened
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https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuild-horse-human-partnership
Email me at Anna@equusenlightened.com
Happy Riding!
Keywords: horse heat stress, riding in hot weather, horse safety, equine health, WBGT, wet bulb globe temperature, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, horse training, equestrian, horse welfare, sports medicine, Thinking Horse and Rider.
