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
Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.
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updates on Basil, Tommy and Daisy.
Until next time!
Jo
