Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Horseback Riding During the Summer Season

Horseback riding is a wonderful recreational activity that can be particularly enjoyable during the summer season. With the warmer temperatures and the brilliant sunshine, you and your horse can take part in a delightful ride together. However, there are certain steps that you should take in order to ensure the safety of both you and your equine friend.

Choose a cooler time to ride your horse.

Since the summer temperatures can sometimes be extremely hot, it is wise to choose a time to ride your horse when the temperature is cooler. Usually, the early morning and the late evening are the periods of the day when this factor is the case. If you choose to ride your horse during either of these times of the day, you and your horse will be more comfortable and not have to endure excessive heat.

Know the terrain in which you will ride.

For riding during the summer months, it is best to choose an environment with which you are familiar and know where the clean water sources and shady spots are located. Your horse will need to have access to water and shade in order to keep from becoming overheated. Be sure and bring bottled water for yourself, and allow your horse to get some drinks from a clean water source. Too, you and your horse should take some time to rest and cool off under a shade tree as well.

In addition to being familiar with the location of water sources and areas of shades, you should also be aware of what venomous or potentially dangerous animals that you and your horse might encounter. Prior to your horseback ride, you might want to find out from a wildlife expert what would be the best plan of action to follow should you and your horse happen upon one of these creatures.

Apply fly spray to your horse prior to riding.

Particularly during the summer months, flies are an unpleasant nuisance for your horse. Prior to taking your equine friend for a ride, spray him or her with fly spray in order to deter those flying pests. You may even want to apply a bug repellant to yourself in order to help further with keeping away those pesky flies.

Do not overexert your horse by riding for an extended period of time.

When horseback riding during the summer months, you should be considerate of the effects of the heat upon your equine companion. Keep your rides to a short amount of time (no more than a couple of hours), and be sure and pack a sponge to use to help cool down your horse when you reach a water source. After your horseback ride is over, be sure and sponge down your horse to help with keeping him or her hydrated and comfortable.

Use sunscreen to keep you and your horse from getting sunburned.

Both you and your horse are at risk for getting a sunburn, so be sure to apply sunscreen (SPF 30-50) to yourself and your equine friend prior to beginning your ride. Light-colored horses and those with pink areas under their white markings are especially prone to sunburn. Reapply the sunscreen periodically throughout the day to provide maximum protection. You can also have your horse wear a fitted fly veil in order to prevent the area around his or her eyes from becoming sunburned.

Make sure that your horse's hooves are in good condition prior to riding.

It is recommended that a horse's hooves be shod and trimmed every six weeks by an experienced farrier. This periodic check-up of the hooves will help to insure that your horse's hooves are in good condition and are conducive to providing safe travel for you and your equine companion.

Check to make sure that any metal on your horse's tack (i.e. stirrups, bits, buckles) is cool to the touch before putting the equipment onto your horse.

Before putting the bridle, saddle, or any other pieces of tack on your horse, you should place your hand on the metal parts to make sure that they are cool to your touch. If they are hot to your hand, you should not put them onto your horse.

Always wear your helmet.

You should always wear your helmet whenever you are riding your horse. Even though your helmet may feel hot and possibly uncomfortable during the hot summer months, remember that mild discomfort is nothing compared to a serious head injury. You can always remove your helmet after you dismount your horse to relax under a shade tree or to sponge off your horse at a water source. However, before you return to your equine's back, make sure your helmet is back on your head.

Sources:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2977696/summer_safety_tips_for_an_exciting.html?cat=53

http://www.ehow.com/how_2364139_ride-horse-summer.html

http://www.horserides.org/horses-summer-tips.html