Re: RC: Re: Snow/bitter climates

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

Here in Eastern WA, I ride until it has been below freezing long enough for 
the ground to freeze, which is usually at least a couple days of 20F or 
below.  I don't like to ride when the ground is frozen because it seems like 
it's really hard on my horse's feet.  She doesn't seem comfortable.  If we 
have snow it's not a problem, but bare frozen ground IS.  (We don't get a lot 
of snow here)  I mainly walk, a little trot, and the last 1/2 hour is walk.  
I put the polar fleece cooler on for the ride home, then she's usually pretty 
dry by the time we get home.  I fluff up her hair as best I can, and turn her 
loose.  

>>Laura says  "For personal comfort- you have to have a helmet big enough to 
accommodate a thin fleece hat or band.  I make sure my neck is covered"<<

I wear layers to ride in the winter.  Usually a long sleeve undershirt, a 
sweat shirt then a hooded sweatshirt over that.  Then I will wear either a 
jacket or a down vest.  Two pairs of tights, at least one of them polar 
fleece, and good gloves.  I take the liner out of my helmet (Troxel) then put 
up the sweatshirt hood, and put the helmet on over it.  Keeps my head and 
neck real comfy, no air gaps.  I also own a cover made of polar fleece that 
goes OVER the whole helmet, but can never seem to get it on so there's no air 
gap.  My riding partner loves hers, the hooded sweatshirt works best for me.  
 jeri