So winter basically sucks. I think that's the long and short of it. But, competition season is coming up and it's still important to keep your horses in somewhat of a regular work program to stay fit and ready. We have been I guess *lucky* enough to have a TON of snow, which makes for pretty excellent weather for riding outside on these sunny days that we've been having. I personally am getting REALLY bored of looking at four walls of an indoor and going around and around in circles. I miss my big outdoor ring, lots of jumps, long hacks, trots on the dirt track, all of the things that spring, summer and fall bring!
So with this giant snowfall came my personal goal to head out on short trot sets through this heaping white stuff. We are extremely fortunate to have a polo field that is meticulously maintained and guaranteed great footing underneath, so it's a realistic goal. I think it's a lot of fun for the horses, to finally get out and about again, and definitely great for their fitness. I'm sitting here with my morning coffee and dreading getting going. I typically sit on a minimum of 6 horses per day, but lots of days as many as 10 or 11....and after two short rides through this fluffy stuff, I am sore!! Could possibly be the shovel and leaping I do on my own time to toss hay and get horses out...who knows :)
Yesterday we brought one of our boarders out with us who had never been out in the snow before. I think it's the most fun and laughs we've ever had on horseback. I know I was in tears laughing as her horse tried to canter through and the rider bobbled around on top. Something that you would have to see in person to find out just how funny it is! Our second trip, and what I think is the MOST fun is going out at night in the snow. The moon makes it so it's like daylight, but it's still like an "adventure" every time. Anyway, despite the cold and the less than perfect conditions, we are trying to make the best of it....40*'s in the forecast for next week, maybe Spring is on the way!!
So with this giant snowfall came my personal goal to head out on short trot sets through this heaping white stuff. We are extremely fortunate to have a polo field that is meticulously maintained and guaranteed great footing underneath, so it's a realistic goal. I think it's a lot of fun for the horses, to finally get out and about again, and definitely great for their fitness. I'm sitting here with my morning coffee and dreading getting going. I typically sit on a minimum of 6 horses per day, but lots of days as many as 10 or 11....and after two short rides through this fluffy stuff, I am sore!! Could possibly be the shovel and leaping I do on my own time to toss hay and get horses out...who knows :)
Yesterday we brought one of our boarders out with us who had never been out in the snow before. I think it's the most fun and laughs we've ever had on horseback. I know I was in tears laughing as her horse tried to canter through and the rider bobbled around on top. Something that you would have to see in person to find out just how funny it is! Our second trip, and what I think is the MOST fun is going out at night in the snow. The moon makes it so it's like daylight, but it's still like an "adventure" every time. Anyway, despite the cold and the less than perfect conditions, we are trying to make the best of it....40*'s in the forecast for next week, maybe Spring is on the way!!
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