11/07/2025
Some great advice from Riverstown Farm Stables in time for the hot weather! ๐ฅ๐ฅ Make sure they have access to shade and water, and please no intense exercise during the daytime!
๐ค๏ธ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ง๐! ๐๐ค & ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐.
With temperatures set to climb this weekend, itโs not just us feeling the heat our horses will too. What feels like a welcome dose of summer can quickly become a welfare concern if not managed carefully
๐
๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ 11 (๐๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ) ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ง๐ฒ, ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก 23-26ยฐ๐
โข๐ Ideal for turnout: Mild and sunny perfect for extended paddock time.
โข๐ง Water availability: Ensure horses have access to fresh, cool water all day.
โข๐งด Sun protection: Consider light sunblock or fly sheets if your horses are fair-skinned or prone to sunburn.
โข๐งบ Grooming note: With warm weather, horses sweat more, groom regularly to avoid skin irritation.
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ 12 ๐๐จ๐ญ & ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ง๐ฒ, ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก 28-30 ยฐ๐
โข๐ Adjust turnout times: Avoid midday sun (12โ4 pm). Opt for morning or late afternoon turnout.
โข๐ง Hydration & cooling: Provide access to shade, salt lick, and plenty of cool water. Misting or hosing after exercise helps cool them safely.
โข๐ซ Exercise caution: Schedule rides in cooler hours (early morning/evening) and keep sessions light. Avoid intense work in heat stick to walking, hacking, or light schooling.
๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ 13 ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ง๐ฒ & ๐๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ, ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก 27 -30ยฐ๐
โขSimilar care as Saturday:
โขMorning or evening turnout and exercise only.
โขMisting and shade are your best friends.
โข๐งฝ Skin care: Inspect for sunburn or sweat rash, especially under gear and harnesses.
๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ:
Shade: Ensure paddocks have shaded areas or portable shelters
Water: Keep multiple water sources filled and shaded
Salt & Electrolytes: Provide salt licks; consider electrolytes after exercise
Cooling Gear Use: hosing, misters, or ice boots post exercise
Timing Plan: turnout and rides in cooler parts of the day
Grooming Increase: grooming frequency to avoid heat related skin issues
This weekendโs heat is more than sunshine, itโs a welfare test. Prioritise early turnout, real shade, cool water, and minimal work. Watch for subtle signs of heat stress. Welfare means staying ahead, not reacting late
AND DO NOT BOTHER TO TRAVEL!