I almost fell off my chair
laughing at this post -- simply because the next issue of Endurance News will
have a story about riding a 2-day 100 ... in a nor'easter! Talk about rain
AND wind AND cold! Everything in this post is in the article - which is
hilarious reading. (If you don't want to wait for your EN, you can
read the unedited and unabridged story on www.aurigafarm.8m.com)
Anyway -- figuring
SunsetOvrC wants some serious answers,
here are some from an old foxhunter and former
eventer ...
1. Yes, it is OK to ride with
a quarter sheet (rump rug) IF the weather is cold, and IF
your horse is hunter-clipped. Lightweight wool is the best because it
keeps the croup warm without trapping excess heat. If your horse is not
clipped, a quarter sheet is not necessary for riding -- her/his winter coat
over the rump should be more than adequate, even in the rain. You'll only need
to use the quarter sheet when your horse is left standing around for a period of
time after your ride.
2. Water "resistant" does not
mean water "proof". If your raincoat is only resistant, you will get
wet. Go out to your nearest cheapo discount store and get a plastic poncho
to throw over your regular riding coat. A poncho will still allow your
body to "breathe". If you wear tight fitting plastic rain gear you risk becoming
soaked by your own body sweat - which sets the stage for
sickness.
3. Don't worry about the
working muscles of your horse -- the internal body heat generated by the
movement of walking, trotting, and cantering will keep them warm. You do want to
make sure you walk the first mile
out, and the last mile back to properly warm-up/cool-down the horse's large
muscle groups. About the only muscles that will be actively working in your body
when you ride will be your legs. (Assuming your horse is well mannered and
correctly bitted, your arms will be fairly passive). You can keep your
legs warmer by wearing a pair of pantyhose under your britches. If the
rain is severe, slip a length of plastic under your britches just over the top
of your thigh. It will keep your upper leg warm and dry, even tho your britches
may get soaked.
4. Old skier's trick -- slip
a plastic bag over each foot (on top of the socks) before you put on your riding
shoes. It will keep your toes and feet toasty warm and dry in the
coldest of weather.
5. Wear light layers of
clothing that are zippered and/or buttoned in the front to let you "vent" your
own body heat. Wear wool gloves and carry an extra pair with you to switch
mid-way. Cold fingers will make the rest of your body chilled, no matter
how warmly you dress.
Riding in the rain/snow/cold
can be pretty exhilarating. For some strange reason your horse will
probably be far better mannered and quieter than normal. Go figure.
Since you can be pretty sure your friends will think you're totally nuts and
refuse to ride with you, you will have some wonderful quality time with
your horse, and really get a chance to enjoy the solitary beauty of the
countryside. Have fun!
Flora Hillman - Middleburg,
VA
AERC
#30079
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