Riding in the Snow

[MillionDollar]

It was so much fun

As the snow is nice and fluffy today, and wasn't compacting in the horses' feet at all I thought I'd ride.

Did a short schooling session in walk, trot and canter on my Welsh D, just concentrating on transitions...........didn't really happen as he was more interested in gazing at the snow

And then took my 24yo hunter/cob round the fields and went galloping

was sooooooooo fun!

Anyone else ride today? Doubt it will be possible tomorrow as supposed to be -6C tonight so lots of ice

 

[Vikki89]

I'm still deciding if i should or not, I want to especially as they have been kept in today.

 

[swellhillcottage]

Me and it was fab - i dont have a problem with it just crack on while you can i say!!

Sharonxx

 

[Noodlejaffa]

We are nearly waist height in snow now. No chance of riding whatsoever!

 

[kirstyhen]

I rode this morning, thought it was better to ride now whilst the snow was ok as it will only get worse!
The horses loved it, we had a fab canter round the fields

 

[MillionDollar]

Waist height!?!?! Now that is a lot of snow. Have to say I didn't want the 4 inches we've had, so glad we haven't had anymore.

Yes definitely glad I rode today, just got in from the yard and it's already turning into solid ice

 

[charlimouse]

I hacked mine today, was supposed to be a quiet walk out as he hasn't been ridden since he pulled a muscle in his shoulder at the beginning of last week. All was going well until a bird scarer went off right next to us, at which point we bolted flat out towards home. I did manage to pull up eventually, it was a bit hair raising! But at least my boy is feeling well again.

 

[Weezy]

Considered it, but the horses were on stilts after being in the fields for 2 hours so gave the idea up immediately!

 

[TarrSteps]

I only rode the one I'm completely responsible for as he's a) barefoot b) used to it. Also, the school where he lives is okay underneath. Paying customers had yet another day off.

 

[Kelpie]

yep, me and my lad went out to play today...... anyone else reckon that they slip less in this weather/ get less snowballs in their feet when barefoot?

 

[TarrSteps]

Absolutely. It's standard practice in snowy parts of the world to pull shoes on horses that don't have to have them, since most winter riding is indoors or on snow, because it's much safer for them turned out. Plus it saves the cost of snow pads and traction additions, which are pretty much essential for shod horses in heavy snow.

 

[Kelpie]

woo hooo - hurray for barefoot

 

[star]

rode last Feb when we had similar but didn't ride today as just too deep. Had about 8 inches, just too much even though he is barefoot. it's getting icy now so no riding for days

 

[exracerfan]

Have ridden out several times on the roads, including Christmas day which was nice as there was less traffic. (Dont have the luxury of a school). The roads have been mostly clear, but off road the tracks were terrible and icy. Would love to be able to canter over open fields as the snow is deep enough now to be good for galloping on. Used to canter on miles of lanes in deep snow years ago, when cars could not get through and it was absolutely super fun. Too much traffic now and dont get lovely car free lanes.

 

[Olivio]

I've been riding my 3 (all barefoot and live out 24/7) for weeks with the snow. I had to force myself to give them a day off as the poor things were tired (I suppose you could call it resistence training when it's 8 inches!) Doing great things for their fitness though. Shame I had to go back to work, it's really gotten in the way of my snow fun, it's just miserable doing them in the dark when the temperature has dropped.