Saddle Up for Summer: The Hilarious Guide to Equestrian Fitness

Aaron Barber's Kai

Ah, boob sweat.

Chafing thighs.  

I mean summer.

The season of fun, sun, and trying not to melt into a puddle of sweat while maintaining your equestrian fitness.

As every rider knows, balancing on a half-ton beast while dripping like an ice cream cone in June - Yea I said it after this recent heat wave, is a unique challenge.  Fear not, fellow equestrians!  Here’s your ultimate (and slightly ridiculous) guide to staying fabulous and fit in the summer heat.  In no particular order, except the 1st most important one..

Matt Clancy's Kane

1. Hydrate or Die-drate
​Remember that time you forgot to drink water and ended up thinking your horse was a unicorn?  O - was that just me?  Yeah, let's avoid that.  Stay hydrated!  Drink so much water that people start mistaking you for a human camel.  Carry a water bottle everywhere, even if it means awkwardly balancing it while trotting.  Hey, if your horse can multitask, so can you!  Speaking of your horse.. ensure your horse stays hydrated too.  This means becoming a water connoisseur, taste-testing every bucket like you’re judging a fine wine.  “Ah, yes, this water has hints of barn floor and a subtle essence of hay.”  Your horse will appreciate the effort, even if they’re more interested in dunking their nose.

Amy King's Willow

2.  Cooling Shenanigans
When the heat gets intense, it’s time for some creative cooling methods.  Have you ever tried turning your hose into a makeshift sprinkler?  Your horse will look at you like you’ve lost it, maybe spook, maybe dump you off and gallop off to a shady spot to graze, but hey, a little water ballet never hurt anyone.. until it does.  Annddd IF It does remember it's still equine therapy and remember to enjoy your time with your horse.  Laugh at their silly antics even when they decide to spook at invisible and not so invisible sprinkler monsters.  However, if that doesn't sound appealing perhaps a good ole fashion cold hosing?

Ajia Clancy's Bellavista Illumination

3. Early Birds and Night Owls
Listen people.  I don't actually enjoy waking up at 0300 to walk dogs and ride horses and run and lift and.. but when my clients insist on meeting with me at 0600, I have no choice.  To avoid becoming a sun-baked potato, ride early in the morning or late in the evening.  Embrace the dawn like a majestic creature of the morning, even if it means caffeinating to the point of hyperactivity.  Or channel your inner bat and enjoy peaceful twilight rides, pretending you’re a character in a romance novel.

4. Fashion Forward
Forget haute couture, it's hot couture and this summer, it’s all about breathable fabrics and ventilated helmets.  Picture yourself in the latest in equestrian chic: helmets that double as personal air conditioners, stylishly stained with horse slobber, and sweat-wicking shirts,  move over, Milan – the barn runway is where it's at!

5. Saddle Squats and Sun Salutations
Strength training and yoga are key.  Practice squats while cleaning stalls.  Your glutes will thank you, and your horse will appreciate the clean living space. Win-win!  Try doing a downward dog while your horse gives you the side-eye.  It’s the equestrian version of CrossFit.  The more fit you are out of the saddle the more fit and SAFE You are in the saddle.  Need more suggestions?  Just ask me!

6. Snack Attack
Not gunna lie..this is my fav pasttime.  AND I have snacks hidden EVERYWHERE.  Keep energy levels high with healthy snacks.  But let's be real: horse treats always seem more appealing in the barn.  Apples for you, apples for your horse.  Carrots for you, carrots for your horse.  If anyone asks, it’s a bonding experience, not an excuse to double dip in the snack bin.  Bond over shared watermelon slices and the mutual disdain of flies.   

7. Weather Whisperer
Keep an eye on the weather forecast like it’s the latest episode of your favorite show.  “Will today be just mildy uncomfortable or unbearably hot as f!ck?!  Stay tuned!”  Avoid riding in extreme heat, unless you enjoy the sensation of riding a dragon through a volcano.  Watch for signs of heat stress in both you and your horse.  If you haven't been drinking alcohol and you start seeing double or your horse starts imitating a panting dog, it’s time to cool off.  Remember, no one looks good passed out in the middle of an arena.  Gracefully retreat to the shade and rehydrate like a boss mare.  For more info check out this SmartPark article:

Heat Stress in Horses: How Hot is Too Hot to Ride?​

Laugh your way through the sweaty season and saddle up and stay cool.  Your equestrian fitness might just hit new heights, and who knows?  You might discover a new love for early mornings, or at least a profound appreciation for air conditioning.

Happy riding!