Updated June, 2023
For the hot and sunny days we enjoy with our horses, there are important things we need to know about first aid in the sun.
Equestrians expose themselves to the elements day in and day out, blistering heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. But how often do you stop and think of the consequences of exposure to the heat? Would you know what to do if the elements took hold and got the better of you? Your duty of care as an establishment applies to your employees as well as your clients. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat, dehydration and dropping sugar levels as a result.
In the few summer months we get to enjoy in the UK we learn to deal with extremes, however on those few scorching hot days do you know the risks? Sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion are just a few things to consider, which must be treated quickly and correctly
Five first aid issues to be aware of whilst riding in the sun:
1. Sunburn on horse riders
Although common and easily caused, sunburn can be exceptionally painful. Damage caused by UV rays, causes the skin to become painful, red, sore and hot, however in severe cases the skin can blister or swell, the sufferer may also experience chills, a fever, dizziness, sickness, headaches and other signs of heat exhaustion. We all joke about the lack of sunny days but they all add up. Whilst sunburn may be short lived or mild, it’s important to avoid it as it can lead to an increase in your chances of contracting skin cancer later in life. And recently we’ve been getting longer hotter spells – not good for us or our horses!
Treatment for sunburn:
Sunburn is hard to spot while the damage is being caused as it can take hours for the skin to turn red, however the skin will feel warm to touch. If you get sun burnt you need to take action to cool the skin and limit damage. Get out of the sun, cool the affected skin by taking a cold shower/bath; take pain killers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the pain; drink plenty of water to help keep you cool and to prevent dehydration. Severe cases of sunburn may also need medical attention. The symptoms of this may include fevers, very high temperatures, blistering or swelling, dizziness, nausea or persistent headaches. The NHS website has more information about sunburn treatment.
2. Dehydration in horse riders
Dehydration is a common problem in hot and humid weather and occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. Although not severe in itself, dehydration can make you lightheaded, dizzy and tired. This may have a knock on effect on your ability to function properly and slow your reflexes which are vital when around horses.
The best way to avoid dehydration is to ensure you drink plenty of water in hot conditions and when exercising – regularly throughout the day. Always remember that mucking out a stable is classed as moderate physical exercise so always take a bottle of water to the yard with you during the summer months. It is good practice to have drinkable water throughout the yard and arenas where it is easy for everyone to access – then they’ll use it more often.
Treatment for dehydration:
If you are suffering from dehydration it is vital to try to rehydrate yourself quickly by drinking fluids such as water, diluted squash or fruit juice. Try to avoid tea, coffee and fizzy drinks as these are less effective and although contain sugar they are harder to drink in large amounts. A rehydration solution available from pharmacies are another great option as they replace the vital minerals, which become unbalanced when dehydrated. Sports drinks with electrolytes in them are good if you’ve been working very hard and sweating a lot but water should always be your first choice.
3. Heat exhaustion in horse riders
Heat exhaustion is a potentially serious condition that equestrians are vulnerable to as it normally occurs during heat waves, hotter than normal weather and during physical exercise. With heat exhaustion the body is no longer able to cope with the heat and must be treated with urgent medical attention. They will have sweated out a lot of fluid as well as salts. Their skin will be very wet and may even taste salty in places.
Treatment for heat exhaustion:
The signs are similar to dehydration however additional symptoms may include intense thirst, muscle cramps, sickness, a fast pulse and low blood pressure. Get the sufferer to lie down in a cool place, make them drink water. Raise their feet if their feeling ill and dampen their skin with a cool, wet towel. If they are still unwell after 30 minutes in a cool place and have been drinking water, phone 999/112 immediately.
4. Heat Stroke in horse riders
This is more serious than heat exhaustion and occurs as the casualty continues to exercise in hot weather and essentially the body runs out of fluids to maintain basic functions such as sweating. Their skin will be dry. At this point the casualty will be near collapse if they have not collapsed already. They may also have a fit or seizure, have a very high temperature, a shortness of breath or are breathing very rapidly.
Treatment for heat stroke:
Quick first aid here is vital. Wet their skin with copious amounts of water and remove any unnecessary clothing. Fan them to keep them cool. Call the emergency services on 999/112. Put them in the recovery position if they lose consciousness.
5. Awareness and prevention is the key! – how to avoid getting ill during hot weather rides:
There’s a high risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise. Stay safe and healthy by being aware of the conditions outlined above. Look after each other and pay particular attention to children when out riding.
- Check the weather forecast – then hope for the best and plan for the worst!
- Drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
- Take cool baths or showers after rides
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing but don’t neglect your safety kit
- Get some quality sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Sprinkle water over skin or clothes
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid extreme exercise – pace yourself throughout the day or session
- Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.Â
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a useful guide about Sun Protection for employers of outdoor workers. You can view it here.
Regardless of the season or the temperature equestrians are vulnerable and as such we should all be prepared with correct first aid. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of someone with dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke is the first step to helping them prevent it!
Get confident – get trained!
Knowing what to do BEFORE it happens is essential and attending a first aid course will give you the knowledge and the confidence to deal with many first aid incidents. Our courses are structured to give you confidence in dealing with an incident as well as the competence to do good quality first aid. We offer a wide range of first aid courses designed especially for equestrians, yard owners and grooms of all levels which will ensure you are prepared for all weather related situations. To find out which first aid course is best for you check out our specific equestrian first aid webpage.
Everyone on our courses receives a FREE digital first aid manual. We have a range of manuals relevant to the courses we teach – Equestrian, Outdoor, First Aid at Work, Paediatric and Sports. They are a great resource that you can download onto your phone or other device and have all that first aid knowledge at your fingertips. You can view them and buy them for less than £4 here.
We have also produced an equestrian specific Accident Book for horse riding establishments. You can view and buy it here.
Medi-K and First Aid Training Co-operative have come together to run equestrian specific first aid courses. If you would like more information about our courses, please contact us or check our Equestrian First Aid webpage.Â
