Hacking out in the snow...

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spotty_pony

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Who has/is planning on doing this?

I am tempted as our roads are quite clear now, and I want to ride up the road to a bridle way I know well and have a little ride around in the fields. The worst part is the yard driveway so I am planning on leading him out on foot on the grass verge and then getting on outside the yard.
 
In last years snow there was a canadian poster on here who suggested that the snow never stops them out there as they wear "snow studs" or something along those lines... We have massive snow and lots of slippy bits etc atm, I don't think I will be getting out for a while! If you can be certain that the roads aren't icy with you and there is no risk of slipping, I think you could be ok.
 
Depends. I have done in previous years but only on paths that I know very well and on a sure footed horse. I did ride Gerry in the light dusting of snow that we had last weekend but I won't be riding in the amount we have now. He is slipping and sliding all over the place just walking to the field and back, i certainly wouldn't want to be sat on him.
 
Would love too but we live on hilly farm lanes which are still covered in compacted snow and ice.
The common land and fields which we can also excercise on is over a foot deep in snow - the type that balls in their feet really badly, so just turning out is a challenge....
 
Straight out of our gate is a road, and quite a bit of it although it's not the busiest it is quite icy where cars have driven and no verge so will be avoiding unless i get up there at the right time and still fresh snow where as long as you take it easy shouldn't be too bad to ride on even if down to end of lane and back.
Otherwise will use the field minding out for any rutted bits.
 
we have sheet ice everywhere, so no way.
Im going to wait untill its completely gone, rode out once on my arab years ago, was really carefull to give any icy patches a wide berth then the plonker lept sideways at a pheasant straight onto an icy patch and fell right over....we were both very lucky to be un hurt. So now after other ice related accidents (non horsey) i treat ice with massive caution. Better safe than sorry, its just not worth the risk! IMO
 
I'm lucky as my horse is barefoot and had a lovely hack this afternoon, went round the fields and farm tracks and even had a little trot and canter.
The bits I was careful of was where the farm traffic had packed down the snow and left it smooth and I tried to stay between the tyre tracks.

Last year when he was still shod in front we had a few rides but stayed in walk.

Funnily enough he's not especially sure footed but seems to cope with snow and ice better than slippy mud.
 
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