RE: Snow/bitter climates

[Jerry & Susan Milam <milamj@agtelco.com>]

Kris,

I have just started riding up north in IL which so far has been very
moderate in temps from previos colder years. I rode yesterday in mid 20's
with lots of sun but a brisk wind. We did 4 miles at mostly a walk and then
did the same 4 miles at a good paced working trot and some canter.

My furry guy was sweaty and steamy when I removed his gear. I put a cotton
sheet on him for the trailer ride home to slow his cool down and moderate
his temp. He was dry after the 35 min ride and I turned him out into our
pasture. First thing he had to do was roll in our frozen dirt patch.

The biggest thing I think you have to deal with is the cooling down process.
It needs to be done slowly so the horse doesn't get chilled because of the
wet underlying hair. Make sure the horse is fairly dry before you turn them
out into the elements again.

Susan & Fly Bye ( gosh, that bit was cold)

-----Original Message-----
From: Kris Givens [mailto:givensb@prodigy.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 1:21 PM
To: Ridecamp
Subject: RC: Snow/bitter climates


For the second time in less than two months west Texas is covered with
snow.  When we get snow as early as we did in the season (November) then
snow again the first of January it makes for a very long winter.  I am
simply not used to this.  All week long the weather has been bitter
cold.  Wind chills low, wind miserable, and not over 40 degrees in
several days.  Needless to say, I'm not riding in this mess.

It brings to mind this question: what is your temperature cut off for
riding?  40 degrees?  45 degrees?  Less?  More?  Do you factor in wind
speed and wind chill?

Since I've always ridden in either hellish heat or nice weather but not
bitter cold it also makes me wonder how I would handle the 'after ride'
care of my horses.  If they are sweaty would I make sure they are
totally dry before turned out?  If they start out wet from snow before I
even saddle up what then?

I don't want to be a weenie about weather.  Truth be told I'd prefer to
not ride when it is less than say, 60 degrees.  But I figure I might as
well suck it up, bundle up, and give it a go.  That is.....if it is safe
for the horse and I know a bit more about horsecare during cold weather.

Any tips from you folks living a bit further north that have to deal
with this weather often?

kris


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