So, it’s hot. Not surprising, since it is summer after all, however, it doesn’t make it any easier to stomach watching the outside temperature reading in your car rise — skipping numbers even — as you drive to the barn.
And I love air conditioning. Who doesn’t? I mean, sometimes I get mumble a little bit when I have to put on a hoodie mid-Netflix binge, but other than that I love it. And I wish I could walk into my air conditioned barn, with temperature control and no flies and not sweat out every ounce of fluid I’ve consumed in the last six months, but that’s just not a possibility with the equestrian lifestyle we’ve chosen.
Luckily there are ways to make your summer time at the barn less like you and your horse are scorching under a torch, and more like you are lounging by a pool with a brisk breeze with a pool boy bringing you Arnold Palmers.
Let’s start with your horse. Unlike you, who gets a heat-recess in your car and in your house and in your office, your horse is in the heat 24/7, so making sure he has the best in warm(hot)-weather protection is paramount.
Just like us, horses sweat and when they do, they lose salt and other minerals. Electrolytes, like the Apple-A-Day (https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-health-care/horse-vitamins-supplements/electrolyte-supplements/apple-day-electrolyte) product from FinishLine, are paramount to keeping horses hydrated and protecting against metabolic disorders by replacing sodium and correcting electrolyte imbalances.
For those horses who need a little extra boost in the drinking water department (after all, you can lead them to water, but not make them drink), HorseQuencher (https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-health-care/horse-vitamins-supplements/electrolyte-supplements/horse-quencher) is there to provide a little encouragement. It’s basically that Chocolate cake that you just can’t resist… but the horse-y version for the equine who decides their water isn’t fit for their princess tastes.
After prepping them from the inside, now we just need some airflow to help them with their massively inefficient cooling systems. By providing a fan for their stall, whether at home and or away at a show, makes a big difference. The Tough 1 Box Fan Holder (https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-barn-stable-supplies-equipment/horse-stall-supplies/stall-fans/tough-1-box-fan-holder) places the fan out of reach, and in optimum position to provide a breeze. For ease at home or one the road, the Classic Equine Fan Bag (https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-barn-stable-supplies-equipment/horse-stall-supplies/stall-fans/classic-equine-fan-bag) is super easy to hang, and lets air flow to your horse’s skin without obstruction.
And finally, you know the cool, tingly feeling your hands have after you diligently apply liniment to their legs? Be sure to expand that tingle to your horse’s whole body with Farnam’s Vetrolin Liniment (https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-health-care/horse-liniments-poultices/farnam-vetrolin-liniment). Just a splash in a bucket of water with provide your horse with relief from stiffness, soreness, and inflammation, while stimulating blood flow and refreshing the body.
Now that we have your horse feeling the cool breeze, let’s discover the ways you can basically taste the Arnold Palmers as soon as you step out of your car.
The Aubrey from Noel Asmar (https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-apparel-clothes/riding-shirts-tops/riding-shirts/noel-asmar-ladies-aubrey-14-zip-sun-shirt) is your first line of defense against scorching skin. Providing UPF 50 protection with long sleeves and a high, zippered collar and a breathable, cooling, and odor resistant fabric, this shirt is the stylish way to experience ultimate hot-weather comfort.
Once you’re in the saddle, your ride can feel easy-breezy-lemon-squeezy with a Jute Equivisor from Thornhill (https://www.horseloverz.com/rider-apparel-clothes/protective-horse-riding-equipment/horse-riding-helmet-accessories/jute-equivisor). With a 4” wide brim, the Jute ensures your skin and eyes are protected from the sun’s rays.
Even with all that sun protection, you are going to sweat. And I’m not talking a light glisten and rosie cheek. I’m talking the dripping wet sweat of someone who has put in serious time and effort into their barn commitments. After your done riding, protect your helmet from swamp-smell, and protect your skin from irritation with the No-Sweat Helmet Refresher from No Sweat Sports (https://www.horseloverz.com/rider-apparel-clothes/protective-horse-riding-equipment/horse-riding-helmet-accessories/no-sweat-helmet-refresher).
And once you’re all done with your barn activities, don’t forget that a bottle of Cowboy Magic and a semi-clean mane and tail brush work wonders at making your helmet hair more public-worthy! Just kidding!!! (or am I?) https://www.horseloverz.com/search/main/cowboy%20magic/
Enjoy your warm time at the barn! Only a few more months before we get to start complaining about frozen water buckets!