Can you ride a horse in a heatwave?

Many yards reduce or stop work when the combined heat and humidity make cooling difficult. Ride early or late, shorten sessions, and ensure unlimited water before and after.

How much water does a horse need in hot weather?

An adult horse may drink 25–50 litres daily — more in heat and after exercise. Constant clean water must be available; dehydration worsens colic risk.

What are signs of heat stress in horses?

High respiratory rate that does not slow at rest, elevated heart rate, dullness, reduced sweating (in some cases), or collapse. Call your equine vet immediately.

Horse Health

Horse Hot Weather UK — Dehydration, Colic & Exercise

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

Quick answer

In UK heatwaves, horses need constant shade, unlimited water, and reduced workload. Dehydration increases colic risk. If breathing stays fast at rest or your horse is dull and not drinking — call your equine vet the same day.

Field and stable management

According to the BVA and RSPCA, horses need reliable access to shade and clean water in hot weather — dehydration can increase colic risk. Check that:

Shade is available in every paddock — trees, shelters, or bring in during peak heat
Fresh water is checked twice daily — automatic troughs can fail
Stables stay ventilated; avoid working in closed hot boxes
Fly stress is managed — fly rugs and yard advice as appropriate

Riding in heat

Exercise at dawn or dusk only during heatwaves
Reduce intensity and duration
Cool down slowly with walking and tepid water on neck
Know your horse's normal pulse and respiration at rest

Heat stress vs colic

Both are emergencies. Heat stress: rapid breathing, weakness. Colic: pawing, rolling, looking at flank — see Horse health basics.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ride a horse in a heatwave?: Many yards reduce or stop work when the combined heat and humidity make cooling difficult. Ride early or late, shorten sessions, and ensure unlimited water before and after.
How much water does a horse need in hot weather?: An adult horse may drink 25–50 litres daily — more in heat and after exercise. Constant clean water must be available; dehydration worsens colic risk.
What are signs of heat stress in horses?: High respiratory rate that does not slow at rest, elevated heart rate, dullness, reduced sweating (in some cases), or collapse. Call your equine vet immediately.