Equestrian Heat Protocol 2026: Rules, Transport, Competitions & Viewings

The first warm days of 2026 have arrived, bringing the equestrian heat protocol 2026 back into focus. For sport horse owners, this means making immediate choices: whether to ride or not, to transport or postpone, to proceed with a trial ride or reschedule. This article outlines the current KNHS guidelines and translates them into concrete actions for training, competition, and transport — as well as for buyers and sellers looking to view or vet a sport horse in the summer.

What is the heat protocol and why is it particularly important in 2026?

The heat protocol is the set of guidelines from the KNHS and the Equestrian Sector Council for sport horses in warm weather conditions. It describes when competition organisers must provide extra cooling facilities, when classes are adjusted or cancelled, and which transport rules apply as temperatures rise.

In 2026, the protocol has once again gained attention due to two developments. Climate services are warning of a warmer-than-average European summer, and with the FEI World Championships in Aachen on the agenda, organisers, riders, and traders are paying extra close attention to heat policies. This has direct consequences for the sport horse market — buying, selling, and transporting.

The temperature thresholds you need to know

The protocol operates with temperature zones. In practice: the higher the temperature and humidity, the lower the intensity of effort. Remember these limits:

• Below 25 °C — normal exertion is usually possible; only pay attention to high humidity and low wind.
• 25 – 30 °C — extend breaks, reduce intensity, and plan training for early morning or late evening.
• 30 – 32 °C — avoid heavy exertion; work for shorter periods and ensure the horse can be cooled with water immediately after work.
• Above 32 °C — competition organisers must activate heat measures (extra water points, cooling showers, lighter courses, or shortened tests); riders are advised to reschedule demanding classes.
• Above 35 °C — horse transport without climate control is no longer legally permitted; for long journeys, this limit already applies from 30 °C.

In addition to air temperature, equestrian sports also consider the WBGT index (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature). This combines temperature, humidity, and radiation, providing a more realistic picture of the heat stress on the horse than just the thermometer reading.

Five practical measures for stable and training

• Double water intake. On warm days, a sport horse can easily drink 60 – 80 litres. Offer clean, cool water in multiple locations and rinse buckets daily.
• Replenish minerals. With sweat, the horse loses sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. A salt lick or a measured dose of electrolytes compensates for this loss; do not give electrolytes without sufficient drinking water.
• Provide real shade. A pasture without trees can be supplemented with a shade net or a shelter. Or reverse the rhythm: horses outside at night, in a well-ventilated stable during the day.
• Cool immediately after work. Rinse the horse generously with cold water, scrape off the excess water, and repeat. Recent research confirms that cold rinsing is safe and effective — even for large sport horses.
• Adjust feed. Avoid heavy concentrate feeds immediately before or after exertion in the heat; distribute the amount over more mealtimes and keep roughage continuously available.

Competitions: what changes for your class?

Competition organisers are permitted and required to intervene if the temperature or WBGT value becomes too high. Common adjustments include:

• Bringing forward or delaying classes to cooler parts of the day.
• Shortening courses, tests, or round times.
• Setting up extra cooling zones with showers, fans, and drinking water.
• Mandatory rest periods between sections, especially in eventing and driving disciplines.
• Cancellation of classes in extreme conditions; the KNHS does not charge competition fees for cancellations due to heat, allowing organisers to prioritise welfare without financial pressure.

Good to know: as a rider, you also have your own responsibility. If you feel your horse is being overexerted, you may — and should — withdraw, even if the judges are still allowing the class to continue.

Transport: the rules buyers and sellers often overlook

For the sport horse trade, transport is one of the biggest heat risks. The main rules:

• From 30 °C onwards, long transports (more than eight hours) are subject to strict conditions; many traders automatically postpone journeys then.
• From 35 °C onwards, transport without mechanical climate control is prohibited — a standard trailer without air conditioning is no longer sufficient.
• Plan journeys at night or in the early morning. A trailer in the sun can quickly become 10 – 15 °C warmer than the outside air.
• Pause in the shade, not on an asphalt car park. Offer water during every stop, even if the journey seems short.
• Document the temperature. For international journeys, customs and NVWA increasingly check climate control logbooks.

For exports to Germany, France, Belgium, or the United Kingdom, it is advisable to choose a specialised horse transporter with a climate-controlled trailer in July and August. See also our guide importing a horse into the Netherlands for the administrative aspects of international journeys.

Viewing and trial ride in summer: six do's and don'ts

A trial ride on a hot Saturday afternoon gives a distorted impression of the horse and an increased risk of injury. Adhere to these guidelines:

• Plan early or late in the day. Explicitly ask the seller for a morning or evening appointment above 28 °C.
• Never start with large jumps or heavy dressage. First, walk calmly for twenty minutes to assess the horse at walk, trot, and canter.
• Assess respiration. A sport horse that continues to pant for minutes after light work gives a warning signal.
• Ask about the cooling plan. A professional seller will immediately offer a cooling shower and shade.
• Do not unnecessarily extend the trial period. Ten extra minutes "to be sure" can cost a week of rehabilitation.
• Compare two days. If you have doubts about condition or temperament due to the heat, request a second viewing on a cooler day.

Pre-purchase examination in heat: pay extra attention to the exercise test

The exercise test is a key moment in any sport horse pre-purchase examination. In warm weather, the heart rate and respiratory recovery of a healthy horse may be prolonged — not due to pathology, but due to the environment. Make clear agreements beforehand:

• Keep the day and time flexible; it is better to reschedule the examination than to get a distorted result.
• Ask if the veterinarian works with a WBGT meter or a fixed heat protocol.
• Never let additional X-rays or ultrasounds depend on a "it's just the heat" explanation; request a repeat on a cooler day or consult a second veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions about the equestrian heat protocol 2026

From what temperature should I no longer ride my horse?

There is no legal prohibition for recreational training, but above 32 °C, the KNHS advises avoiding heavy exertion. Above 35 °C — or with high WBGT values — professional organisations almost always cease sporting activities.

Can my horse be rinsed with cold water after exercise?

Yes. Recent veterinary research confirms that cold rinsing is the most effective cooling method and does not cause cramps or muscle problems, even in heavily muscled sport horses. Always scrape off the water immediately and repeat until the horse feels cool.

How much water does a sport horse need on a hot day?

Expect a doubling of normal consumption, meaning 60 – 80 litres per day for an adult sport horse. This can increase further with heavy training or transport. Offer water in multiple locations and change it at least twice a day.

Is a standard trailer without air conditioning still usable in July and August?

For short journeys in the early morning or late evening, usually yes. Above 35 °C outside air, a trailer without climate control is not permitted; and because it gets significantly warmer inside the trailer than outside, climate-controlled transport is highly recommended for longer distances or during the day.

Can a competition organiser cancel a class due to heat?

Yes. The KNHS does not charge competition fees for cancellations due to heat, precisely to give organisations the flexibility to prioritise welfare. Riders entered in such a cancelled class are entitled to a refund or deferral according to the competition regulations.

Ready for the heat season — and for your next sport horse?

The 2026 heat protocol requires a little more planning, but it will result in a fitter and more sustainable sport horse. Whether you are looking for a new show jumper, dressage horse, or all-rounder, on sporthorses.nl you will find hundreds of sport horses from reliable sellers — with extensive profiles, videos, and direct contact options. Are you selling a sport horse yourself? Place your advertisement in a few minutes and reach international buyers through our network of 27 countries.