The temperature at which damage is done to lung tissue varies with
atmospheric pressure, wind and humidity. Thus there is not a exact
point at which training should stop.
From a practical perspective, I've spent many years on a winter search
and rescue team. In sub-zero, high wind conditions we protect our eyes
with goggles treated with Rain-X on the outside and divers anti-fog on
the inside. Our breath is pre-heated though faces masks and no skin is
exposed. *NOT* the sort of conditions to risk a ride in that you can't
protect your horse in the same way.
However, we do train in temps 0 to 20F. The critical issue is still
the wind chill factor. A local sporting goods store will have a small,
plastic wind-chill chart that attaches to your zipper pull. We dress in
layers according to the conditions with polypro next to our skin to wick
away sweat. The horses get wool or polarfleece quarter sheets with
canvas wind covers. At these temperature the big issue for us is
footing. A slip and slide session is not worth a hyper-extension and
subsequent lay-up. On these days the horses stay in or do arena work
and we X-train (ie snowshoe, stationary bike, etc).
In summary, our basic rule is to use our own bodies as a guide. If
conditions are so bad that we wouldn't go for a run, then we will not
ride. Good Luck.
Ramey and Cynthia Peticolas-Stroud
Who went to Fire Mountain for some sun- NOT.
Reynolds, Nikki wrote:
>
> Hello Ridecampers,
> Here's a question I haven't seen addressed yet. At what temperature/conditions should heavy training be suspended. I read of an olympian who froze her lungs training in the cold in the 1960's, and was permanently injured. Her lung tissue froze. I just love riding in cold weather but don't want to harm my horse. By the way, it's going to be a beautiful sunny day in the high 40's here in Fallon, NV. Won't some of you move here so I'll have endurance buddies to train with year round?
> Happy Trails! Nikki