Ridecamp: [RC] RC] Conditioning, Sweat and -40 weather

There is absolutely no reason for conditioning of any sort when
temperatures reach -40, F or C.  It is dangerous to work a horse in
those temperatures, regardless of whether he is turned out or blanketed
afterward. Winter is a perfect time for Long Slow Distance, provided
temperatures are above -20C (Canada) or -4F (The rest of North America).
Your horse doesn't have to break out in a sweat to strengthen his bones
and tendons. Conditioning at lower temperatures can cause lung damage
and could drop your horse right out from underneath you.  Through winter
months, I ride in the early afternoon, when it is most likely to be warm
plus I take jumping lessons one morning a week in a heated (sort of)
arena, provided outside temperatures are above -26C. That way, the horse
can be rubbed down then left outside, blanketed, until he is nicely
cooled.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
 Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=