Heat and Horses | When is it Too Hot to Ride

Is it too HOT for your Horse?

Posted by Red Horse on July 1st, 2009

Lately I think it has been WAY to hot in Hotlanta to ride. Here is an interesting formula for determining if it is really to hot to ride your horse!

The Formula:
air temperature + relative humidity - wind speed = answer

Evaluating your answer:
180 or above don’t ride,
130-170 use caution
130 or below ride!

Determine: Temperature (F) + relative humidity (%) - wind speed For example: Temperature (F) 79
Relative Humidity (%) 58
Wind Speed 4.6 (MPH)
Answer = 132.4

Less than 130: All go-horses can function to cool themselves assuming adequate hydration.
130 - 170: Caution-a horse’s cooling mechanisms can only partially function as intended. Some cooling management procedures will need to be performed.
180 or above: Stop-a horse’s cooling systems cannot and will not
function adequately. All cooling procedures will need to be utilized
to keep the horse out of serious trouble.