For riders in the North East we can count on a few blizzards, some down time from the saddle when it is just too cold to exercise our horses in a proper training workout, and some packed snow and ice.
Here are a few thoughts on how to help protect your horse:-
1. Allow time for longer, slower warm ups and cool downs.
Keep your horse's back warm before and after tacking up. It is important that you and your horse do a few stretches before you ride. Pull out the front legs, gently, once your horse is saddled. Preferably not with his head attached to cross ties as this can result in a panic. Once in the saddle take your time to engage the horse. He must be in front of the leg and stepping smartly forward, but he does need time to walk out and then trot gently with lots of transitions on a light rein to ensure his joints are lubricated well before you start your training workout. Afterward, be sure you do not put your horse away wet. If he has sweated and is hot and puffing, do what you would do at anytime and walk him out to cool him until his respiratory rate is back to normal. Add a cooler if he is steaming. Be careful NOT to have it draping around his hind legs. It is better to buy a specialty cooler that is designed to be added to the saddle for this. A proper cool out additionally prevents lactic acid build up in the muscles, which can prevent soreness the next day. Once your horse is back in his stable, be sure to watch for a 2nd sweat breakout and keep a cooler on until he is thoroughly dry.
2. To clip or not to clip ~ that is the question.
If you are working your horse daily then clipping is a good plan. It does not need to be a full clip and in any event you should always leave coat under the saddle. By removing the coat from the underside of the horse's neck and chest you allow him to cool out more quickly. Obviously any clipped horse should be blanketed when stabled and when turned out, with a sufficient weight blanket to prevent chills.
3. Hoof Care & Snow Angels.
If you are riding in the snow it is important that you address the packed snow in the hoof. If you have your horse barefoot then be sure he has regular trims as otherwise the snow will pack in the hoof. If you have your horse shod then bubble pads and borium may be necessary. Talk to your farrier about what is the best plan for your horse and riding needs. Always remember to boot a horse that has borium to protect his legs and back of hooves from accidental knocks or missteps.
If you have to ride from your barn to the indoor across snow, it is important to check/pick his feet before you mount in the indoor to be sure snow has not accumulated and packed in his hooves en route.
4. Cold temperatures.
In my humble opinion riding horses at more than a walk when temperatures plummet to less than 20 degrees fahrenheit is foolish for both horse and rider. The lung capillaries may warm up as you work, but the stress placed on both horse and rider is increased by the colder temperatures. Some folks say the horse has such a long neck that by the time the cold air reaches his lungs it is thoroughly warmed. Perhaps so and there is a fantastic array of options for dressing warm during the winter as a rider.
5. Visability is poorer and stopping distances greater in bad weather.
Be certain to wear a highly visible jacket if working on the roads. While road riding is not as common in the USA as Europe, this is an important part of your wardrobe. There are reflective boots, saddle pads and lots of safety gear available for the horse and rider so take advantage of them and stay safe.
