I think I'm more concerned about myself than I am my horse during cold weather :) I'm not into frost bite, but I do ride when its in the 30's 40's F. It doesn't get too cold here, we are pretty far south near Oklahoma. I do consider the footing when riding. If the ground is very frozen, it is harder on the horses feet. Ice is a no no for me too as well as wet sticky snow. I guess as long as your comfortable and the footing isn't too bad, go for the frozen nose