Cantering in snoww?

floradora09

floradora09

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I have the crazy urge to jump on my ponio bareback and just canter/gallop him through a field of fresh snoww! Is that ok? The snow around us is 6-8 inches deep but underneath ground is hard but the snow cushions it quite a lot.

And also... what about if the snow has been compacted quite a bit and is lumpy? Thanks and sorry if this has already been posted! xxx
 
I think so long as you know the ground underneath is ok, and no ice to slip on should be fine! After all they do it in the field! Maybe play it by ear though, as I suspect there are a lot of horses and ponies out there at the moment with excess steam to burn off!!
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I didn't spot that you'd put bareback, I wouldn't try it if I were you just becuase the terrain may feel slightly different and bew a bit more unpredictable. But why not, with a saddle! Also forgot to say it'd be a bit harder of a work out especially in deep powder so maybe not canter for as long as you normally would, and I'd say avoid compacted areas as they tend to get icy.
 
You should not do it! I know its a lovely thought but the snow could hide a branch, hole, etc and underneath the ground is rock hard. One rut and your horse can do a tendon just like that. If the snowis compacted and lumpy then it will be icy and slippery.

Be safe, just dream about it and save risking injury to you and your horse.
 
I wouldn't risk it, as above post says you don't know what is under the snow,in addition the snow, unless your horse is barefoot will ball up under the hooves and horsey will be wearing stilettos! Not ideal, especially bareback!
 
in a field I didnt know, absolutely not!

I intend on having a play a bit later but in my horses field that I school in anyway that has very long grass underneath so its not too hard. However I might not get out of walk, more to give his brain something to do .
 
I wouldn't risk it, went out for a short group ride this morning in an area that has had very little snow and despite reasonable good ground, the horses could only just manage a walk. When we got off you were practically slipping over and the holes made by footprints were like ice dips.
At speed I think you would possibly have a death wish - don't do it!
 
When I was a kid me and a friend cantered up a very very snowey main road and got stopped and bollocked by the local policeman who said he'd arrest us, I know now he had no powers to do that but the things you do as a child. I wouldn't even try riding in snow now as you never know whats underneath!!
 
Something like a horse falling over in the field playing could result in months of box rest and a very sore neddy....

Something like a horse and rider cantering on field's could result in alot worse. It will be gutting if something silly would happen!!
 
Personally I wouldn't even though I'd really want to as well - I've been falling over things and down holes under the snow just walking.

ETA - that's me walking on my own feet, not on a horse! Realised I hadn't worded that very well
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Depends on what's under the snow, but we've been having a ball out in the woods and the usual galloping fields. I've tended to explore at a walk to see what the footing is like, and then have at it.
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But then, I'm Canadian, and probably crazy!
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We used to head out bareback in the winter all the time. Nice and warm on the bum!
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i've been galloping round our riding field today. we have one field that we often use for schooling and jumping in the summer. i know the ground underneath the snow is smooth so i went for a play. pony is barefoot so dont need to worry about him slipping or snow balling in his feet.
 
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