Riding in the Rain
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It’s raining and I want to ride. The arena is being used, so I have the choice of staying home or getting wet. I have work to do too, so perhaps the rain is a good thing, keeping me getting things done before I go play.
Is riding in the rain any different than riding on a clear day? When the conditions change, so your riding has to adjust. Keep in mind, that on rainy days, the footing changes. Grass becomes slippery, rocks and soil can become slick. Where I live it’s sandy, so the footing remains good, even when very wet. But, if you live in an area of clay soils or lots of rock, the footing can change very quickly. This means you might have to slow down, and pick your path. Whether your horse is barefoot or shod, it might not have the grip it would on dry surfaces. If you’re jumping in the rain, you want to be sure that your horse is wearing the appropriate footwear, and that you compensate for the footing as you ride.
Riding in the rain may mean you want to protect yourself from the wet. I used to ride in an old RCMP slicker. It was black, heavy and hot. Sometimes you came home damp - and not with rain water. New rain slickers are made in great colors and with textiles that hold off the rain but still breathe, so you’re not riding in your own sauna on horseback. Nice extras are leg straps that hold the slicker down so it doesn’t flap, and the ability to fold it into a tiny package when the sun comes out. Be sure that you get your horse used to wearing a big floppy garment before you get on.
Your velvet covered helmet won’t like the rain, and vents on schooling helmets let the rain in, so in wet weather a breathable helmet cover is handy. If your helmet does get wet, be sure to let it dry out thoroughly. The inside of helmets don’t always smell the greatest when they are dry, and if they are left wet, things can get very mouldy and smelly. Likewise, if your gloves get wet, dry them out before storing them in your tack box. If they’re leather, work in some conditioner before the next time you use them. I put mine on, put a little conditioner in one palm and then massage it in as if I were using hand lotion.
Your saddle too, might need some extra care after you ride out in the rain. Good quality leather shouldn’t be affected too much. Cheaper leather can become quite cardboardy feeling after it gets wet. Clean off any mud before it dries, let the leather dry indoors out of the damp, and apply leather conditioner. Just don’t saturate the underside of your English saddle, or the padded, quilted seat of your western saddle, as some conditioners can soak right through thin leathers and into the flocking. This can make it break down or compact faster.
And of course, look after your horse. If the rain is chill, give it a chance to warm up after your ride, either in the stable or with a snug rain sheet. Cooling a hot horse out in the rain can be a bit tricky as you balance cooling down muscles and preventing them from getting too cold.
Riding in the rain can be a great experience. If you’re trail riding, you’ll find the trails quiet as many other users stay indoors. The rain brings out fresh fragrances and lushness to the scenery. Just be sure to dry out everyone and everything when you’re done, so you don’t have a pile of fuzzy tack and a smelly helmet next time you ride. |
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