Another weather post, am I being overly cautious

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MyBoyChe

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Bit of history, Che is an ex racer, retired with iffy legs and he and I are happy hackers, fortunately he seems to be a fairly laid back type, gets loads of turnout, a sensible diet and doesnt seem to get overly fizzy if not ridden lots. Problem is although our snow has melted the ground is either frozen solid with horrid ruts and icy clumps, the roads feel a bit greasy underfoot and either side of our yard is a fairly steep hill to negotiate. If I wait until later in the day with the low sun the traffic is a worry. fairly busy B road. Now I dont mind the fact Im not doing much with him, love him to bits and enjoy just faffing about but I do feel a bit guilty that he does so little, for his sake, not mine. Given the conditions described do you think I am being overly cautious not riding out or just sensible. Would be interested to hear what others do. Don't have access to a school of any sort so not an option Im afraid.
 
nothing wrong with cautious.... i will either ride down the gritted main road (and we are perfectly flat) or we will trailer (all gritted roads) to the beach later.
 
No I don't think you are. I've not ridden out this morning due to having to negotiate a very deeply rutted and totally frozen path to get to the bridleway which I then know will also be rock hard until sun gets to it. I watch my horse walking on this sort of ground in the field where it's churned up and now frozen ruts all round the gate and see how very cautious he is without me on board so I err on the side of caution and wait until it's thawed/bit warmer/softer before I ride. I think horses can be sensible on iffy ground as I think they have an instinct to protect their legs and remain upright but things happen!
 
Don't do it - resign yourself to the fact you cant ride, give him a nice groom, and catch up on any horsey jobs...
We haven't been able to ride since Xmas due to the snow, then sheet ice - my 2 are hunting fit but rather than being loonies, seem to be very chilled and actually enjoying the break!
 
i think you are very sensible, ours have been turned out (yet again)as conditions from last night have got alot worse. i hate to say it but i think we are in for a long hard winter!
 
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nothing wrong with cautious.... i will either ride down the gritted main road (and we are perfectly flat) or we will trailer (all gritted roads) to the beach later.

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oooh what beach you going to go to
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You're being very sensible, take it from someone who found out the hard way how much it can hurt if you come across an icy patch.

I've not been on board since dec 15th
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It's killing me! And the poor lad has gone from being ridden at least once a day, being super fit to not being sat on at all, even lunged/free schooled, sometimes not even able to get out of his stable due to ice. I feel so bad on him too.

Was just going to write a ranty post as blooming snow has only just melted and now it's started again since last night
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It's worth it though, better to be safe than sorry, trust me.
 
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nothing wrong with cautious.... i will either ride down the gritted main road (and we are perfectly flat) or we will trailer (all gritted roads) to the beach later.

[/ QUOTE ]

oooh what beach you going to go to
laugh.gif


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berrow, I am 'flooding' frank so that he figures out it is less exciting than he thought. He was asbo'd for 6 months. Have been about 10 times in the last 3 weeks.
 
very sensible. theres always another day to ride, but not another you or ned if an accident should happen!
ive ridden once in the last 3 weeks due to the frozen ground and ned has spend 2 days stuck in for safety.
 
well Im not chancing riding out, even if my mare could cope with the icy roads I am worried about a car loosing control and hitting her...maybe I am overcautious but would rather miss a few weeks riding than chance it.
 
That's a good point Sally, it only takes a little slip for a car to end up in the ditch and if you were in the way, well, doesn't bear thinking about does it! I think I knew I was making the right decision for me, but hearing that quite a few others share the same thoughts makes me feel a bit better and less guilty. Im lucky that most days I can get him out all day, I know a lot of you cant even get out of the yard to the field so count myself quite fortunate. Roll on spring!
 
Another vote for erring on the side of caution from me as well. I won't ride in this icy weather, I dare not risk Ella's legs. Even getting across the yard to the school can be iffy (and the school is frozen as well) so she's just having an extended winter holiday.

Once the ground thaws a bit, we will start back in earnest.
 
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