[Jillyann]

I was wondering what all of your thoughts were on riding in the snow. Do you ride in the snow? Some people tell me ABSOLUTELY NOT, and others say its the most fun you can have with a horse... So, I am very confused.

What are your thoughts, because I think it would be so much fun!

 

[MN Tigerstripes]

I ride in the snow every year! It's a lot of fun, but I am careful to ride in areas that I know well. You need to watch out for ice too. I just keep an eye on the ground in my area, if there's been a lot of melting or ice on the ground before it snows I watch out when I'm riding.

What were the reasons behind "absolutely not"?

 

[1dog3cats17rodents]

I haven't, but I think I will this year. It really builds up muscles to trek through the snow at a trot! Make sure there is no hidden ice or obstacles though

 

[Jillyann]

I ride in the snow every year! It's a lot of fun, but I am careful to ride in areas that I know well. You need to watch out for ice too. I just keep an eye on the ground in my area, if there's been a lot of melting or ice on the ground before it snows I watch out when I'm riding.

What were the reasons behind "absolutely not"?

The reasons behind the 'absolutely not' were that there could be ice under the snow, or holes, my horse could slip and break a leg.

But I completely agree, I will only ride in areas where I know the ground well! And if we get that freezing rain, and then we get a layer of that nice fluffy snow on top, I would definitely not ride. That would be unsafe.

 

[Jillyann]

I haven't, but I think I will this year. It really builds up muscles to trek through the snow at a trot! Make sure there is no hidden ice or obstacles though

Yeah, I bet it will be good for muscle building. haha

 

[RusticWildFire]

I definitely ride in the snow! I love it! It's so pretty.. As long as you're careful I don't see why not. Horses walk around in the snow...They don't just stop moving because there is snow on the ground. Just don't do anything silly and you'll more than likely be fine

 

[smrobs]

My most favorite time to ride is when there is no wind and those big wet flakes of snow are falling. Best to ride bareback in the winter if you can though. Helps me to stay warm. One other thing to think about; if your horse has shoes on, the snow can become packed into their hoof and cause lameness. Some kind of non-stick cooking spray or vaseline will help to keep this from happening but it is best to carry a hoof pick and check their feet often anyway. I just wish we would get some real snow around here, we haven't had any good snow in a long time.

 

[my2geldings]

Well it depends what you call by riding right. Jumping and active riding, I wouldn't be no. The ground wouldnt be safe to ride on AND if its cold enough to have snow, it's just to cold to work your horse to the point where its going to warm up, sweat and get sick.

As long as its not to cold, the casual trail ride I think is a lot of fun, but again use your best judgement for the quality and safety of the ground where you are trail riding.

Happy Trails

 

[Britt]

I love riding when it snows out here (which is rarely)... just watch for ice and keep an eye on your horses hooves for snowballs that get packed up there.

I keepit as a walk and trot in the snow around places I know very well, like the pasture or the sides of the roads that I ride on often.

 

[Jillyann]

Candy does not have shoes on, so I wouldnt have to worry about that. I always pick her feet before and after each ride.

And I wouldnt be running around crazy with her or anything like that. I would not make her sweat at all. Because I wouldnt want her to shiver.

I cant wait! We are getting a huge storm tonight, so maybe Friday when I dont have to work ill head out to the barn and ride in some snow. If it actually sticks! lol

 

[Spastic_Dove]

It's actually warmer here when it's snowing (4F today) than when it's not (-14 yesturday) so I'm more worried about how the weather has been lately and if there will be ice around than the temperatures. I like to ride in fluffy fresh snow but I'm not a fan of it when it's been warm then cold then warm...too much of a chance for ice in my experience. I also like to ride in areas that I know like other people mentioned so I can keep my horse safe. My horse is too out of shape right now to do anything but plod through it, but if they're fit, you can have a lot of fun in the snow

 

[rocky pony]

man am I jealous..I'd love to ride in the snow! I live in the south bay area in california so any snow we get is once every 5 years or so and only a tiny bit..
=(
but I'm hoping to move to british columbia when I'm older. we'll see if it actually happens, though..

 

[Jillyann]

RockyX, I'll send some snow your way! We got a ton of it a 2 nights ago!

 

[Jillyann]

It's actually warmer here when it's snowing (4F today) than when it's not (-14 yesturday)

Yeah, i have always thought that is so weird how it is actually WARMER outside when it is snowing!!:lol:

 

[jesredneck98]

I totally agree there is no reason not to ride in the snow as long as you are carefull. I work for a place that does trail rides all winter. We ride through the snow all the time, however we are really carefull about watching were we walk and if we think there is ice we try to avoid it as best as we can. Like everyone else has said to remember to watch thier feet for ice. Otherwise have a great time.