Re: [RC] Cold vs. Warm weather endurance rides - Sisu West Ranch
Cold endurance rides.
1. Rump rug. Make or purchase a good
one. Fleece or wool. Rain proof covering if it will be wet.
Many people put them on at the start, and then roll them up when the horse warms
up. I keep mine rolled up until I slow down for a check.
2. Blanket at checks. I immediately strip
tack, and put a wool lined blanket on. Manyt people do not strip, but I
think that is wrong. Last spring at Ft. Howes I was part of a crew for a
horse that easily chills. The chilling problem did not go away until I got
a wool liner and convinced them to strip tack. If the horse is hot enough
to need cooling, leave the blanket on the rump and allow to cool on front
end. Note: I have seen front runners pouring water on the front of a
blanketed horse. The vet will require no blanket at the trot, remove,
trot, and put the blanket back on.
During the check keep the blanket on and walk the
horse periodically. This prevents stiffening. Have spare dry
blankets or pads for when you resaddle.
3. After the ride walk periodically, and blanket
heavily. Remove some layers or add more as the temperature changes and the
horse cooles or gets warm. A quick feel under a blanket will tell if the
horse is sweating. I like to have a lot of different blankets so I can
adjust the number and kind to conditions. Polar fleece coolers are great
at checks.
You:
Get a crew if at all possible. You can't
leave a horse very long to get warm yourself. Use layers while riding
removing and replacing, so you don't sweat excessivly. Put on a coat when
you blanket your horse. Good gloves. If it is wet neoprene gloves
(sold to duck hunters and ice fishermen Cabella's cataloge has a good selection)
will keep your hands from freezing. Consider putting gloves on a string
like you do for little kids. Prevents you from losing them when you have
to remove them. Inner very thin gloves (so called Pall bearer gloves, or
anti contact gloves) will allow your hands to have a little protection when you
shed outer gloves. Probably not needed in Texas
Eat. Food keeps one warm
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
