How hot is too hot for my horse?

Question

It was hot and humid today, but a breeze was blowing. Yet he wasn't acting like himself. How hot is too hot for me to be riding?

Answer 1

Horses natural comfort range is 15-65 degrees fahrenheit.  Decide for yourself if its too hot with the humidity and breeze.

Answer 2

When the heat index is over 170 don't ride. I try not to ride when it is above 150. When its over 130 I keep things short and light with breaks.

Heat index is temperature (in F) + precentage of humidity

Answer 3

The fact is, as herd animals, horses are physically able to work in all types of weather. Hotter temperatures are less comfortable, but a light workout on even the hottest of days will not hurt your horse. As long as you cool him out properly, sponging him with cold water and letting him stand in front of a fan, he will be fine. However, on hot, humid days, with temperatures in the high 90's (90 F, 30 C) it may be better for both you and your horse to take the day off.

Answer 4

Well, I usually go outside. If it's too hot for me to be outside comfortably, I don't go riding. If it's bearable, I'll usually just do some  groundwork.

Answer 5

The heat is not as significant as the humidity.  If the humidity is 70% or above, and the air is 80 or above I'd keep it short.  Even with a breeze, if it's humid the horse will stop sweating since the sweat won't evaporate in humid air.  When sweating stops, internal body heat rises rapidly.  In dry air, riding in 90 degree heat is tolerable for longer periods as long as the horse continues to sweat.  It's a subjective thing...some do better than others in the heat.  I'm talking Fahrenheit measurements.

Answer 6

its really not about how hot it is its to do with a breeze. a horse cant hear  well if there is a breeze so the horses will act funny, Not like them shelf.

Answer 7

If its to hot for comfort I don't ride my horses. I never ride when the temps are over 90 degrees. When I want to ride and knowing its going to be hot I always ride very early in the morning or later at night. If you are hot sitting on the horse then imagine what the horse feels like tacked up and asked to carry you.