How cold is it that you can’t ride a horse?

I have a fleece lined hand warmer riding pantsand a thick winter jacket so you can ride all winter long.

But how cold is too cold for a horse during winter riding? It depends on your location, your horse’s health and fitness level, and weather conditions. However, Michelle Singer, a staff veterinarian at the hospital, Mid-Hudson Veterinary Clinic Carmel, New York generally recommends a 20°F cutoff. In warmer regions, 32°F may be a safer guideline if the horse does not have a full winter coat or has an underlying respiratory condition.

Horses are generally much better adapted to cold weather than humans, but it’s important to plan your winter rides for optimal winter comfort and safety.

Does the horse get cold?

A healthy horse with access to a shelter or windbreak can tolerate much colder temperatures than you might think. You may get cold before riding the horse.

When a horse grows its winter coat, it has a built-in heating mechanism. Muscles at the end of each hair follicle cause the hair to stand on end, making the coat ‘fluffy’. This pocket of space traps air and heat and acts as an insulator.

Blankets provide an additional layer of insulation for older horses, horses with health issues that affect their fur, and clipped/short-haired horses. To ensure safety and comfort, be sure to measure your horse to get a properly fitted blanket.

Horses living in cold climates have time to gradually adapt to changes in temperature as the seasons change. Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures encourage hair growth, but horses living in warmer climates naturally maintain shorter coats.

“Horses that come from the south and don’t have much hair may have to live in a barn if they move to a cooler area,” said Trevor Delader, a stallion in Parkland County, Alberta, Canada. “They go out during the day.” [with blankets] But I’ll be there at night. ”

Dr. Singer says horses that haven’t had a chance to adapt to colder temperatures should be kept in properly fitted sheets and blankets until they can adapt.

How cold is too cold for a horse?

Remember the last time you ran outside in the cold air or skied in sub-zero temperatures? You may have struggled to catch your breath at first. The same goes for horses.

“When you ride in cold temperatures, horses have a harder time warming the air in their lungs,” Dr. Singer says.

while it’s still there limited research As for how cold weather affects a horse’s lungs during exercise, some studies have shown that 20 minutes of strenuous exercise when the temperature is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause inflammation in the airways. I know that.

Cold, dry air can dry out your airways, which can increase your risk of bronchoconstriction (narrowing of your airways) and inflammation. Horses with fever and asthma also experience more symptoms in the winter.

“Their performance may also change as they become more playful, lively and active in the cold,” Dr. Singer added. This often happens on mild winter days early in the season, but when the temperature is really cold the horse’s muscles tense up and tremble, so at times like this the horse is likely to stiffen up and work out on his own. It will be lower.

Derrader continues to ride and train horses even in the cold temperatures, but he does reduce his activity level, especially during the frigid months.

“Today is a good day to slow everything down and not push yourself too hard,” he said. “The slower days are good for their spirits.”

Riding indoors allows you to continue riding longer during the season because buildings reduce the wind chill factor and proper maintenance keeps your footing in good condition.

“Wind is also a big factor,” Derrader says. “Sometimes it’s only -15 degrees Celsius.” [5 F]but -25℃ wind chill [-13 F]…That’s even worse in my opinion. We add salt to the arena every fall to keep it from freezing. ”

If you plan on doing a lot of trail riding, ask whether your horse needs shoes with caulk or voluminous to prevent slipping, or pads or snow rims to prevent snowballs from forming on the hooves. Ask your farrier. hoof boots It may offer similar protection for barefoot horses.

Winter driving temperature guide

Tips for riding in cold weather

Winter trail riding, lessons, and regular riding sessions can help maintain your horse’s fitness level, but cold weather requires additional preparation. When riding in cold weather, keep these tips in mind.

1. You may need to lunge your horse to give him time to burn off pent-up energy before mounting.

2. When you’re ready to ride your horse, warm the bit in your hand or warm it up a bit.

3. Walk or trot slowly for 10 to 20 minutes, incorporating gentle bending and stretching movements to give your horse time to relax his muscles and joints.

4. warming up cooler This will help keep your horse warm until he or she gets used to it, especially if the horse is body clipped or maintained with a short coat.

5. Horses that are clipped or ridden on trails in short coats are also quarter seat. As a bonus, some cover the rider’s legs for extra warmth.

How hard your horse works will determine your cool-down routine. If the ride is an easy walk, your horse may be ready to resume his normal post-ride routine. If your horse tries harder, take 10 to 15 minutes to walk him under the saddle or walk him by hand to give him time to catch his breath and stretch his muscles.

A thorough cool-out is especially important when your horse is sweating. If your horse gets wet after riding, it needs time to dry. Blanketing your horse while it’s still damp can create a chilly environment that allows bacteria to develop skin infections.

You can begin the drying process by toweling your horse’s fur with your hands, then place it in a cooler to wick away moisture until the horse’s fur is completely dry. Once your horse is dry, return to your normal daily routine.