Ridecamp: [RC] re: winter riding

>  live in Minnesota and winter riding is difficult enough with the below
>   freezing temps even when riding inside! My horse has no shoes in the winter
>   however she gets this ice build up around the inside edge of her hooves. She
>   is a pasture horse year round. I was wondering if any one knows how to get
>   rid of the ice so shes not beeing ridden on stilts! Also when I do pick up
>   her feet she trys to pull them away or dances around swishing her tail. Any
>   remedies? I've tried everything. She also grinds her teeth when I girth her
>   up,as if it hurts even though I do it slowly.
> 

I find a big flathead screwdriver is much better than a hoofpick for
prying ice (or very tightly meshed goatshead burrs) out of feet.

This assumes that you're cleaning the feet inside and they'll stay
clean.  There are tips to prevent ice buildup, but I dont know
them.  If the feet resistance is only a winter thing, she's
probably uncomfortable standing on 3 round ball feet; should be
better after the first foot is de-iced, and you might ask
your farrier if he could recommend different positioning
to give her more support when you need to de-ice.  The 
screwdriver helps cuz you can pop out the main ball of
ice quickly, and you might go do the other side before
attempting to clean thoroughly. 

On the girthing- if she has a winter coat, you're prob'ly
pulling the long winter hair.  Going slowly is just pulling the
hair for a longer time period.  You can help a bit by putting 
your hand under the cinch at the spot where the hair is getting
grabbed 
the most. Also if you have a neoprene cinch maybe you can wet it 
down before you cinch up to make it more slick.  I think some
folks clip a cinch spot, but I've never done that.

Cheers,
Teresa

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