How to ride safely in the summer.

Summer is the perfect time of year to get out and about with your horse, and thanks to the rain, perhaps this year more than most! Bear with us here… While most of the UK might be waiting for truly hot and sunny weather, for us that means the ground has stayed good and there’s no anxiety about training and competing in high temperatures. The long days and light evenings mean you can head out after work for a hack or plan a long day out competing, even if the sky is grey rather than blue! But, as with all things horse-related it’s important to take steps to stay safe when you’re in the saddle so that you both stay fit and healthy for future fun! In this blog we’re sharing our top tips for how to ride safely in the summer. Let’s get started…

1. Hacking and schooling at home

Shield yourself from the sun. When you’re riding or doing yard work outside, protect yourself from the sun's glare with sunglasses to shield your eyes and sun cream to exposed skin to prevent sunburn. If your horse or pony has a pink nose, then don’t forget some sunscreen for them too! Pop a bottle in the lorry or trailer too so you have it on hand for days out and competitions.

Be seen and be safe. If you’re heading out onto the roads, then it’s essential to make sure you and your horse can be seen as easily as possible. That means a hi vis tabard or waistcoat for you and a quarter sheet or breastplate made from breathable and lightweight high vis material for your horse. The bright colours and reflective materials make you more noticeable to drivers and cyclists so that they have no excuse not to slow down and give you a wide berth.

Tell people your plans. If you’re heading out hacking on your own, then plan a route in advance and remember to tell someone where you’re going in case you have an accident along the way. If your horse is green or unpredictable then consider asking a buddy to come along with you!

Pick the right safety kit for the occasion. If you’re on overgrown or hilly bridleways or planning fast work don’t forget leg protection for your horse. If you love jumping logs and galloping, then it makes sense to have a body protector on in case of a fall. And if you’re opening lots of gates then our quick-release safety reins will ensure your horse doesn’t get injured if the reins get tangled on the gate!

2. Schooling or competing cross-country

Riding over cross-country fences is one of the most high-risk activities a rider can do, so make sure you and your horse are kitted out and ready! Of course, if you’re competing then you’ll be obliged to wear a safety rate body protector and  jockey skull, but it’s vital to wear them when training too, even for just popping a few fences that you’re confident about. Kit your horse out in front and back brushing boots and overreach boots in case they get distances wrong and strike into themselves. You also want to make sure you’ve carefully checked your tack before you set off, and the good news is that our quick release reins are FEI and British Eventing approved, so you don't have to leave them at home...

3. Monitor the weather too!

Yes, it’s been a dreadful summer without much sun, and that’s meant we’ve had plenty of wet and windy days. Plus, when the sun has come out and the temperatures rise our horses aren’t very well acclimatised to it! Regardless of whether you’re boxing to a show or just hacking from home check the forecast so that you know if there’s likely to be thunderstorms, a heatwave (we can hope!) or day-long downpours, and plan accordingly. That might mean riding early in the morning or in the evening to avoid heat, sticking to the indoor school due to lightning risks or  packing extra water/rugs/towels for days out depending on the forecast!

Whatever your plans this summer, a little bit of planning and choosing the right kit will help you enjoy your riding and stay safe. And can we all do a sunshine dance please and see if we can manifest ourselves at least a bit of hot weather before the summer is out?!