Snow presents a few safety issues that you should address before you go riding in the snow. The winter time might be beautiful and serene, but if you aren't cognizant of the dangers, you could wind up injuring your horse.
Know the Trails
It is a good idea to restrict winter riding to trails, arenas and other areas with which you are familiar. Riding in the snow over unknown territory can be dangerous, as you don't know what might be underneath the snow. Ditches, ravines, burrows and even sharp implements are easily obscured under the fluffy white stuff.
If you don't have the option of riding where you know the footing, take a walk on your own before you go out on your horse. Inspect the lay of the land carefully for anything that could potentially injure your horse, and mark suspect areas with a branch or flag.
Protect the Hooves
Your horse's hooves are his most vulnerable body part in winter riding, and failing to protect them from the snow can be disastrous. Consider a wide variety of hoof protection options, from snowball pads to hoof grips, to studs if there might be ice on the trail. Additionally, you will want to care for the hooves after your winter riding excursions.
- Pick out each of the hooves with a hoof pick and brush.
- Inspect the frog and heel for signs of bruising.
- Treat any cuts or cracks immediately to avoid letting them spread.
- Watch your horse for signs of lameness after riding in the snow.
Avoid Bright Days
Snow blindness is a serious concern for riders who take their horses out in fields of snow for winter riding. A flat, empty landscape of uninterrupted white snow can be dangerous on bright days, when the sun glints painfully off the surface of the ground.
To prevent snow blindness, wear sunglasses that offer a minimum of 90 percent UV absorption and provide wrap-around protection. Alternatively, you might want to skip the snow riding on days when the sun is brightest.
Consider the Footing
Another danger of winter riding is the fact that snow looks deceptively soft. In reality, the ground underneath snow is hard and impacted, creating a less-than-ideal footing for activities like jumping and galloping. Just because soft snow is on the ground doesn't mean your horse is safe.
For this reason, limit winter riding to long, leisurely trail rides through the snow, and try not to go faster than a trot or slow canter. This is especially true if there might be a thin layer of ice underneath the snow.
Cool Him Out
Just because the weatherman issued a high of twenty-six degrees doesn't mean that your horse can't get hot during winter riding. When you get back from a long work-out in the snow, take the time to cool him out completely. Walk him in the barn aisle and feel his chest every few minutes to monitor the dropping of his temperature and heart rate.
Because of his thick winter coat and the aerobic work-out of pulling his feet from the snow, it might take even longer to cool him out than on hot summer days. Afterward, make sure he is comfortable in his stall under his normal rug or blanket, and check him frequently for an hour or so to make sure he doesn't develop a second sweat.
Winter riding is certainly an exciting thing to do when snow covers the ground, but observing safety precautions will ensure a happy ending. If you have any doubts, always ask your veterinarian for his advice.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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