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Re: [RC] Hoping this freeze doesn't last... - rides2farthis will be my first ride in the cold on my own. > I'm sure you have ideas (other than staying in camp!) on how to manage to keep yourself and your horse going thru the ride. I'm not the most experienced at cold weather riding, but can tell you that *during* the ride isn't the problem. I think the riders are the only ones warm. It's the poor people in the vet check who are freezing. Getting out of the bed is the worst...but once you've done that in a 2 horse you'll lay in your bed at home on frosty mornings and say, ""I sure am glad I don't have to go get dressed on the back porch!" I dress pretty warm when I first get up but put it on in LAYERS. Just before the ride starts I'm almost always down to no more than maybe a long sleeved T, neck warmer,a sweatshirt jacket and gloves. I have yet to compete in winter tights but that may be an option for you. You just work so hard riding fast that you get warm. Worst thing you can do is start in a heavy down coat and a shirt cause then when you start overheating and think you're gonna faint it's an all or nothing proposition. I like a sweatshirt jacket because I can push up the sleeves and unzip it and it's almost as good as taking it off. By the way, I am *very* cold natured and keep my house about 78 degrees with a woodstove. In the summer the thermostat's on 81-83. After the ride a heavy blanket is good for the horse and if you've got a spare army blanket or something you might even cover his neck. If it's windy there I have draped a tarp over the side of my corral to make a windbreak. As for you...make sure you have insulation under your bed too. If you're on a cot a closed cell foam pad or a couple of wool blankets underneath are good. I throw a wool army blanket over my subzero sleeping bag. Keep your clothes you're going to wear in the bottom of your sleeping bag...especially your bra! >g< Make sure your heater is safe in an enclosed space. People die that way and the heat really isn't worth it during the night if you've got good bedding. I camp in the back of a 2 horse and I set up my hot plate & lantern within reach in the mornings. When the alarm goes off I reach over and start both. A lantern puts out a good bit of heat and you'd be amazed how having a 30 degree trailer makes 40 degrees feel warm when it warms up that much. :-) Angie =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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