Exercising in adverse weather

E

Ems147

Member
Joined
10 November 2009
Messages
24
Visit site
We live in a village of 12 houses and 70 horses, we have show ponies, the other two yards have eventers and pointers.

We are effectively snowed in right now, I hear a snow plough is being sent to dig us out but am not counting on it. This gives you an idea of how much snow we have.

Our ponies are all in and I have pretty much written today and tomorrow off for a bad lot regardless of how sharp they get.

I was however rather surprised to see the pointers out on exercise this morning. The road is thick ice below the snow and I just wouldn't risk it with ours, regardless of the fact that it's up to their bellies. Then whilst we were having lunch two of the eventers rode up past us with two each in hand being lead.

Am I just a showing wuss type or do others ride on the road in these conditions?
 
I went out on my tb today - stuck to the verges and the uncompacted snow and we were fine. Had one little slip but he is normally like bambi anyway
smile.gif
so nothing unusual there . We have about 4 inches currently but itis still falling
 
I think it depends on your horse and how confident you are in it. I used to ride my cob in the snow but as he has got older he is not so confident or quick to look after himself. My other horse was pure thoroughbred and was like bambi too but it never bothered him at all but was pretty firightening for me so i didn't tend to ride him. Have to say if you don't ever ride in the snow then they will never learn to be careful.
 
Last lot before Christmas I rode out and as toomanyhorses26 said kept to verges and the untouched snow often between the tractor tracks.
My TB was fine he'd been out in the morning and seemed to have no problems hooning around in the field so figured he's be alright for a careful walk with me. He's a bright lad and never messes about when the ground is dodgy.

We have off road hacking anyway, various fields and tracks so more chance of finding usable ground.

Will make a decision what to do at the weekend as I gather it's worse this time. The track leading out of the yard is an ice rink and they can't get to most of the fields to turn out.
One paddock is accessible so they are going out there in shifts.
 
Glad I'm not the only "nutter" to keep the horse ticking over in this weather!! I potter around the manege, which has lots of rubber on so doesn't freeze too hard, and get out when I can. My husband and I are the only ones on the yard to keep going but then he's a "pointer" and I'm an "eventer" so it's probably that "mad streak" that means we're not daunted by a bit of snow and ice! It's been going on so long anyway, the horses just can't have that much time off...
 
Id say we have about a foot of snow in our arena so no ours aren't doing anything! In this amount of snow no amount of grease will stop snow balling up in their feet and i cant imagine its at all elpful for tendons/ligaments, as well as contributing to bruised soles. Mine are just going out in a small paddock during the day for say 1 or two hours whilst i muck out and then on a night my mum walks them up and down the dutch barn whilst i do a second muck out. feed has been cut right down to a small handful of chop (so they can get pink powder) so they havent gone too loopy yet!

personally i think riding and leading in these conditions is downright irresponsible (although it may be better where you are) better leave it until its gone in my opinion and avoid a hefty vets bill!

This time of year i would be starting to get them fit for the oncoming season but im simply having to write it off. There plenty other folk in the same boat!
 
Im hopeing to get back on my boy sunday just had my back done so got to rest it first. Luckly I dont have to go on roads as I have tha farm to ride round I wouldnt go out on the road with weather like this I would be too worried over any cars etc and causing a accident. Cant wait to get back on!!
 
well we have been living with snow since before the kids finished school.
i am like most of you i try to put paddy out when i am mucking out etc but he is not very good at picking his feet up when there is no snow so not willing to chance it.
i say enjoy the holiday its actually nice to just take it easy for a little bit....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top