I am a new contestant to the RAC this year but I've been reading the blog since I first knew I was getting a Curly last July. I'll do my best to blog about my rides but I must admit I'm not a good writer.
So yesterday we were suppose to have a high of 21 degrees which in WI is nice for Jan. I was geared up and ready to ride my first time gaining points for the contest. Well it was actually 12 degrees out and extremely windy. Yuck. If it wasn't for the contest I would have been right back inside but I pushed myself to go out anyway.
Walking to get my horses from the pasture left my fingers numb. Next time 2 pairs of gloves will be worn. The rest was surprisingly warm although I looked like the kid from A Christmas story.
My gear for the cold weather dewellers.
Ariat polar paddock boots (don't recommend they ripped with only 1 yrs wear)
Carhart socks
Long Johns and a shirt with the same material
Mountain horse breeches (Highly recommend)
Carhart long sleeve shirt
Sweatshirt
My husbands awesome long jacket
Baklava with hat & ear warmers
Mountain horse gloves
I got them inside the barn and saddled up Theo first. He is a 15.3 Hanoverian/Curly that is doing training level Dressage right now. Today we worked on transitions from walk to trot and walk to whoa. He did pretty good but something just seemed off. I wasn't sure if he was sore, cold, or lazy so I paid close attention to him. I discovered the saddle was bothering him. Recently I changed the Gullet in my Wintec to the next size up. I took the saddle off and rode him bareback for the first time ever. We even cantered! He was much happier with out the saddle so I guess I'll be changing it back.
Next was Abby or Y.S Kawai (sorry we call her Abby). She is my newest horse; a cute grey gaited mare. This was only my 11th time riding her so we are mostly walking and building muscle. She is up to 30 minutes of ride time in the arena and we are cantering some. I can't wait to get her out on the trails though cause I can tell she is not an arena horse.
I'm riding with my friend today so a little jumping with Theo will be on the list! Until next time!
Blaine, Theo, & Abby
Hello Blaine! You certainly are motivated in this windy cold, as yesterday I opted for doing ground work with the babies versus braving that cold (I live in northern IL and don't have an indoor here at the ranch)--although you are well (midwest) prepared with your winter gear. LOL. FYI, I wear the Ariat Iceberg Tall H2O insulated boots and love them....I just started wearing them this season (been sitting in the closet for over a year) and sure hope they last a few seasons!!
ReplyDeleteNice catch with Theo. And what fun to have cantered your first time bareback with him.
I look forward to hearing how your curlies progress with you this year. Would love to see some photos of them...hint, hint!
You are braver than I! I love my muck boots to keep my feet warm in all weather, I'm not sure how they would fit in stirrups, though. But, I prefer to ride bareback in the winter anyway, its warmer :-) I also have a "helmet hat", nto sure what else to call it, but its a fleece that goes over your helmet to keep the wind out, and the flaps come down over your ears and fasten under your chin with velcro. I love mine!
ReplyDeleteway to go!! you are brave.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Blaine!!!! Ya hoo! Such an inspiration!!
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