(Not) Too Hot to Trot

I don't know why I am so surprised, but it's still hot. Really hot. We had a solid week of below average temperatures that gave me hope that summer was going to end earlier than usual. Sucker. I fall for it every time.

We have Back to School Night this evening so I already knew that I wouldn't be visiting the barn or riding tonight. After Monday's tumble, I sort of knew the next few days were going to be a wash, so I took any pressure off myself to Get Something Done. I can't just leave my boys cooped up in their stalls though, as large as they are, so I planned on extra long turn outs. 

It was over a hundred yesterday with dark, humidity bearing clouds, so I assumed my boys would just seek out some shade and just hang out. Apparently they're not as bothered by the heat as I am. Both my boys spent 45 minutes kicking the dust up along with their heels.

After his turn out and shower.

Speedy was turned out in our arena, and every time I looked over to see how he was, all I saw was a gray blur through the cloud of dust. He was doing a dead gallop as he whinnied for Izzy. There were also a few bucks thrown in just for good measure. 

When I finally brought him back in, he was the wettest I've ever seen him. He coat was so sweaty that his black skin was showing through. Sweat was dripping off his face and belly and his legs were muddy from the aren's sand. He must have taken a few cool down laps because his breathing was normal but he was still hot.

I immediately walked him over to the wash rack and gave him a slow shower. He's not a huge fan of getting hosed off, but he stood pretty quietly for this particular shower.

Looking for dinner!

Izzy was turned out over at Laurel's place which is completed shaded in the afternoons. So while his 45 minutes were spent bucking and rearing with spurts of gallops, he came back home warm, but with a dry coat. He didn't get a shower.

His knee is still skinned up, but again, there wasn't any filling or tenderness, and he was just as enthusiastic about running and playing as always. It seems as though I got more beat up than he did. I may use soreness as my excuse on Friday because if it's still over a hundred, I may not ride that day either.

I won't feel too bad about it though as both boys burned up a lot of energy last night. They'll have to stand around today as I won't make it out there, but we'll do something fun tomorrow, even if it's not under saddle.