Smooth Riding in the Snow

We rode in the snow today and yesterday and last weekend and the weekend before. It is a wonderful experience to ride your horse down the trail in a winter wonderland. Although I have lived in Alaska for over 30 years and owned my horses here for eight years, I don’t have a lot of experience riding in the snow. Last year was the first winter that we rode a lot in the snow, and this winter has been spectacular for snow riding.

Alaska winters in the Anchorage area are not brutal by any means. Many states have colder winters and heavier snowfall. Our biggest challenge is a wide variety of conditions. While this has been true to some extent the entire time I have lived here, it has become more pronounced in the last five plus years, as “global warming” has been working its magic. Global warming is no joke in the North Country.

As we plan for winter riding, we face a number of conditions that can put a damper on our plans. Anything less than 10 degrees is pretty nippy. Worse than that, are periods of warming into the 30’s followed by rain or freezing rain, then dropping temperatures, creating icy conditions that challenge even the best of ice shoes.

This winter we have been treated to record heavy snowfall and many weeks of temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to the high 20’s, which has made for spectacular winter riding conditions. The footing in these conditions is great. We are fortunate to live right next to designated horses trails and can ride out of the driveway onto the trails and entertain ourselves for several hours. The trails are not groomed, generally, although Steve, the local trail ride and sleigh ride guy, does do some trail maintenance. The trails are generally maintained simply by use. They get some horse traffic in the winter, along with a few cross country skiers, and some hikers and dog walkers. No motorized vehicles are allowed. Yeah!

Our three Paso Finos love to get out for riding and are enthusiastic in the snow, moving right through the deep spots and pushing ahead. As the trails get beaten down and packed, the going is easier for the horses, but in deeper areas or where they are punching through the crust, it is A LOT OF WORK for the horses. They work up a sweat and breathe hard, so we take it easy and don’t push too much.

So, for those of you who live in snow country or near opportunities to ride in the snow, make the most of it. Horses love to canter in the snow, and although we love "gaiting" our gaited horses, cantering through the snow is exhilarating and fun for horse and rider. And...don't forget that wonderful cup of hot chocolate or other favorite hot beverage when the ride is done.

Next blog: tips for riding in the snow.