In the UK this weekend, the peak daily temperatures are set to jump by 10°C in Scotland and Northern England and by around 15°C in Central and Southern England, taking peak temperatures up to a predicted 31°C. Compare this with the average for May so far (1st – 20th May)! This may not sound like a lot, but if it were 20°C in the summer and we said it was going to rise to 35°C, we would consider that a significant increase!
What does this rapid temperature increase mean for our horses?
If they are turned out and or not in work or being lightly hacked and healthy, then there is likely a very low impact. But, if you have an older horse, a horse affected by respiratory disease, an overweight horse or plan to train, travel and or compete, then some care and a few precautions are advisable.
The sudden jump of 10-15°C means that the horse will not be acclimatised to the expected higher temperatures. Acclimatisation normally requires around 2-3 weeks of daily training in the higher temperature. Of course, with many of us riding early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler, the temperature difference between training and competing could be even greater – perhaps closer to 20°C.
The importance of acclimatisation
Why is acclimatisation important, or what happens when your horse isn’t heat acclimatised? Simply, your horse won’t be able to cope as well under “stress”. Stress can relate to underlying illness, obesity, travelling, training or competing. And therefore your horse will find it “harder”.
If you are training, you will find that your horses may tire earlier and/or take longer to recover. And if you are competing, this might mean more mistakes and or an increased risk of injury. So please be aware.
And of course, be ready to take those rugs off and pull out your fly sheets if necessary.
Planning to compete
If you are competing this weekend, consider taking 60litres (about 4 buckets) of additional water with you, should you need to cool your horse, especially if organisers haven’t been able to prepare additional cooling for the unprecedented heat at this time of year.
Check out our free resources….
Including the free poster you can download and use as a checklist! Please share it with your friends.
