EQUIMO BLOG

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Summer scorchers can be exhausting: early mornings, humid air, and long, hot days. Is there such thing as "too hot"? And what exactly is "too hot"? 

 In fact, it is not only about temperature. Humidity is an important factor, too, and once the combination of these two variables exceeds a particular value, horses‘ ability to cool themselves can be affected. This chart with data from The University of Minnesota Equine Extension Program is a handy little helper in telling if the weather is suitable for your horse to work, or whether it is better to leave them in the stable health-wise.

The basic value of this chart is the sum of air temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%). Here is the conversion equation between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F):

°C to °F: Multiply by 1.8, then add 32 (let’s assume it’s 30°C – 30x1.8=65, 54+32=86°F).

If the sum of air temperature and relative humidity is less than 130, your horse can cool themselves well and it is an ideal day for them to exercise. The ability to cool the body is decreased over 130. While climbing over 150, it is greatly reduced. When the combination is more than 180, the conditions may become fatal to your horse if stressed. In these conditions, it is per your careful consideration if the exercise is really necessary.