Managing Staff and Horses in Hot Weather

For many of us in the equestrian world, a sunny day is usually welcomed with open arms.

After all, we spend most of the year complaining about mud, rain, and frozen water troughs.

But when temperatures start creeping into the high twenties and beyond, working on a busy yard can quickly become challenging for both humans and horses.

While we may not face the extreme temperatures seen elsewhere in the world, hot weather in the UK brings its own set of risks.

A little planning can help keep everyone safe, comfortable, and productive.

Looking After Your Team

Yard staff are often among the hardest-working people around. Long hours, physical labour, and limited shade can make hot weather particularly demanding.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees. Although UK law doesn't specify a maximum workplace temperature, employers must assess risks under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and take sensible steps to reduce them.

Practical measures might include:

• Starting earlier to complete heavier jobs before the heat builds.
• Scheduling breaks in shaded or cool areas.
• Ensuring constant access to drinking water.
• Encouraging lightweight, breathable clothing where appropriate.
• Ensuring suitable footwear is worn at all times – no flip flops or sandals
• Rotating physically demanding tasks.
• Watching for signs of heat exhaustion.

Spotting Heat Exhaustion

Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or headaches
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue or confusion

If someone is showing symptoms, move them to a cool area, encourage fluids, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

And remember: nobody wins a prize for pretending they're not struggling. If a member of staff says they're overheating, listen to them before they become tomorrow's accident report.

Wearing suitable clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing can help staff work more comfortably in high temperatures, as can hats, but appropriate footwear remains essential. Horses can cause serious foot injuries with a single misplaced step, so flip flops, sandals, sliders and other open-toed shoes should never be worn when handling horses or carrying out yard duties.

Employers should ensure staff understand footwear expectations and provide clear guidance that, even on the hottest days, sturdy closed-toe footwear is a non-negotiable part of safe working practice.

Don't Forget the Risk Assessment

Hot weather can introduce additional hazards around the yard:

• Increased fire risk from machinery, hay, bedding, and vehicles.
• Dust affecting respiratory health.
• Fatigue-related accidents when handling horses or equipment.
• Dehydration reducing concentration and decision-making.

Review your risk assessments when temperatures rise and communicate any temporary changes to working practices.

Keeping Horses Comfortable

If we're feeling hot and bothered, our horses probably are too.

Unlike us, horses can't simply head indoors, grab an ice lolly, and complain on social media. They rely on us to help them stay comfortable.

Water, Water, and More Water

The most important consideration is access to clean, fresh water. Horses may drink significantly more during hot weather, so troughs and buckets should be checked regularly throughout the day.

Don't assume a full trough at breakfast will still be full by teatime.

Hosing horses down can also to keep them comfortable. Aim to soak the coat completely and do not remove water with a scraper, instead leave it to dry naturally.

Adjust Exercise and Teaching Routines

Consider:

• Sending riders out early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Re-organising lessons to cooler parts of the day, switching from schooling to hacking or even doing a stable management session instead.
• Reducing working intensity for horses during the hottest parts of the day.
• Allowing longer warm-up and cool-down periods.
• Monitoring recovery rates carefully.

Remember that heat stress can develop surprisingly quickly, particularly in horses that are overweight, unfit, travelling, or competing.

Provide Shade

Whether horses are stabled or turned out, access to shade is essential.

Trees, field shelters, and well-ventilated stables can all help horses escape direct sunlight during the hottest hours.

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Signs may include:

• Excessive sweating or, conversely, a lack of sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to move
• High body temperature

If you suspect heat stress, move the horse into shade, apply cool water, and contact your vet if symptoms persist.

Flies: The Unofficial Yard Managers

No discussion of summer would be complete without mentioning flies.

As temperatures rise, so do fly populations, often bringing irritation, stress, and skin problems for horses.

Consider:

• Regular muck heap management.
• Fly rugs and masks where appropriate.
• Strategic use of approved fly repellents.
• Stable fans (used safely and correctly).
• Minimising standing water around the yard.

Sadly, despite their confidence, flies are not qualified to manage your yard operations.

Competitions, Clinics and Events

When temperatures are unusually high, it's worth reconsidering plans.

Check event organiser guidance, monitor forecasts, and be prepared to adjust schedules. Sometimes the smartest decision is not pushing ahead with business as usual.

Clients generally appreciate proactive communication far more than emergency explanations later.

Hot weather should be something we enjoy, not endure.

By making sensible adjustments, carrying out suitable risk assessments, and keeping both staff and horses at the centre of decision-making, yards can continue operating safely while everyone enjoys the rare British sunshine.

And if all else fails, remember: in a few months we'll probably be wishing we had this problem again while breaking ice out of water buckets.

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