Re: Cold ride questions

["Ed & Wendy Hauser" <sisufarm@mmmpcc.org>]

From the North Woods:

1. Get a good quality foam pad (closed cell if possible) to put under your
sleeping bag.  You can put the air mattress under that for more comfort.
Eat some candy just as you crawl into the bag.  Put long johns, wool socks,
sweatshirt and sweater, stocking cap on you.  Do isometric exercise for 5
minutes to warm up in the bag.  You will find you are much more comfortable.

2.  For your horse:  Get a good rump rug or quarter sheet.  Saddle your
horse and put a blanket over him until you are ready to mount.  Warm him up
well.  Many prefer to leave the rump rug down for the whole ride, but I
always roll mine up before starting.  When you get near a vet check, or slow
down to a walk for any other reason put the rug down.

3. When you get to the check cover the horse with a blanket.  If you need to
cool him, leave his front end uncovered.  I (but many people don't) strip
saddle and put a blanket on the rear half.  I can then do whatever is
required to cool the front. (yes this includes water!)  As he cools, cover
him more and more with the blanket.  If it is really cold and rainy, use a
couple of blankets.

4.  While at the check, let him eat and drink, but walk him  every few
minutes to prevent cramps.  It is eat, walk eat walk etc. for the whole
check.  Don't forget to do the same at the end while waiting for the hour
check.

5.  Just before leaving re saddle with rug and off you go.

Ed and Wendy Hauser
1140 37th St.
Hudson, WI 54016
sisufarm@mmmpcc.org