Ridecamp: Re: [RC] riding in the rain

If you wait for good weather to ride, you may never ride!  You probably 
wouldn't want to ride when its REALLY nasty, such as driving rain, 35 degrees 
and 40 mile an hour winds.  But going out in plain old rain isn't going to 
hurt either one of you unless your already sick.   

I wouldn't worry too much about working muscles getting wet, horses didn't 
have barns to go into through all of their history.  Besides, if getting a 
horse wet was problem, do you think we would be sponging our horses off at 
vet checks?  The bigger issue is to keep from getting cold.  I find that 
polar fleece wicks the moisture away from your and your horse's skin, and 
wool will keep you warm even if its wet.  There are lots of new fabrics that 
also provide warmth and wicking properties.  Wear layers so that you can 
adjust if you get too hot or cold.  I never wear a rain coat because most of 
them with the exception of Gore Tex get all clammy inside.  If your walking 
along and you start to get cold, try moving a little faster.

It can actually be fun riding in the rain.  It will be easier to keep your 
horse cooled down, and you can smugly tell yourself how devoted you are to 
riding and keeping your horse conditioned while all those other wussies are 
home dry and comfy in front of the fire.  jeri (I must admit that weather 
doesn't bother me, I just dress for it)

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