Horses Brave the Heat in Carlock Competition

CARLOCK--At the Hunter Oaks Horse Trials, nothing is more beautiful than a man and horse on one accord.

"It's sort of like dancing with your horse. It's very precise," said rider Erin Dierks.  

But with temperatures so high,  that dancing can get a little steamy.

"These do not breath though. It's like wearing an insulated bucket on your head," said Ken Dierks about his safety helmet.

This year riders, like Dierks, are trying to beat the heat by wearing fewer clothes. 

But while they can take off layers, it's a little different for their teammates.

"Especially with the humidity and when it's so hard for us to breath, you have to imagine when they're running on cross country. That's got to be hard," said competitor Michelle Mercier.

With the amazing temperatures, every precaution is taken to make sure the stay cool. For instance, every horse has its own fan.

The horses are given constant baths, lots to drink, and even rubbing alcohol.

"We use rubbing alcohol because that pulls the heat off of them quicker," said Mercier.

"They are quite pampered in the stalls. It's actually much nicer than it is out here," said Ken Dierks.

Michelle has competed since she was six-years-old. She and her horse, Sir Malcolm, are currently in second place in the horse trials.

So, she knows how to take care of Sir Malcolm.

"The whole point is to get your animal to cool down as quickly as possible. So they can compete and be good the next day," said Mercier.

And at the end of the dance, it's all about your partner.

 "You never want to overtax your horses. It's not here for ribbons or wins but to take care of our horses," said Dierks.