For horses- waterproof blankets of various levels of warmth. Especially if where you are moving to has damp winter weather.
For riders: layers. Good quality under garments, layers that are warm, layers that block wind, layers that breathe and are flexible. A helmet liner is a must. I tend to buy these things at an outfitter not a tack shop. I find them to be better for the most part.
Horses do better in cold weather than hot. But watch for icy footing, and consider shoes with studs if you dont have options. The human needs more help. Winter boots, hot pockets for feet and hands, winter fleecy pants, long underwear, winter cover for helmet with face protector, will get you in the saddle and happy at -20 degrees celsius. The outdoor winter scenes are magical, the footing crunchy under packed snow, and its all worth it in the end. Then when spring shows up, its a whole new world, again. Enjoy.
Oh man, went through this last year when I moved from South Carolina to Indiana. I've got some posts up over at my blog if you want to read through them.
My must haves: winter boots (mine are Mountain Horse), SmartWool underlayers, helmet liner. I wear UnderArmour fleece lined leggings under my breeches, but also may try SmartWool leggings this year. Winter gloves, I have yet to find a pair I like. Hot pockets are my savior. Marmot 700 fill winter jacket. A good warm quarter sheet that you can wear over your legs.
A good heavy duty hoof pick if they get snow in their feet and vaseline to smear all over to try and hold it off. Back on Track saddle pads make a world of difference for my guy.
And then when we had two or three weeks where it never broke 10* F, we just didn't ride. It's not going to kill them, it's not going to ruin your year and it's not worth being miserable.
For horses- waterproof blankets of various levels of warmth. Especially if where you are moving to has damp winter weather.
ReplyDeleteFor riders: layers. Good quality under garments, layers that are warm, layers that block wind, layers that breathe and are flexible. A helmet liner is a must. I tend to buy these things at an outfitter not a tack shop. I find them to be better for the most part.
Awesome!! Will definitely get me some quality long johns :D
DeleteHorses do better in cold weather than hot. But watch for icy footing, and consider shoes with studs if you dont have options. The human needs more help. Winter boots, hot pockets for feet and hands, winter fleecy pants, long underwear, winter cover for helmet with face protector, will get you in the saddle and happy at -20 degrees celsius. The outdoor winter scenes are magical, the footing crunchy under packed snow, and its all worth it in the end. Then when spring shows up, its a whole new world, again. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYay! I feel better prepared already!
DeleteOh man, went through this last year when I moved from South Carolina to Indiana. I've got some posts up over at my blog if you want to read through them.
ReplyDeleteMy must haves: winter boots (mine are Mountain Horse), SmartWool underlayers, helmet liner. I wear UnderArmour fleece lined leggings under my breeches, but also may try SmartWool leggings this year. Winter gloves, I have yet to find a pair I like. Hot pockets are my savior. Marmot 700 fill winter jacket. A good warm quarter sheet that you can wear over your legs.
A good heavy duty hoof pick if they get snow in their feet and vaseline to smear all over to try and hold it off. Back on Track saddle pads make a world of difference for my guy.
And then when we had two or three weeks where it never broke 10* F, we just didn't ride. It's not going to kill them, it's not going to ruin your year and it's not worth being miserable.
Thanks for the recommendations (and I am totally gonna hunt down those blog posts!!)
Delete