When people think about horseback riding in Florida, they picture sunshine, trails, and a strong bond between horse and rider. But in the intense Florida heat, that experience comes with important responsibilities—especially when it comes to horse overheating.
At WildHeart Riding School, located just 8 minutes from Oviedo Mall and 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, we prioritize the health and safety of our horses first. Riding should never come at the cost of a horse’s well-being, and in the summer months, that means taking deliberate steps before any saddle is even touched.
Horses regulate their body temperature by sweating, but that system can easily be overwhelmed during high heat and humidity. Overheating can lead to heat stress, dehydration, or even heatstroke—conditions that can be fatal if not treated quickly. In Florida, with temperatures often soaring past 90°F and humidity levels adding even more stress, overheating is not a possibility—it’s a constant risk we monitor closely.
At WildHeart, horseback riding is never rushed. We believe that keeping our horses safe, hydrated, and cool is step one in every single lesson.
We never wait until a horse is already hot to act. Every day, before lessons begin, our team checks each horse’s physical condition. We assess hydration, behavior, and how they’re reacting to the day’s temperature. Some horses naturally handle the heat better, while others—especially those with darker coats or particular temperaments—require more attention.
No horse is ever treated like a number here. We know each one individually, and our care reflects that.
It’s a strict rule at WildHeart: if a horse is overheated, the saddle stays off. Heat affects muscle performance, balance, and even the horse’s temperament. Riding an overheated horse is dangerous for both the animal and the rider.
Instead, we cool them down first. If that takes 30 minutes, we wait 30 minutes. If it means rescheduling a lesson, we reschedule. We never put the lesson ahead of the horse’s health.
To prevent and manage overheating, we have a system in place:
Cooling isn’t just a quick rinse and go—it’s a deliberate process we monitor closely.
Each paddock at WildHeart Riding School has access to shade, whether from trees or shade structures. We make sure horses have the option to step out of the sun whenever they want. That said, horses are still independent animals—some of them prefer to stay under the sun even when shade is available.
While we can’t force them into the shade, we keep a close eye on those choices. If a horse shows signs of stress, we bring them in and begin cooling measures immediately.
Sweating is the horse’s way of cooling down, but sometimes horses in high heat stop sweating altogether—a condition called anhidrosis. It’s a serious problem we watch for daily.
If a horse isn’t sweating as expected, we act quickly. This may include:
A horse not sweating in high heat isn’t “handling it well”—it’s a warning sign, and we never ignore it.
Even a slightly dehydrated horse is at increased risk during activity. That’s why we incorporate electrolyte support into our horses’ routines when needed. These supplements encourage the horse to drink more water and help balance what they lose through sweating.
Some horses need a little extra encouragement, especially during back-to-back hot days. We closely track their water intake and behavior patterns to make sure they’re staying hydrated and comfortable.
No two horses respond to heat the same way. Some remain energetic and sweat well, others slow down quickly or become agitated. Our trainers and barn staff are trained to recognize early symptoms of heat stress before they become visible to the untrained eye.
We adjust ride times, lesson duration, and the level of activity depending on the horse’s condition. This individualized care ensures safety while maintaining a positive experience for both the horse and the rider.
Sometimes, it’s simply too hot to ride. We routinely adjust our schedule to avoid the hottest parts of the day. During peak summer months, you’ll often see us move lessons to early morning or late evening.
We also shift the lesson plan itself—focusing on groundwork, grooming, or horsemanship skills instead of mounted work when necessary. Riders still learn, but the horses stay safe.
This flexibility is one of the reasons families trust WildHeart. We’re not just a riding school. We’re partners in creating safe, long-term relationships between people and horses.
If you or your child is joining us for horseback riding lessons this summer, here’s how you can support the horse and your learning experience:
You’ll always be informed and guided through any changes.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of horseback riding. But for us, the real joy comes in knowing our horses are happy, healthy, and ready to ride. Pushing a horse beyond their safe limits isn’t just risky—it goes against everything we stand for.
At WildHeart, our horses are not tools. They’re teammates. And their comfort, especially during Florida’s summer heat, is always our top priority.
When you ride with us, you’re not just learning to steer and trot—you’re learning what it means to respect the animal that’s carrying you. That starts with understanding how heat affects them, and how to protect them from it.
We’re proud to offer safe, professional horseback riding lessons year-round, even during Florida’s hottest months—because we’ve built our school around the right way to care for horses.
Location:
WildHeart Riding School
3287 N County Rd 426
Geneva, FL 32732
Just 8 minutes from Oviedo Mall and 30 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, we’ll match you with the right horse, under the right conditions, so every ride is both safe and rewarding.
