Re: RC: Heat and Humidity

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/22/99 6:03:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
helgeson@lansford.ndak.net writes:

<< That's because humans evolved in
 subtropical climates; our energy-neutral range - the
 temperatures at which we feel most comfortable - falls between
 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But the horse who hails from more
 northerly climates, has an energy-neutral range of 15 to 60
 degrees and a body uniquely adapted to generate and store heat." >>

I'm not sure that my Arabs and my Scottish ancestors would buy into that...

All joking aside, although you make some valid points, you have to remember 
that horses and humans are all individuals.  I've seen both horses and humans 
be able to perform admirably in all sorts of extremes where other individuals 
would falter.  My husband goes merrily outside in shirt sleeves at below 
freezing and is quite comfortable, while I shiver until the mercury hits at 
least 50 or 60, and I spent most of the winter wishing I could go back to 
Dubai.  (I was just thinking it was FINALLY getting a bit warm the other day 
and noticed the mercury standing at 101...)  By the same token, I've seen 
endurance horses that literally could not tolerate very mild cool temps 
without heavy blankets or rump rugs but that could face blazing heat all day, 
and visa versa.  Know your horse, and know yourself.  And learn to train for 
the extremes in which you will have to ride--be they heat and humidity, or 
the chill of an Oregon snowstorm in November.  And if you aren't trained for 
it, slow down, take precautions, and ride smart!

Heidi


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