Understanding the UK Summer: It Is Not Just the Temperature

British summers can be deceptive. A forecast of 24°C might feel pleasant in the shade, but add high humidity, strong UV and a still afternoon in a sheltered paddock, and your horse is working much harder than the numbers suggest. Horses are large, muscular athletes with a thick coat, and they rely on sweating to lose heat. When the air is humid, sweat does not evaporate efficiently, so cooling becomes far less effective.

Before you plan any ride, look beyond the headline temperature. Check the humidity, the wind, and the time of day. A breezy morning at 18°C is ideal. A muggy afternoon at 26°C with no breeze is a different proposition entirely. Also consider the ground: hard, baked bridleways and deep, dry arena surfaces can put extra strain on legs and hooves, especially when your horse is already warm.

Time Your Rides to Avoid the Hottest Hours

As a rule, aim to ride before 10am or after 5pm during hot spells. The hottest part of a UK summer day is usually between 11am and 4pm, and the ground can stay warm well into the evening. If you must ride in the middle of the day, keep it short and slow, and stick to shaded routes if you can.

Early morning is often the best option. The air is cooler, the flies are less active, and your horse is fresher. If you are not a morning person, a late evening ride can work well, but be mindful of fading light and horsefly activity at dusk. In very hot weather, consider giving your horse a day off from ridden work and instead do gentle in-hand grazing or a short walk in the shade.

• Before 10am: ideal for fast work, hill work or schooling.
• 10am to 4pm: avoid ridden exercise if possible; if not, walk only.
• After 5pm: suitable for gentle hacking or flatwork as the day cools.

Provide Shade and Water in the Field and Stable

Your horse needs access to shade and clean water at all times. In the field, natural shade from trees or hedges is best, but a field shelter with good airflow is a valuable backup. If your horse is stabled during the day, make sure the stable is well ventilated and out of direct sun. Open windows and doors, but use fly screens to keep insects out.

Water is non-negotiable. A horse can drink 30 to 50 litres a day in hot weather, and more if working. Check troughs twice daily, scrub them regularly to prevent algae, and provide extra buckets in the stable and field. Some horses are fussy about warm water, so offer cool, fresh water and consider adding a small amount of salt or a commercial electrolyte supplement if your horse sweats heavily. A salt lick is a useful top-up, but it is not a substitute for fresh water.

Keep Your Horse Cool on the Move

When you do ride, plan your route with shade in mind. Woodland tracks and tree-lined lanes are cooler than open fields and exposed roads. Avoid deep going, which makes work harder, and choose gentle inclines over steep hills. Keep the pace steady and include plenty of walk breaks. A horse that is fit and acclimatised will cope better, but even a fit horse needs time to adjust to a sudden heatwave.

Take water with you for longer rides, and offer it frequently. If your horse is hot, sponge or sluice with cool water at every opportunity. Do not be afraid to use cold water on large muscle groups, especially the neck, shoulders and hindquarters. Scrape off excess water so it does not act as a warm blanket, and repeat as needed. On very hot days, consider leaving the saddle off and riding bareback for a short, slow hack, or simply hand-walk in the shade.

Recognise the Signs of Heat Stress

Heat stress can escalate quickly. Learn to spot the early warning signs and act immediately.

• Rapid breathing that does not slow after a few minutes of rest.
• Flared nostrils and a worried expression.
• Excessive sweating or, conversely, dry skin and no sweat when you would expect it.
• Lethargy, stumbling or a dull demeanour.
• Rectal temperature above 39°C (normal is 37.5°C to 38.5°C).

If you suspect heat stress, stop work immediately. Move your horse to shade, offer water, and cool the body with running water or repeated sponging. Call your vet if the breathing does not settle, if the temperature remains high, or if your horse seems weak or distressed. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.

Adjust for Different Horses and Daily Routines

Every horse is an individual. Older horses, youngstock, overweight horses and those with Cushing’s or respiratory conditions are more vulnerable to heat. So are horses that are clipped, rugged or travelling in a hot lorry or trailer. If your horse wears a fly rug, choose a light, breathable one and check underneath daily for rubs and overheating. In very hot weather, a light summer sheet at night can help with flies, but remove it during the day if your horse is hot.

Plan your week around the forecast. On hot days, favour short, early sessions or a complete rest day. On cooler, breezy days, do the more demanding work. Keep an eye on your horse’s hydration by checking skin elasticity and gum colour, and monitor droppings and urine output. With a little planning, you and your horse can enjoy the summer safely, whatever the British weather throws at you.