Riding in the winter ...

Wow, we have been lucky around here this winter so far.  The weather has been so good I have hardly missed any days riding because of it.  However, there have still been some challenges; we are not big fans of puddles or plastic bags in the hedge (or tyres in the hedge which we saw the other week)!  The days have often been dull  and although I don't ride in the dark I have always made sure that  we are seen.  Basil is a dark horse and even when the sun is out but low in the sky it can mean we might not be spotted.  

I love this picture from Naylors.com  because it just makes it so obvious.  

I read a letter a while back in the British Horse Society magazine where someone was arguing against Hi-Viz gear.  His argument was that he did not want to be decked out like a Christmas tree to ride.  I remember thinking what an idiot.  I don't care what I look like as long as it is safe and I am giving drivers and cyclists absolutely every chance to see me.  I am thinking about the welfare of Basil, I don't want him hit by a car because they didn't see me.  

I was driving home from work one day a few years ago and it was not dark but late afternoon and I had to go along a road with trees on either side, so it was a bit dark there.  I suddenly realised that coming towards me on the other side of the road were 4 or 5 horses, I hadn't seen them earlier because they were all wearing dark clothing and blended into the trees by the road.  This really emphasised to me again how important it is to make sure you can be seen and seen as early as possible, giving drivers a chance to slow down before they get to you.

So, as you probably know by now ALL year I wear a hi-vis vest and a bright hat cover.  In the winter if it is dull Basil wears his hi-viz rug and boots.  I am trying to find a thinner rug because this one is a bit too hot for him nowadays because he gets all sweaty he is walking so fast!!!

Other things to think about:

• I mentioned at the beginning of this blog about things in the hedges.  I try to think and plan ahead, if I can see something in the hedge further on that Basil may or may not jump at I make sure I am not trying to go past when a car is coming.  So I stop until the coast is clear then we approach it.
• If it is a bit windy I find you can't hear cars approaching so well from behind so I make sure I check behind me regularly to check there is nothing coming.
• Basil doesn't really like puddles much and he always jumps when a car goes through one as it makes quite a noise.  So if I can I make sure I am not going past one when a car is coming.
• I don't ride late in the afternoon but I know many people have to.  So plan where you are going and how long it will take.  Make sure you will be back before dark.
• Is it icy?  Don't ride on icy roads.  If your horse slips you will come off and he could fall and do some real damage.  Riding through fields in icy conditions can be just as risky though because if the ground was muddy and cut up and then it froze the surface will be uneven and could cause sprains and strains!  I read 'The Horse Whisperer' many years ago and it frightened me so much that I would still never ride in icy conditions. 

• If riding in ice or snow look out for it 'snow balling' in your horses feet which again causes imbalance and could lead to sprains and strains.  Smearing Vaseline inside hooves can help with this.  Take a fold away hoof pick with you in case you need to stop and remove the ice. 
• Ensure your horse's shoes are in good condition so that they provide adequate grip.
• Tell someone where you are going and/or have a mobile phone with you.  Remember to put it on silent so that if it rings it doesn't make your horse jump.  Make sure you store it safely and securely so that it won't come out of your pocket.  There are some great MP3 or phone holders available for runners and I use one of these fixed around my leg just below my knee.

I enjoy riding in the winter, it is a good chance to get out of the house, get some fresh air and appreciate the countryside.  However, I would NEVER risk Basil's safety and well being.  

Have you seen my last video '2 Days of Christmas'  look out for my next video coming soon on my You Tube channel.   Horse Life and Love

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Until next time!

Jo