2 August, It's a hot one on the Moors today and there's little shade on the top bit. #equine

Ponies need shade in hot weather primarily because their bodies are built to keep heat in, making them far more susceptible to heat stress than humans.

Here is a breakdown of why shade is vital for a pony’s health during warm months:

1. Ponies Trap Heat Easily
Thick Bodies & Small Surface Area: Compared to larger horses, ponies have a compact, stocky body shape with a lower surface-area-to-body-mass ratio. This means they retain core heat much longer once their body temperature rises.

Coat Density: Even in summer, many pony breeds (like Shetlands, Highlands, or Exmoors) maintain a denser coat than finer horse breeds, trapping radiant heat from direct sunlight right against their skin.