How do you ride horses when it is really windy?

Question

How do you ride horses when it is really windy?

Answer 1

It depends on the horse. If the animal is nervous by nature, or spooky in wind, you need to pay more attention, and possibly limit your riding to places you've been before, or places you know your horse will be okay (enclosed arenas, instead of in the woods, for example). If you think the noise the wind creates might be part of the problem, you can use earplugs (www.doversaddlery.com sells them, other tack stores probably do, too. They're basically large fluff balls that you stick in the horse's ear.) to block the sound.

It's also good to ride with a buddy, as your horse will focus on the other animal instead of the wind, and if you know someone who has a horse that doesn't care about the wind, riding with that one could help yours deal with his fear.

Part of the problem is going to be you, also. If you expect your horse to act badly, it's more than likely that s/he will. If, on the other hand, you ride like you know s/he'll be fine, your ride will probably be pretty normal.

Answer 2

By putting your feet in the stirrups and holding on to the reins.

Answer 3

u just ride them like normal.........

Answer 4

A bit more aware of my surroundings...looking out for things blowing in the wind such as bags, plastic etc. But generally just the same as usual. If the wind is really strong though, I am a bit wary of riding under old trees. (when I was a youngster a branch fell off a tree onto me whilst I was riding, leading to 5 days in hospital and many stitches) but other than that no difference.

Answer 5

Keep the wind to your back.

Answer 6

My horse gets a bit joggy and lively when the wind's up her tail and a bit more spooky so I'm just generally more aware of my surroundings and possible spook situations that might arise and take more caution.

I also tend to keep to a slower pace rather than excite her further and avoid galloping or fast cantering. But some horses don't get excitable in the wind.

There's obviously some mad thumbs down maniac here!!!

Yes, it's true if you tense/nervous/worried your horse will follow and immediately get suspicious! So if you're going to get worried about riding in windy conditions, I would hold off until you get more experienced, or ride a calm horse.

Answer 7

uhhhh