Ways to Beat the Rodeo Heat!

With the summer months upon us, rodeo takes on a whole new feel. The days may still be long but they are hot, hot, hot. With the rising temperatures comes the need for adequate hydration not only for us as contestants, but also for our animals. Our bodies have two main ways of helping us keep cool during those hot days of roping and riding. The first is through dilation, whereby the body will actually dilate the blood vessels near the skin. During activities, this allows the blood that is heated at the core of the body to be radiated through the skin into the air. The second way of removing heat is by sweating. When sweat from the skin is evaporated, it gives up heat and thus cools the skin. These same methods work in our animals as well. With this in mind remember the most important tool needed for warm weather activities is proper hydration. Both of our body processes need water to make them work. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda pop as they may inhibit your body’s ability to cool itself.

The American College of Sports Medicine offers the following recommendations for those who are participating in outside sports and exposure to the sun.

1. Drink enough fluids to make your urine run clear (like lemonade in color, not amber like apple juice).
2. Drink about a pint of fluid two hours before an event.
3. Drink at least two glasses of fluid just before an event and two glasses after the event. Remember to replace what you have lost. If you drink only when you’re thirsty, then you are already in a dehydrated state.
4. Eat properly the night before an event. Carb-loading is a good idea if you are going to be doing a lot of physical activity and meals during the day are minimal.
5. If you are able to eat between events, eat small portions of easily digestible, highcarbohydrate foods. Stay away from the high fats. They are harder to digest and may cause cramping during the activity. Foods high in carbohydrates are bananas, apples, raisins, dates, non-fat yogurt, bagels with low fat cream cheese, and energy bars.

Take the time to prepare yourself for those long hot rodeo days. Be aware of your body’s needs and make sure you eat and drink right. If you start feeling nauseated, weak, dizzy, or that you might pass out, you could be developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If this occurs, get into a shaded area immediately where it is cool and begin to re-hydrate. Electrolytes are lost through your sweat.

And let’s not forget our animals. Just like you and I they need proper hydration and protection from the sun. Their bodies cool off just like ours. Make sure that your animals always have plenty of fresh water in front of them at all times. They too loose valuable electrolytes with sweating. Be sure that you have replacements for them as well as plenty of high protein and carbohydrate feed. Provide adequate shade whenever possible and allow them time to cool down after each event. If you follow these simple guidelines, then you’re ready to get out there and rodeo, no matter what the weather is like. You can "beat the heat" and keep on going!!