Advice re temperature for saddle fitting session

[JGC]

Urgh, don't know what to do - saddle fitter has given me a time of 2.30 for a session of 2 and a half hours (between the two horses). I am abroad and it's been hot all summer, but the last week or so has been generally cooler, it's going to be 13 overnight but 29 by the time I get to my appointment time. I generally ride in the mornings. One of mine really hates the heat, the other is alright with heat (we did a dressage competition in June with similar temps, but with a breeze and the warm up was in an open-sided indoor so we were only in the full sun for the time of the heat, so to me it's not really the same). Because of the cooler weather and storms, neither of them are currently acclimatized and they're both 15.

I have to cancel, don't I? I am sure the others are going to say I'm being over the top, so I'm second-guessing. This appointment has been months in coming, and other people joined in and have said they can only do morning and taken those slots so it's especially annoying.

Sorry, I seem to need a second opinion about this. Thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

[mini-eventer]

I would go ahead, it is only a fitting you do not have to work them too hard

 

[Flowerofthefen]

If its taken ages to get this appointment I would keep it. When I have my saddle done I'm probably on the horse no more than 20 mins. 10 mins or so so she can see me ride in saddle. Then she alters it if needs be, then another 10 mins or so to check after any adjustments. Last time I had mine done we got caught in a passing storm!!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would just keep it you don't have to do a huge amount of riding for a fitting you will probably just ride before the alterations then hop back on afterwards.

 

[JGC]

OK, thanks all. Seems there's consensus. I have a lot of other stress in my life at the moment and it seems to be manifesting as anxiety regarding the horses!

 

[Fieldlife]

You can wet horses everywhere but saddle area before and after working them, and yourself especially back of neck, will be fine.

 

[Andrew657]

If you're fitting flair/cair saddles might be worth enquiring about effect of the temperature on the air presure.

 

[Kat]

Keep the appointment, 29 is unpleasant but for a saddle fitting it is unlikely to be dangerous for the horse if you are sensible. Obviously fat hairy horses are more of a risk.

Don't work them harder than necessary. Stand them in the shade as much as possible. Sponge cold water onto neck and quarters before the appointment, then leave a bucket and sponge handy so you can add more water if you need to.

When you are finished hose them down well.

 

[mini-eventer]

OK, thanks all. Seems there's consensus. I have a lot of other stress in my life at the moment and it seems to be manifesting as anxiety regarding the horses!

This happens to me too, I tend to get more nervous riding when I have external stresses ?

 

[webble]

Another vote for stick with it. I had a saddle fitting a couple of weeks ago when it got up to 40c here, we did the fitting in the shade and I was only riding for ten mins max