Precautions Taken For Tulsa Horse Show In Heat Wave

Lacie Lowry, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma – Riders in the Palomino Horse Show are taking extra precautions to protect their horses from the extreme heat this weekend. The show is being held at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds.

Many of the competitors in the World Championships are from the north, so riders have to take extra care of their horse in these 100 plus degree days.

"It's a lot hotter here than in Iowa. It's quite boiling," said Christy Wilson, Competitor.

The show has a local veterinarian on the grounds at all times who monitors the animals. And the show manager says the ventilation at the Ford Truck Arena has helped keep the dehydration down since the show started last Saturday.

"The water is good here, the horses are drinking a lot of water so, the horse is like us, we're out in the hot, we want to make sure he gets a lot of fluid," said Darrell Bilke, Show Manager.

Through all the cutting, roping and other events, the show manager says Tulsa's facility helped with the heat.

"Tulsa should be proud of their facility because the ventilation in the barns, the airflow, so the air is hot but at least we have some air coming through," Bilke said.

The show started last Saturday and ended this evening. Despite the heat, the show manager says the attendance was about the same as it was last year.