Do you hack in windy/wet weather

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canteron

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I am such a fair weather hacker. Today is it much colder (so horse a bit sharper) and the wind has got up a bit, so I wimped out of hacking and schooled instead, on the basis that I wasn't going to enjoy hacking (even though he is generally a very good boy).

Am I the only numpty, or are there other stronger minded riders out there who wouldn't let a pathetic bit of windy weather put them off ..... and do you ride differently if the weather is a bit blowy?
 
Well,really sometimes it can be dangerous to ride in really windy weather,you cant hear cars so well.And also the horses can be quite spooky/silly.Really,is it worth it if you might end up in an accident?I dont think its wussy.:p:D
 
I do, but don't always enjoy it! Rain is not so bad but I HATE riding in the wind!!

If the weather is really nasty then I will school not hack as it can be more dangerous on the roads esp when windy.
 
I'm not bothered about riding in the rain but I won't hack on the roads in strong wind as I think it is too dangerous if I can't hear traffic approaching.
 
I think it depends on the horse and you know your horse best!
I dont ride in pouring rain, i know mine hate the rain!
Did venture out in gale force winds the other week and was suprised by how well they behaved, i did stick to nice wide quiet roads though as they were convinced that the scarey hedge in their field was going to kill them so thought taking them through the woods would be asking for trouble!
 
In the past I've not bothered hacking out in high winds but lately I have resorted to doing so because I only have the weekends to hack out (unless I'm off work) so I've got to take what I can no matter what the weather throws at me (apart from ice that is), thankfully once you get in the village around the housing areas etc it breaks any high winds and mad gusts up a bit.

Strange as it sounds, he's actually been better in terrible weather conditions to days when it's been nice, calm sunny day :rolleyes:
 
I ride out in light rain, and often rather enjoy it, as it usually means there are less dog walkers clogging up the bridlepaths!

I don't ride during very heavy rain though. I'm not so keen on riding in windy weather, particularly hacking round the village, as I had a nasty experience once, when a bin full of shredded paper blew over as I was riding past it, and the paper blew onto my horse who then freaked out, and there were cars around us! I don't wish to repeat that again!
 
Can't say im a big fan of riding in the wind but will ride in the rain (providing it isn't too horrendous!) Supposed to be hunting tomorrow and the forecast looks dreaful.. really hoping all five weather stations I have checked have got it wrong! :o :rolleyes:
 
Our hacking is all off road so wind doesn't bother me. Horse doesn't seem to mind at all - good job cos I always get paranoid about losing my silk and seem to spend half the ride holding on to my head! :rolleyes:
Rain is another matter - he hates it and wont work at all, he spends the whole time bending away from the way its coming, so if anything I would hack as schooling would be a waste of time as he wont concentrate - good job we're not very competitive as half the year would be a write off!
 
I like going out in the wind and rain but he's very well behaved, if a bit sharper when it's really windy. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to put on my long waterproof coat and get on and exercise him, particularly if others in the yard are dithering and looking hopefully at the sky for improvement and finish up doing nothing other than moaning and drinking coffee.
 
No you're not being wussy, I'm a right fair weather rider to be honest, especially with hacking on roads so I'll happily ride in field on windy days but with rain I just totally chicken out :)

Just got back from riding him in field for ten mins trying a new bit out, which was a big success xxxxx
 
Yes, hack in most weather except snow and ice for obvious reasons. Horse not keen on the rain but doesnt mind wind but he wont shrink and i just have my full lenght barbour coat and i stay pretty warmand dry.
 
If it's to the extreme then it wouldn't be safe to hack. Equally though, if its spitting or a tiny bit windy then it wouldn't bother me.

There are some people on my yard that are forever making excuses to the extent that they havent ridden their horse since October after paying to have it schooled in September..I guess it just depends on what you are looking to get out of ownership.
 
I hack in any weather, depending on my mood and how much I want to work him!!

If it's sideways wind and rain I'm better hacking him than *attempting* to school in an outdoor school.

Though if he really needs to be ridden (bearing in mind he's usually ridden 6days a week, so this is a rare occasion!!) I'll hack no matter what the weather!! (except snow or ice)

Usually if it's horrid it won't hurt him to have a day off!!!
 
Yes I do ride in the Rain and Wind.

When the season has finished in October my lot get 2 weeks off and then as long as the weather is not bad they go out.

Once Christmas is over and as long as the weather is not dangerous they go out.Rain or wind they will get exercised/worked ready for the first Training/Pleasure ride in February. My first competition ride is at the beginning of March so they need to be ready to do 65k (40 miles)

One or two of mine need to be fit enough to do 160k (100 miles) by the middle of May.
 
All weathers for me. Apart from the wrong sort of snow ( the big lumps that stick under their feet) at least there's no flies about
 
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