As the temperatures rise, proper after-ride care becomes especially important for the comfort, safety, and recovery of our horses. Lessons will be modified or shortened during extreme heat for the safety of both horses and riders. Please remember to bring LOTS of water, wear sunscreen and ask your instructor for breaks if you are feeling the heat.
After your lesson, please take a few extra moments to cool down and care for your horse properly:
1. Proper Cool Down
Always allow your horse to walk on a loose rein for several minutes after your ride. This helps bring their heart rate and breathing back to normal and prevents stiffness.
2. Untack Promptly
After you dismount, untack immediately so you can get to the wash stalls as quickly as possible. You should be in the wash stalls and hosing down within 5 minutes max after dismounting.
3. Hose & Repeat
On hot days, horses will need to be hosed off repeatedly until their body temperature returns to normal. Focus on their large muscle groups (neck, chest, shoulders, and between the hind legs). Once they feel cool to the touch, graze or hand walk for a few minutes and then recheck their temperature - if they have heated back up, repeat hosing and walking until they remain cool to the touch.
4. Wait to Feed
Horses that need feed must be thoroughly cooled out before feeding to avoid colic. If you are short on time, please ask the tack-up-help if they can supervise your horse eating so you can leave - do not feed them while they are still hot.
If you have any questions, please ask one of our staff! We appreciate your support in keeping the horses safe and happy during the hot summer months.
