The Novice Horseman Blog

When is it too cold too ride?  I have been asked that several times.  Unfortunately there is no concrete answer.  You will have to base your answer to this question on your region’s winter and also on you and your horse’s condition.  It also depends on whether or not you have an enclosed arena.  So since I don’t have access to an enclosed arena, I’ll just tell you when I determine it is too cold for me to ride in the Oklahoma winter.

It’s too cold to ride when the ground is frozen hard and has been for several days with no thaw in the near future.  Not only is the ground frozen but everything laying on top of the ground is also frozen solid.  Any sign of moisture is transformed into an ice rink and the occasional horse droppings have become small boulders.  Each have their own form of hazard if the horse steps on it.

It’s too cold for me to ride when the air temperature is below about 30°F or if the air is sparkling as any moisture is instantly frozen.  Between the extra under layers, the extra pair of socks and winter boots, the heavier gloves, the ear muffs, I just can’t move freely.  Just walking in this much garb makes me think of penguins.  Forget about trying to raise my leg high enough to step in the stirrup.  I just can’t enjoy riding if I’m wearing so much clothing to stay warm that I’ve added another 20 lbs.

It’s too cold to ride when the wind chill is 20°F or lower even if the air temperature is above freezing.  Having the breath ripped out of my body by even the slightest of breeze is not my idea of fun.  I imagine my horse is just as reluctant to work in these conditions.

It’s too cold to ride when . . . . .  my eyelashes start to have the frosted look.  My fingers and toes get numb just walking from the car to the barn.  My cheeks turn bright red and then purple from the cold in just a few minutes.  My nose runs from being so cold, but freezes before I can use a tissue.  My steaming hot coffee becomes an iced drink in 10 minutes or less.

Riding is supposed to be fun, even if you are training seriously.  If the winter weather is cold enough to be hazardous to you or your horse, why risk it?

This is just a reminder that as I write this in early April, show season is around the corner.  You can’t show your horse in even the smallest of shows without a coggins test, which must have a negative reading.  Coggins papers are good for one year and are accepted within this time line for most instances.  Some of the larger shows may require a coggins test that is no older than six months.  Check the show rules for what is required.   If you haven’t done so, schedule a visit to the vet to get your horse’s vaccinations & coggins.  Now is the time to do it.

There are basic shots you should give your horse.  Different areas may suggest different combinations of vaccinations.  For instance, I give my horses flu/rhino, West Nile/EE/WE/VE/tetanus, and rabies shots.  If you are unsure of what vaccinations your horse needs for your area, ask your vet.

I would also suggest that if you have a new horse, have the vet give the shots.   One reason is that you may not know how the horse acts around the vet.  The vet & the vet tech handle all temperaments of horses every day and are better equipped to handle a rowdy patient.  Also, in case the new horse has an allergic reaction to one of the shots, the vet is right there to handle the emergency.

Keep your horse’s vaccinations & wormings up to date.  I know this is not the “fun stuff” but vaccinations are not the place to skimp on your horse budget.

It’s the last weekend of March.  Mother Nature has teased us more than once with beautiful springtime weather.   This weekend did not qualify for that in Oklahoma.  We have had one doozy of an early spring snow.  In my area, that has been 4″-6″ of the white stuff.  The farther west you live has turned into as much as 26″-28″ of snow.  I know, some of you from the north are saying “Waaaaa, whiners”.

My horses have been shedding their winter coats for about a month now because of the warmer weather and lengthening daylight.  So, how much effort should be put into to removing the winter coat?  I have been grooming cautiously, using the curry comb as sparingly as possible so as not to loosen too much hair.  Then, I remove only what winter coat is already loose & laying on top of the coat.  This leaves your horse’s winter coat mostly intact for these late snows & low temperatures.

On the worst days, they also stay in a stall or in a paddock with overhead protection.  This gives their coats time to dry out.  Cold blustery weather & a soaked winter coat are not a good combination.  A thoroughly wet coat does not give much protection.  A drier coat provides a better thermal barrier against the elements.  My horses are not real happy about being penned up for very long.  But I now they are better off staying dry as long as possible.  As soon as the snow stops, they are allowed to go back out to the pasture to romp & play.

Is your area prone to late snow fall?  Is the temperature steadily rising or does it resemble a roller coaster?  You need to judge these for yourself.  Groom cautiously now.  Protect your horse from the last of the winter elements.  There is plenty of time to put the springtime shine on your horse.