Saddle onto wet horse?

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LindaS

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I think everyone has some problems with the weather at the moment. My horse (Welsh D) is out 24/7 without any rug. She doesn't mind being wet. I've just changed yards. I work full time and it is too far away to nip over and put a rug on or off depending on the weather. So far I've been lucky and she was dry when I wanted to ride her. Not so today. I've got a lesson tonight and have only enough time to get to the yard, get her in, tack up and go to the arena (indoor, thank god). That means I have to put the saddle on while she is still wet.
What are your views on that?
After the lesson I was planning to turn her out again but with a lightweight breathable turnout rug. She'll be dry then tomorrow night. On the other hand, it is supposed to be very warm tomorrow (if we believe it). She might sweat under the rug. The rug also tears mane hair out at the withers. I show her in hand and I don't like the mane to get untidy.
I'll be grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks
Linda
 
I went to the equine swimming pool in Newmarket once and watched one being swum. When they brought her out they just rubbed her down a bit with a towel and then put a couple of towels under the saddle, tacked her up and rode her back to the yard. I asked if they ever dried them off first but apparently not.
 
I must admit I used not to ride when wet but last couple of years I just do! I tend to use sheepskin numnahs these days anyway, and having done a bit of endurance, figure that whoever said above that they sweat anyway is right. But wouldn't ride a wet and muddy horse.
 
I am the opposite - I do not ride if the horse is wet, I either stable until saddle area is dry or put a rug on before they get wet. The way I see it is it is like us having a shower fully clothed and then going for a jog. I can relate this to getting soaked on the way home one and soaked through and my clothes started to rub me and it was generally uncomfortable.

So no I do NOT saddle when wet.
 
Re wench, usually because if they are muddy, it is winter and therefore too cold.
Re gentle_warrior, surely this depends on the fit of the clothes though? eg yes, running in wet jeans for example would be uncomfortable, but surely people who run in running kit don't find this, otherwise what happens when they sweat?
My horse is the first one to let me know if he feels uncomfortable and he has been fine, and also has very fine coat and sensitive skin that rubs at the slightest excuse, but his saddle has never caused a rub due to being wet. I wouldn't do it without a good numnah though to be fair.
grin.gif

For me, like amny people, it is just not practical to stable the horse til dry/keep them rugged the whole time in case it rains. I work full time, and have to ride in the evenings, and can't spend hours letting him dry before riding. Perhaps a hairdryer is the answer
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Me too i ride if wet, god in this weather i wouldnt ride at all otherwise. Just give them a rub down over the saddle area if soaked. Mines a welshy and shes fine. I dont rug though after, she just goes out 'au natural.'
Better shes wet than hot and sweaty imo.
 
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