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WINTER ADVICE

i was wondering what advice you would give about winter riding. im trying to write a news letter about winter tips so i just wanted to see what things affect you in the winter? thanks!:)

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Permalink Reply by Kaitlin on December 16, 2009 at 5:25pm: I always appreciate when people do write on this very subject.

It's very easy to get a chill this time of year, so I have a few finer points in staying warm...

First of all, your horse gets very muddy this time of year, so to save time grooming, keep a pasture blanket on him/ her.
It keeps his body clean and ready for the saddle.

If you it's too cold to shower your horse, take a clean towel, a bucket of warm water, some rubber gloves
and get ready to wipe him down one spot at time till his coat is desirably clean.

If the weather against you and has been raining lately, watch for thrush in his hooves. Its is common this time of year.

If your horse shows any signs of a cold ( runny nose, droopy eyes, or even a cough consult an expert to check on him)

Now to keep YOU, the rider, warm and healthy...Drink soup. haha

Bundle up! Keep some clothes set aside, keep your center body warm. This includes your legs, belly, neck and most importantly your chest.
IF YOUR CHEST IS WARM You WONT HAVE TO COMPENSATE FOR LOST BODY HEAT BY COMPROMISING OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY)... like your fingers and toes. I recommend wearing one or two layers of clothes, with a big snow jacket on top. Under Armor is great for this.

Next, consider your hands. They do a good majority of your work. Ski gloves are perfect for your winter hours spent riding, and will dry well too, incase getting wet is unavoidable (Example: my horse loves to lick my hands when he greets me at the gate... cute and very silly.) Anyway,
Be willing to get these gloves a little dirty. If gloves like these aren't available, compensate by wearing two pairs of wool or cheaply bought felt gloves, with the softer warmer ones on first. Expect to get the second pair dirty, and try to get a kind that is washable. I have tried everything, including 5 layers of socks, when i was desperate, but ofcourse that didn't work. So the double layer of cozies i found work best.

Next are your Boots, They too do alot of the work.
Wear insulated boots that do not allow air to seap in and out around your feet. Wear two pairs of socks.

Your head releases 40% of your body heat. Wear a warm hat or helmet ( only wear the helmet when riding, and wear the hat otherwise )
and remember...
Keep moving! Working with horses is a workout in itself. Your equine will help heat you up and keep you warm.

I'll let you know if I have any other handy tips...

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