I'll admit that neither I or Hampton are fit enough to handle this Kentucky heat and humidity.
We worked for a mere 30 minutes today and we both just sort of looked at each other like, "Hey, wanna just go stand under the mister in the wash rack?" "Yes." Both of dripping wet in sweat. I was almost to the point of seeing spots/feeling sick but luckily called in quits in time.
I read this article about when it is safe to ride in the heat.
Here is the key paragraph:
Sometimes we can't avoid the heat. On those days, keep an eye on the Heat Stress Index. The Heat Stress Index is the sum of the temperature plus the humidity. For example: if the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 20%, then the Heat Index is 100 (80+20=100). If the Heat Stress Index is less than 120, it is ok to ride. Start watching it as it rises above 120, at 150 your horse's cooling system won't work effectively. If it is greater than 180, your horse will be unable to thermo-regulate.
I rode Hampton at 9 am this morning. It was already 80 degrees with around 76% humidity (gag). That made the Heat Stress Index 156. Ummm no wonder we were in such bad shape!
Thankfully this horribleness is suppose to back off toward the end of the week. I did enter a horse trail this weekend at Flying Cross, but will not hesitate to scratch if the heat gets out of control. I have no interest in passing out, puking, or requiring a trip to the ER due to the heat. And I know that if I am overheated, Hampton probably is, too. No sense in risking either one of us.
But right now the forecast says 82 and rain. I can do that! It can rain all the live long day, I have no problem with that! So hopefully it remains a go.
After Flying Cross, Hampton will have a small let down. Not really a vacation, but just a back to the basics, easier routine for 2 weeks or so. He deserves it. And plus I have a new project horse that I have yet to write about in this blog. I'll introduce him soon. Need to get some pictures first. :)
Here is a sneak peak from his first session with me:
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| Yes, feathers! |
Stay safe in the heat everyone!
Gah... I do not want to feel like a hooker on dollar night... Boo. Thank god for an indoor. The worst part aside from all of the other worst parts when it is sweltering out is that the outdoor is a dust bath. Boo for that. I will be out at FX on Sunday as a spectator so if you go I hope to see you! :)
ReplyDeleteCute! I can't wait to hear more about the project!
ReplyDeleteI rode at 3pm yesterday...enough said.
ReplyDeleteThe new project guy is looking good!
So glad we don't have humidity here, but we do go triple digits often.
ReplyDeleteYour title made me LOL! That heat stress indicator is really good to know. Thankfully we have low humidity here, but when the temperature is around 105 there's really not much room to go up. Pretty sure the Heat Stress Index will be around 150 this weekend for the show. Must take extra good care of my horse!
ReplyDeleteUgh I feel your pain. Even if I get up at 530 its already 88 degrees here with humidity around 50-70...so thats way over 150. DYING.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about the new guy!
ReplyDeleteYuck. The index won't be below 150 here again until September. It's 80 degrees 89% humidity right now... 10 pm. :(
We are having the same weather here in Ontario! SO humid all week...too hot to ride most of the time. Ive been riding at 9pm, luckily I have a lit arena for night riding. Stay cool!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to hear about the project!