Winter Days at the Barn
Published by GHC • Dec 26th, 2007 • Category: Horse Advice, Junior Bloggers, by Sydby Syd, age 12
Aw yes, the first official day of winter was December 21st but for many of us we started getting winter weather around a few weeks ago. Maybe even a little snow! Well what are we supposed to do about our equine companions in this weather? Lucky for you I’m here to tell you!
First of all if your horse or pony is a show horse or if he gets clipped you really need a heavy winter blanket for him. If he/she doesn’t get clipped in the winter and is allowed to grow a winter coat you should still get a lighter winter sheet just in case! If you’re not sure if your horse/pony needs a blanket or what kind to get her just ask your instructor or someone at your barn.
Well now what are we supposed to do when we go riding?! I mean the bits are cold so our ponies do want them in their mouths, the leather on our tack gets stiff, and worst of all it’s freezing cold outside!!! I’ve got answers to all of those questions!
The easiest of these three to fix is the first one! They do make bit warmers in the winter but those can be a bit pricey and everybody already has their own; THEIR HANDS! Just place the bit in your hands (if it’s a bit slobbery just put some gloves on) and rub your hands back in forth when the bit no longer feels cold in your hands try and see if your horse will take it!
Now what are we supposed to do with that pesky, stiff, stubborn tack? Well for not so cold areas regular saddle-soap and leather polish will work. Just use either of these a little before you ride and a little more before you store your tack away. For really cold climates they make special winter tack products that you use before you store your tack away.
Now most of us aren’t lucky enough to ride at a very fancy or nice riding stable that has at least one big indoor arena. Ok, I do ride at one of these but I didn’t always, so here’s some tips on what to do when the weather outside is frightful and you don’t have a delightful indoor arena!
First things first — layers, layers, layers! When you’re getting dressed to ride put on at least a sweatshirt over your tee and a warm fleece or outwear coat over that! Also maybe supply your horse with an extra warmer saddle pad or something. If not than make sure he’s getting a good work out!
So a Happy Holidays to all, whatever you may celebrate and have a nice, warm, cozy winter with all your equine friends. And don’t forget to get them something this holiday season!
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Great Blog!! I don’t exactly need the layers because it is about 85 degrees in Florida right now (Where I live). :D But EXCELLENT BLOG!! :D
That’s an excellent blog Syd! Well done, that was really helpful. Even if it isn’t winter here in Australia, I can definitely rely on this blog when it IS winter. Thanks a lot, and have a lovely winter everyone! :))
Thanks for the advice Syd! Great Job!
Great blog! You’re all lucky to have snow, it never snows ’til Feb in England and then it’s just a tiny bit that melts when it lands! I also can’t choose when I ride, so I never ride in snow as it always seems to come on week days. I did ride on the day before Christmas Eve, but it was just foggy. Hope you all had a great Christmas!
OMG! I went for I ride on Christmas, and I fell in the snow, and I had extreme frost bite on my bottom! :D :D
lol jeanna! thanx 2 everyone who commented and i’m glad u guys found it helpful! :P