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  Discussion on Training in the Frozen Tundra
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Member:
Nonie

Posted on Saturday, Nov 30, 2002 - 7:53 am:

Help! The ring at our barn is frozen hard as concrete (we live in NJ). This year I have no indoor and am determined to stick it out because I love the atmosphere at our new barn so much. But I tried to school my mare yesterday and even just at the walk she was ouchy (the ring is sand). What to do? There are lots of pastures around I could work in, and we tried one out but it wasn't much better. Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks!

Zoe
Member:
Lala

Posted on Saturday, Nov 30, 2002 - 1:18 pm:

Hmmm, know what you mean. This isn't even a second best idea but maybe can keep you both from going stir crazy. Could you long line her outdoors without her being ouchy? How about doing some groundwork exercises in her stall (lateral movements, moving one foot at a time to stand in her in positions for photos or halter showing, or some stretching or try out some massage techniques -- or a super duper extra long groom. Help someone else out with a youngster that hasn't been backed yet. Work on desensitizing to some particularly scarey monster such as flags or plastic shavings bags. Earn major brownie points and muck some stalls.

Yuck you're saying, none of those involve any riding. But at least better than me saying what my husband would say, "do a whole bunch of crunches, sit ups, stretches yourself to strengthen your core and flexibility."

I'm in the frozen north (or swampy when above freezing)too without an indoor. Luckily I have my weanling and yearling to keep me busy on the ground. Today was practising blanketing in the pasture and sniffing out the huge pick-ups of nearby hunters. But wish I could be out riding. That for me is waiting until spring. In the meantime there are always the stalls... in fact gotta go do the last one now...

Fiona

Member:
Willie

Posted on Saturday, Nov 30, 2002 - 3:09 pm:

Hi Zoe,
Everyone in the frost belt has to deal with this! I'm assuming you've already got those wonderful "winter tires" on your mare -- shoes with borium studs and anti-snowball pads. Expensive, but worth it if you're serious about riding in the winter. The pads also prevent the ouchiness from her having to walk on lumpy cement, which is what the ground turns into in winter up here in Massachusetts. If you DON'T have winter shoes on your mare, call your farrier immediately! You'll both be much safer for turnout and riding both.

Mostly, you just have to scale back your under-saddle schooling expectations. Give your horse plenty of turnout so she will be sensible when you're riding, then do a lot of bending and straightness exercises at whatever gait you can manage, and don't push it too hard. Go trail riding if the footing is okay for that. Pray for snow, because that cushions the cement. Then just be patient. Sometimes you can stick to a schooling schedule all winter and sometimes you can't. Last winter here was great for riding, the winter before that was the pits. If you work a regular job you only get to see daylight on weekends anyway.

Good luck!
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Saturday, Nov 30, 2002 - 6:34 pm:

I'm with Sarah on all her recommendations. I live in New England too.

Trailering to an indoor nearby for lessons or schooling sessions might be an option for you. Winter clinics can be great for building some new skills.

Otherwise, just take it as it comes. If the ground's like a rock, take long walks. If your horse is calm, ride bareback. Enjoy moonlit rides, and become confident out in the woods on windy dark nights. When it snows, do "field dressage". On warmer days when your sand ring defrosts, you can school more seriously.

Happy trails!
Member:
Fpony

Posted on Saturday, Nov 30, 2002 - 7:04 pm:

Hi Zoe,

We're in NH and it is icy even on our dirt road. I won't have an indoor this year either so I'm hoping to trailer to an indoor for one lesson a week (all I can afford)and the rest of the time will ride out in the elements. I find at a walk on the hard stuff my guy is fine and if we ever get some "nice" snow then trotting and maybe a field canter will work. Invest in one of those fleece helmet covers and those new fleece riding mittens (has a place for your pinky)they work real well. I think all the snow riding is great for keeping them in condition also helps keep a base for when the weather gets warm again.

Riding bareback is so warm and really helps you to develop a nice seat (or just keep those stomach muscles in shape not to mention your thighs if you try posting)Of course my guy is a nice round Arab so my ride is comfy.

Pray for some soft snow! Kim
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Monday, Dec 2, 2002 - 12:42 pm:

Even in NC we run into frozen footing at times. When it is really cold, I time my rides to mid-day after the sun as had an effect on the ring. If it has been very cold for a time after moisture has fallen, the ring is too pitted to ride comfortably. Also, if the evenings are in the 20s, I find it is too hard to ride "conventionally." So I try to work on small things such as position, refining the aids, transitions, etc. I may not work on lateral stuff or small figures.

This brings another point up - how you warm up your horse and what you do should change in the cold months.

Be sure to properly warm up your horse when it is cold. It can take longer for a variety of reasons. I take it slower and easier when it is cold, yet I want her to move to create some warmth.

At least when it is cold, there are no bugs, you save time not hosing your horse down and the sweat stays out of your eyes, GRIN.

Chris
Member:
Penner

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 3, 2002 - 1:18 pm:

I remember when I rode (lived) in the Frozen Northland...

I usually just went trail riding for hours, did put boriums on my horse too. Tried to ride with people, as it was more fun.

I can remember riding so early in the morning, it was so cold, that the hoar frost would develop on me & my horse, on the side of us not facing the sun! (ouch!)

But one of my favorite rides, was the 1st snowfall of the season & being the 1st one out there (before the footprints of other hikers or horseback riders). Sometimes this was even at night - so pretty with the moonlight on the snow. Plus you could really see where you were going well (from the reflection of the moon on the snow).

Think of it like that...
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