30/09/2026
EWA Welfare Corner: Weather Policies
Do you know Equestrian Australia and Equestrian Western Australia had weather related policies ? With Summer right at the corner, what a better opportunity to have a quick refresher!
EA HOT WEATHER POLICY:https://www.equestrian.org.au/sites/default/files/EA_Hot_Weather_Policy_13042018.pdf
Heat stress is a serious welfare risk for horses. Officials use the WBGT index (temperature + humidity, published by BOM) to guide decisions:
๐ข Under 28: Normal competition, but wash bays, hoses and shade should be available
๐ก 28-30: Use shade, avoid non-grassed surfaces, reduce effort
๐ 30-33: Run events in cooler parts of the day (7-11am or after 4pm), with aggressive cooling and ice available
๐ด Over 33: Very high risk, likely unsafe for competition, and vet consultation required
Key things to know:
โ
Riders are primarily responsible for preventing and treating heat stress
โ
Hard work beyond about 6 minutes in high WBGT is a big risk factor (think dressage and cross-country)
โ
Cool aggressively with lots of cold water and ice, focusing on the neck, between the hind legs and the lower belly, until temperature is back to about 38ยฐC
โ
Watch for panting, flared nostrils, staggering and agitation
โ
A dry coat in the heat is a warning sign, not a good sign!
โ
Don't forget yourself: hydrate, wear sunscreen (SPF30+), a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade
EWA THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING POLICY:https://www.wa.equestrian.org.au/sites/default/files/EWA%20Thunderstorm%20and%20Lightning%20Policy%20and%20Procedures%20-%20June%202024.pdf
EWA follows the 30/30 rule:
โฑ๏ธ Flash to bang: Count the seconds between lightning and thunder. If it's approaching 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 10 km, so stop all activity and get people and horses to shelter
โฑ๏ธ Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before resuming
โ๏ธ Blue skies and no rain are NOT a reason to restart early
๐ก BOM radar shows rain, not lightning, so don't rely on it alone
๐ A designated "Weather Watcher" monitors conditions and logs decisions
Stay safe, look after your horses, and look after each other! ๐
Read more here: https://www.wa.equestrian.org.au/news/ewa-welfare-corner-weather-policies