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FW: [RC] wind and wild trail rides - Mike Sherrell

My first instructor said she thought horses acted up in windy weather because the wind was bringing them smells of things from far away, things they might be afraid of, and they weren't sure if they were close or not.
 
Hunters say their prey often moves into the wind to know what is ahead of them. Are horses calmer riding into the wind, and more nervous and flighty with the wind at their backs?
 
My main problem with the wind is my Outdoor Research rainhat with the chinstrap turns inside out right on my head! Now if it's raining and windy I try to tie my Indiana Jones-style fedora on with a scarf over the top of my head and under my chin. Makes like bonnet, and it's nice the way it keeps the rain from blowing into the side of your face, but the first bandanna I tried wasn't long enough, and it slipped off and blew into the Sacramento River. I need a belt or something.
 
 
Regards,

Mike Sherrell

Grizzly Analytical (USA)
707 887 2919/fax 707 887 9834
www.grizzlyanalytical.com

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Jonni
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:08 PM
To: Ridecamp
Subject: [RC] wind and wild trail rides

The more you get out and ride them on  windy days, the more you will relax, and find that the horse just does not mind it. I think that many riders avoid riding on really windy days, as they expect the horse to be naughty. Then, when they DO venture out in the wind, the horse picks up on that apprehension, and indeed, is naughty.  You can not always chose what the weather will do at an event, so try to "practice" in all kinds of conditions on training rides. It is just as much for the rider, as it is the horse.  When we can relax and say "well, just because it is blowing like mad today, doesn't mean I can't compete, as we have ridden in worst than this at home", we find our horses ARE fine, and not bothered by the conditions.
 
That make sense?
 
Jonni