Tips for Smooth Riding in the Snow

Here are some tips that we have found helpful for riding in the snow:
The condition of your horses’ feet and proper “footwear” for your horse is critical for a safe ride. Horses are quite sure footed in deep snow without shoes, but riding on ice is dangerous.
Last year we used Easy Boots with studs on the horses’ front feet. They provide wonderful traction, although they can create pressure or rubbed spots on your horse’s heels if you ride too many hours in them or put them on incorrectly. Occasionally we lost one, but generally if they fit correctly and are put on correctly, they stay put and are a wonderful product. Getting the hang of getting them on, especially in cold conditions took a little doing, but with practice we got better and faster. Our horses were barefoot all last winter with regular trimming every 8 to 12 weeks. Easy Boots over shoes is pretty challenging to get the right fit, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

This year we are using ice shoes on the front feet only. My farrier prepares the ice shoes by adding borium to the heels and toes of the shoes in small drops to create traction. Horses must also have a suitable pad to prevent the build up of snow in the foot. There is a solid pad with a raised bubble that works wonders in keeping the horse’s hoof clear of snow at all times.

There is also a pad that follows the pattern of the horse shoe, but leaves the center of the foot and the frog exposed. We have this pad on one of our horses, and it has worked well also. Generally this pad works well, but sometimes it is not as effective depending on the shape of the foot. The advantage of this pad is that is allows the foot to breathe.

With the really deep snow this year, we are using splint boots, just to give the horses a little more support as they work their way through the snow. They stay on fine, even in deep snow.

Dress warmly so you can be comfortable and enjoy your ride. It takes a lot of experimenting with the right socks, boots, gloves, hats, pants, etc. to get the right combination for you. As in all sports, layering is a good approach. I have found silk sock liners and glove liners to be an excellent choice, as well as thin wool. Good quality winter riding boots that fit safely in the stirrups are a must. We love the Mountain Horse Rimfrost Winter Paddock or Ice Rider Tall Winter boot. Dover Saddlery is one source for Mountain Horse Boots. Grab one of the thin helmet “beanies” from a sporting good store that sells snowboarding and skiing helmets to wear under your helmet. They are wonderful.

Be sure to care for your horse properly after your ride. Towel them in the sweaty areas, brush the snow and ice off the belly and legs, and have a good wool or poly cooler handy for them to wear for a couple of hours while they dry off. I don’t blanket my horses in the winter, except for below zero conditions, but I always use a cooler after a winter ride.

Carry your cell phone, lip balm, tissues, and extra glove liners in a small fanny or saddle pack. Good communication is a must in an emergency.

Enjoy your horse and your friends and family who ride with you. It is a privilege to ride in the snow and share such a unique and exhilarating experience!