It’s hot. Hot and humid. I wilt and get grumpy in this weather. How hot? Before I tell you, let me remind you that I live in Maine. We don’t develop a lot of heat tolerance here. It’s low 80s with 80% humidity. I know that for some of you that would be delightfully balmy, but for me that’s throw in the soggy towel and ride indoors in the shade weather. If I ride in the heat outside I get headaches and collapse for the rest of the day. That, though, had to change.
I’ve been convinced to join the girls at a couple of horse shows this summer, which will be in the full sun. I’ve got to toughen up! Or at least get the right gear.
I bought a sun visor that fits over my helmet.
It’s brilliant! It’s like riding with an umbrella over my head. I feel like I’m in the shade. I’m not squinting – and grimacing – at the sun. My facial expression is more relaxed which makes my mental state more relaxed. Tonka feels that and he’s able to cope with the heat better, too. Amazing how that works. Everything is connected.
I’ve also splurged on some sun shirts that actually do as advertised – the fabric is cooling. They’re very pretty and cheerful, which also helps my I can’t cope with heat mood.
It’s great to feel that I don’t have to be trapped in the shady indoor this summer and that I can make use of the outside sand arena. This morning I rode out there while Steph taught some lessons. Tonka and I took shade breaks.
This isn’t just for staying healthy in the heat, it’s also part of the training plan to prepare for horse shows. Unlike dressage shows that have set ride times, at H/J shows there can be long stretches after you’ve warmed up that you are standing around waiting for your turn in the ring. I needed to replicate that scenario at home. Up until now, once Tonka and I stopped doing our exercises it meant that he was done for the day. Now the rules have changed and he’s being told that I might pick up the reins again and he’ll have to do some more work. The first couple of times that I did that, Tonka didn’t think that I could possibly be serious, but he’s beginning to get with the new routine. He’s all for the hang out in the shade part of it, and he’s acquiescing to getting back into gear when I ask. I’m able to ride with conviction because I haven’t melted into a pool of humid misery. Sometimes splurging on gear is worth every penny!
Have you bought anything that had a domino effect and improved things down the line? Let me know in the comments!
I grew up in the Southeast, and have to say the 80% humidity days in summer there or in Maine or New Hampshire can be as hard as dry 100 degree days in the Southwest. A longsleeve sunshirt really was a gamechanger for me. Also riding gloves can help. The softer I get with my hands the less I have issues, but when my hands get sweaty I’ve been prone blisters or tears with some reins. Summer has also seemed worse for chafing sole moleskin has helped for that.
I’ve been in hot dry climates and I can’t handle that either! 🙂
I too hate the heat. And when you add humidity, I quickly get obsessed with how hot I am and can think of nothing else. I’m a big baby about it. But the best advice I can pass on is if you’re on your horse and stop for more than two or three minutes to rest, cool off in the shade, or just to slow your heart rate, get off your horse. He still has to carry, and use his muscles to balance, a rider’s weight during rest breaks. You’re very small and certainly don’t weigh much, but the point holds. It’s my pet peeve of mounted police officers, mounted palace guards, etc….their work requires them to just sit on that horse’s spine for hours. Spines that were not built for holding extra weight, especially for long periods. It’s easier on the horse if you’re in motion, I believe. The rests are a great idea. Even better if one dismounts!
Love the Visor, and the Sun Shirts are a blessing. It is in the high 80’s and 90 almost everyday now here in the south. Humidity like a rain forest. Glad you were able to find some some comfort.