Today was not my favorite kind of weather. High 40s, low 50s, and I’m pretty sure the windchill was -200. And the wind was 200mph or thereabouts. Today was the kind of day I should just plan to lunge the critters, especially if I haven’t ridden in a few days. But no, I decided to climb aboard with a wing and a prayer.
I am a big believer in setting up rides to be successful. Today was not the day I decided to ask for the highest energy and tackle the very frustrating exercises. No, today was the day I decided to work on “attention on me, please.” And it went great, all things considered. I even started my ride by letting my horse watch the trail horses get arena work + tarp. I think my horse decided that I was a kind rider since I then led him to another arena.
So here’s a couple of little hacks I do for this kind of weather to make sure our sessions go well:
Seriously, is it a lunge day? I don’t believe in letting a horse gallop around you on the lunge line, but I’m ok with realizing that a mounted day can get out of control when the weather gods are working against you. And there is tons that can be done on the lunge!!! Does your horse need some work on his frame? Let’s put him in side reins and let him build some muscle there. Does he need to trot out some energy? I always like to imagine they are trotting along singing “Just keep trotting, just keep trotting,” to Dory’s voice from Finding Nemo.
Maybe just a quick lunge before you hop on. Sometimes they need to get a quick silly out. Again, they don’t get to turn into a tornado vortex of galloping, but a quick canter and buck to take the edge off can be useful before you hop on.
Stopper up that whistling wind with ear plugs or bonnets. I love this hack. When some horses hear the wind rushing through their ears they feel like their speed should match, which isn’t always the best for us riders. Ear plugs and bonnets can help cut that wind right out and keep them settled.
Walking isn’t always better. It’s like asking a kid hyped up on sugar to sit and listen to a recitation of War and Peace. Ain’t gonna happen. Get them moving and keep their mind busy. Lots of serpentines, circles, and keep them forward. Work them quiet, don’t just expect it.
That’s it, my tricks to cold and windy days! It’s getting a lot colder this weekend, so you’ve got chances to practice!