Dashing Through the Snow
Winter riding tips.
Categories: Trail Rider
By: Darley Newman 11/01/2008
In the right conditions and with the right gear, you can enjoy the crisp outdoors and have your own “dashing through the snow” moment.
I have ridden through fluffy snow, my horse’s hooves and my breath making tracks behind me—a truly exhilarating experience! During much of my time in Quebec this past winter, the conditions were just right for snow riding: the trails were well groomed; the weather was neither too cold nor too warm, meaning that the trails were covered in powdery snow rather than ice; the horses were well conditioned for the weather and had the right gear for the trek; and I kept cozy with a variety of thin wool and fleece layers. A Quebec winter can be long and snowy, but this doesn’t stop Quebec residents from taking to their well-groomed trails to ride.
Whether you’re venturing off for a winter snow riding holiday or taking on the snowy trails close to home, here are tips to prepare for your winter riding, so that you and your horse may discover what it’s like to romp through the snow.
Grooming Guidelines
Before you head out on the trails, groom your horse thoroughly, checking his feet and body just as you would before any ride, but taking extra care during the winter. If you have let your horse’s coat grow, curry well to whisk the dirt away and then brush. If your horse is blanketed and clipped, do the same, but also make sure to check for any irritations from the blanket. Talk to your farrier about your horse’s shoeing needs, as nails, studs, hoof grips or other types of protection and traction may be necessary depending on the terrain and how often you’ll be riding. If your horse has already been out playing in the snow, make sure that his feet are snow- and ice-free before you hit the trails.
Keeping Cozy
Being originally from the south, I probably could never have enough layers on when the weather gets cold! When I ride in colder temperatures, I make sure to wear thin wool and fleece layers (as opposed to cotton, which stays wet when you sweat rather than wicking moisture away). You’ll want to wear layers that button or zip, so that you can unzip your turtleneck when it gets too warm.
You may want to consider insulated boots for winter rides. When selecting your boots, keep in mind that your feet still need to fit into your stirrups; otherwise, you’ll need to purchase bigger stirrups for winter travel. Also, remember to leave a little wiggle room in those boots, as circulation is key.
I wore ski gloves on my hands when I rode in Quebec, but the gloves you choose will depend on how much rein control you need and how active you’ll be on your ride.
To protect your ears, don ear warmers or headbands to wear under your helmet or cowboy hat. My helmet is adjustable, meaning that I can make the inside a bit larger to fit winter headgear or tighten it for summer rides when I don’t need to be any warmer.
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You don't need to get a bigger hat to accommodate an ear covering. A friend of mine invented the "Hat Flap" that fits under your hat or helmet and covers your ears.
It works!
www.thehatflap.com