The Last Ride Arizona provides great information on Exercising Your Horse in the Summer

With summer just around the corner, it is a good idea to keep in mind how to determine if it is too hot for your horse to engage in activities that may be physically exhausting. To that end, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Exercising Your Horse in the Summer

Exercising Your Horse in the Summer

  • If your horse has recently shipped in from a cooler, drier region, give it 21 days to adjust to the Arizona climate before riding or engaging your horse in hard work.
  • Keep your horse fit throughout the year so it is better capable of handling a heavier workload in the summer.
  • Seek shade whenever possible and do work during the cooler times of the day.
  • Offer your horse a drink before, during and after exercise.
  • Periodically apply cool water and scrape it away during exercise to help keep your horse cool.
  • Avoid hauling in a trailer when it is particularly hot, as the sun will heat the trailer significantly while the trailer will restrict air movement around the horse. If hauling is necessary, go early in the morning, late in the evening or overnight when the temperature is at its coolest.

Even after taking the best care of your horse as possible, there will be a day when your beloved horse passes away. When that day comes, you can count on The Last Ride to transport the body of your companion in a respectful and caring manner.