Horseback riding in the winter in outdoor rings?

Question

Hi guys,

Well as i am looking for a new horseback riding stable, I found a cute privately owned one. But, the only thing im apprehensive about is the fact that it doesn't have an outdoor ring, and in the winter where i live it snows and get very cold. Should I not even conceder this barn because of this reason?

Answer 1

I would suggest finding a barn with an indoor ring. This way, you can ride everyday and not worry about the weather. I used to ride at a barn with no indoor ring, and even though we could ride outdoors during the winter (well, sometimes) riding was un-enjoyable. It was just to cold to be riding in the outdoors. If you are planning on training for showing, also consider how in-consistent your jump training will be if you only have an outdoor ring.

Answer 2

We used to ride at a stable with only outdoor rings in the winter in New Hampshire.  

When it snowed (which it does a lot in New Hampshire), they plowed the arenas just like they plowed the driveways, then sanded them if they were slippy.  Packed snow makes fine footing; it's when there's a bright sun or a little thaw and everything turns to ice you need to be careful.  They kept it in good shape, though, and didn't allow anyone to ride if it was icy.

The cold is a problem for some, and bundling up enough to ride can be cumbersome.  But once you get going and working, it's usually fine unless there's a biting wind or subzero (F) temperatures.

If you really like the place, I would consider it.  Ask about winter upkeep of the outdoor arena.  If they don't plow and you get a lot of snow, you won't be able to do anything.

Also, consider the discipline you wish to ride.  I wouldn't do jumping or barrels or anything like that on snow.

Answer 3

You can ride in the winter outdoors but you need to take extra care of your horse and their feet to make sure they aren't getting ice balls. If you live in New England where there are periods of warmth followed by cold periods that make ice layers between layers of snow, the ice can cut your horse's legs or cause slipping.

If your horse can have the winter off or you can ride on the road I don't see why not to board there if that's the only thing. In the end it comes down to personal preference and what you need.

Answer 4

if the stable is nice and the people and horses are great, then i wouldn't find not having an indoor ring a problem. For the winter make sure you are dressed warmly but have layers you can take off, since you do get hot and sweat when you ride. Put those toasty toes things in your boots and wear gloves also. Btw, I'm pretty sure you won't be riding if it snows LOL. Your horse should be fine also since he gets hot too. When you're done riding just brush the saddle marks off and walk him once. He wont freeze. They like it:] but put his blanket on afterward;]

I hope this helps:]

PS

make sure the footing outside is good

dont ride in heavy rain!! Somebody did at my old barn and then the horse slipped, landed on the girls leg, and she had to be helicoptered to the ER

Answer 5

welcome 2 my world

its freezing today, yet i went and rode all day, i was very cold.

I went from a HUMUNGOUS riding school with indoor areans ect, to a smaller 1 with only 2 small indoor arenas ( my new school is better)

they are fine

Answer 6

you can still ride outside in the winter just dress warm and make sure you or your horse does not get injured i ride outside in the rain snow i pretty much ride in anything the weather cant stop me

Answer 7

I would suggest a place that has an indoor. It's possible to go out doors, but some days the footing is way too hard and it's just freezing!