Would you hack if at all icy/snowy on country lanes?

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Starbucks

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most of snow/ice has finally melted so me and mother decided to risk a little ride.. most places were fine just a couple of icy spots.. but we survived! Everyone at yard thought we were mad!!

so do you risk it or wait til everything completely melted?
 
We nearly hacked today as there were two distinct clear tracks on the road with just a bit of ice in the middle but decided aganst it as further along the road some of the slush covered straight across, if that hadn't been the case we would have hacked.
 
No, I wouldnt do it. I would much prefer my horse in his stable in one piece, not with a broken leg, or worse, from slipping on the ice, because I fancied a ride.
But each to their own I suppose.
 
We were gagging to get out today, we have an indoor school but the horses are soooooo bored of going round in circles. After much deliberating we decided not too. There were still icey patches on the yard which meant still icey patches on the road. Tomorrow is another day.....I can understand why you went though. We were sorely tempted!!
 
benson21 said:
No, I wouldnt do it. I would much prefer my horse in his stable in one piece, not with a broken leg, or worse, from slipping on the ice, because I fancied a ride.
But each to their own I suppose.
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They may as well stay in their stable all the time then really!
 
NOt at all, but I cant see the point of taking the risk of a horse slipping on ice, when hopefully in a couple of days it will be gone.
 
Probably not but as I have routes that mean I can go across fields, go along bridlepaths or along lanes, I can avoid it easily and choose the route that suits the ground. Got a bit boring in the snow sticking to just riding round the farm though so looking forward to being able to get further afield.
 
benson21 said:
NOt at all, but I cant see the point of taking the risk of a horse slipping on ice, when hopefully in a couple of days it will be gone.
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Well we don't seem to see eye to eye with things do we. Think chances of my horse breaking his leg today from slipping on ice were pretty minimal, but thanks for your dramatic interpritation. :)
 
I went out with some others on Boxing day on the roads. The snow wasnt gone but we thought we'd see what it was like. Start of the hack was on flat roads but when we got to the first hills we decided it was a bit too slippy so turned around and went back.

I think its fine as long as people are sensible. And remember the horses with shoes on tend to slip more!
 
there must be different amounts of ice in diff parts of the country.

having seen the lanes on my way to the yard, I probably would have ridden out on them.

I know my horse is pretty footsure and there was barely any ice at all - where there was any, it was all in the middle of the lanes (i.e. where the car tyres haven't been) so, yes, Starbucks, I would have done.

I did not however, because the exit of the yard is still like an ice rink :D
 
Not me. I'd never forgive myself if I put my boy in danger for the sake of a hack out. Having said that, I am going a bit stir crazy with this ridiculous winter and it's only December :(
 
mytwofriends said:
Not me. I'd never forgive myself if I put my boy in danger for the sake of a hack out. Having said that, I am going a bit stir crazy with this ridiculous winter and it's only December :(
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Saw on the weather than a high pressure blob that doesn't normally move is coming in - reckoned dry but misty/foggy weather around 6/7 degrees was coming and going to stay!! Lets hope for a while!!

Stable to field we all nearly slapped it - much worse than lanes!!
 
Starbucks said:
most of snow/ice has finally melted so me and mother decided to risk a little ride.. most places were fine just a couple of icy spots.. but we survived! Everyone at yard thought we were mad!!

so do you risk it or wait til everything completely melted?
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Not on your nelly. Seversl horses have had to be put down through fractures broken legs. i would rather wait until all gone xxxxxxxxxx
 
I'm hacking out tomorrow :)

As someone has said, there is probably different amounts of ice in different areas of the country. Our main roads are completely clear and the barely used country roads have the odd patch of slushy ice in the middle of the road or on the verges. The fields are still quite hard and slippery from the melting of the ice on top so won't be touching those parts. The yard is completely clear of ice/snow.


If there was more ice then probably not....luckily I guess you could say my area is near enough ice free at the moment :) I have waited until it is safe, I would not want to try to negotiate a fresh bouncy horse around an ice patch on the road! Hope your parts thaw out completely soon!
 
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i would never forgive myself if my gelding slipped and hurt himself all because i wanted to 'risk a ride' :/

i would consider myself quite selfish risking his wellbeing just for a ride.. i like pampering and generally bonding when the wheather is to bad :) :)

if there are only minimal small small icy patches then go for it but you know your horses limits :D x
 
Starbucks said:
Saw on the weather than a high pressure blob that doesn't normally move is coming in - reckoned dry but misty/foggy weather around 6/7 degrees was coming and going to stay!! Lets hope for a while!!

Stable to field we all nearly slapped it - much worse than lanes!!
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It can stay as long as it likes! I don't even mind if it rains, but that snow and ice needs to push right off! If it dares return I can tell you it won't be getting a warm welcome at our yard ......
 
Cross-Country(L) said:
i would never forgive myself if my gelding slipped and hurt himself all because i wanted to 'risk a ride' :/

i would consider myself quite selfish risking his wellbeing just for a ride.. i like pampering and generally bonding when the wheather is to bad :) :)

if there are only minimal small small icy patches then go for it but you know your horses limits :D x
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Well we had our reasons which may or may not be selfish, depends how you look at it! My horse has done a mild tendon injury but is at the riding out stage. Vet said worst thing is for him not to move around, he's going out in the field now (which vet said not to do but that's another story!) but stops the horse walker now he's got used to it, so really feel it's better for him to get out when I can. Mums horse is going to be hunting asap - so also needs to start being excercised as soon as really. Wouldn't have bothered for the sake of it for my own safety if nothing else!! ;)
 
I have been BUSTING to get out

Our roads are more or less clear bar a few patches of ice/mush. My only concern is horse spooking or having to move into the hedge if something big comes - then the ice/mush is unavoidable.

Each to there own, I've certainly known a lot worse!
 
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