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There aren't many places on the planet right now that are hotter than California's Central Valley. I even Googled Bagdad's temperature, and it was only 109℉. This morning, at 5:00 a.m., it's already 82℉ with 44% humidity. It will be 100℉ before 11:00 a.m.  A few days ago, the predictions were even higher at 112℉. Both the highs and lows are supposed to break records set way back in 1938. While I love our local meteorologist (go, Miles!), he's not always right. I hope this is one of those times.  Wet saddle blanket ... I was on by 7:00 a.m. yesterday morning, and Izzy was hotter than the weather. It took a full hour to get his brain connected to his body. When I realized that he was going to explode, I untacked him (after 15 minutes of walking), and threw him in the round pen where he worked off some of the excess energy.
I tacked him back up and was pleased at how politely he stood without even a halter. I worked him another 30 minutes simply asking for some obedience and submission. I got a smidgeon of both, but it wasn't enough to make me smile. Today, I am braced for more jackassery, but for both our sakes, I hope he'll settle the heck down. I think wet saddle blankets are an excellent way to quiet down a horse (see above), but not when it means I have to worry about myself getting heat stroke. Hello, summer, you suck.
lytha
6/19/2017 07:26:40 am
Oh that is a nasty saddle pad! Did you see the little puddle of sweat underneath? Ew! 6/19/2017 08:03:19 am
Yeah ... I saw the sweat puddle which is why I took the photo. I asked him REPEATEDLY to just slow down and relax. He was much more relaxed and quiet today.
jenj
6/19/2017 08:11:53 am
Only 44% humidity sounds amazing. Here's is 78 at 6 am and 100% humidity. Eff that. It's actually "cooler" (ie heat index is less) to ride in the evening when it's 100 and only 55% humidity. 6/19/2017 08:22:33 am
In some ways, it's better to ride a bit later here too because the humidity falls, but then you're stuck in searing heat which burns your eyeballs and lungs. We generally just have temps that are like the inside of an oven, so I don't know how you all deal with heat AND humidity. 6/22/2017 01:04:29 pm
It's gross, I know. I can handle a ride as long as the temperature plus humidity are no higher than about 130 (not the correct formula, but it works for me). So if it's 90, I can do about 40% humidity. Our humidity drops as the day goes on, so in September when I go back to afternoon riding, I will ride if it's 100, but we need pretty low humidity. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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