Everything you need to keep your pony cool, comfortable and happy this festive season
December in South Africa means sunshine, long days, and plenty of extra time to spend with your pony, but hot weather also means we need to pay special attention to their comfort and wellbeing.
Here’s your ultimate guide to riding, caring for, and enjoying your pony safely all summer long.
Heat safety
Ponies can overheat quickly, especially on hot, humid days. Here’s how to help them stay comfortable:
- Ride in the cool parts of the day: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to ride to avoid heat stress. Between 11am and 3pm, temperatures can soar. It’s best to skip riding during this window.
- Hose down after riding: Hose down after riding for around 20 minutes. This helps lower body temperature and reduces the risk of heat stroke.
- Shade is essential: Make sure your pony has access to shade in the paddocks.
Hydration: water, water, water
Ponies need lots of water in summer, much more than in winter.
- Clean, fresh water available at all times: Check buckets or troughs before and after every ride.
- Add electrolytes after hard work: But only if your instructor or parent agrees, and never without plenty of clean water alongside.
- Watery treats: Watermelon (without the rind), apple slices, or soaked hay pellets make cooling snacks.
Best times of day to ride
Riding in summer is all about timing.
- Early birds win! Sunrise hacks or schooling sessions feel amazing and are avoid the worst heat of the day.
- Late afternoon rides: Once the heat drops, your pony will feel fresher and more comfortable.
- Avoid the midday sun: Save that time for grooming, tack cleaning, or playing with your pony in the shade.
Another risk in summer is of course African Horse Sickness, AHS. While morning and evening rides are best temperature-wise, the midges that carry AHS are most active at dawn and dusk. It is, therefore, important to put on lots of insect repellent to reduce the risk of midge bites during these times.
Fly protection
Flies love summer, but ponies definitely don’t love flies.
- Fly masks: Make sure they fit well and have no broken stitching.
- Fly spray: Use horse-safe spray and apply before rides or turnout.
- Prevent access: Fly sheets or light mesh blankets can help ponies with sensitive skin.
- Check for bites: Look at bellies, chests and under the tail for any irritated spots.
Feeding in hot weather
Ponies sometimes lose their appetite in very hot weather, but there are easy ways to help.
- Feed after they’ve cooled down: Never give hard feed to a sweaty or overheated pony – even in winter.
- Small, frequent meals: Light portions are easier to digest in the heat, and feeding this way is far more ‘natural’ for our ponies’ digestive systems.
- Salt licks: These help with natural electrolyte balance, but not all ponies enjoy them. They are also not a supplement for salt in the diet.
- Juicy foods: Apples and carrots add moisture, but only give small amounts, as these treats also contain sugar, which can be risky for ponies with metabolic issues.
Travelling in summer
If you’re going to holiday shows, lessons or pony outings, travelling safely is VERY important.
- Ventilated horsebox or float: Make sure the horsebox is well ventilated.
- Offer water before loading: Hydration starts early.
- Keep trips short if possible: Plan rest stops if travelling far.
- Check temperatures: Floats can heat up quickly, so avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day.
Your summer pony care checklist:
Heat safety
☐ Keep pony in shade
☐ Hose down after riding
☐ Avoid riding in peak heat
Hydration
☐ Fresh water always available
☐ Offer water before and after rides
☐ Electrolytes if needed
☐ Cooling treats
Fly protection
☐ Fly mask
☐ Fly spray
☐ Check for bites
☐ Fly sheet
Feeding
☐ Feed only once cooled down
☐ Small meals in hot weather
☐ Salt lick
☐ Juicy snacks in moderation
Travelling
☐ Ventilated float/horsebox
☐ Water packed
☐ Travel in cooler hours
☐ Make plenty of stops
