When horses are asked to exert themselves in f high heat and humidity, the potential for heat-induced illness is real. Sara Christie shares ways avoid potential heat traps for horses. The information is good for horse and rider.
Source: Horse Channel, June 28, 2007.
What would be considered moderate exercise under temperate weather conditions can have the same effect as intense activity when the heat and humidity rise. When is it too hot? A good rule of thumb when assessing how the heat will affect your workout is to measure the Heat Stress Index (HSI). If the sum of the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit plus the percent of humidity totals less than 120, all systems are “go.” If the sum is greater than 150, particularly if humidity contributes to more than half of this number, a horse’s natural cooling mechanisms will be compromised.
INSIGHTS: Retail associates, dealers and veterinary hospital teams can use this information when educating horse owners or by sharing it on websites, in newsletters or blog posts.