Trail Hazards of the Winter Months

Winters lead gray skies will soon give way to the bluebird halcyon days of summer but how to keep your horse or mule legged up and ready to go once more temperate weather arrives? In many areas across the country we can get out and ride, ride, ride throughout the winter if we and our mounts are properly prepared. Of course preparation includes not only the correct gear to face the weather but also an assessment of what hazards you and your equine partner may face. As backcountry riders we try to be prepared for any eventuality for as we all know a pleasantly brisk winter’s day can become a treacherous nightmare in a blink of eye. Please read along for some thoughts and ideas to help you make your way through some of the most common winter trail hazards.

 

• Frozen Terrain and Ice

Winter is of course synonymous with below freezing temperatures which in turn lead to ice and frozen ground. Ice is bad but frozen mud and frozen grass are especially treacherous becomes sometimes there may a layer of unfrozen material on top which acts as a lubricant making things even worse.

 

You can help your mount deal with a solidly frozen surface by taking things nice and slow. On frozen ground where hooves and shoes can’t dig in for traction the rule is slow, steady, and straight. Save the cantering and barrel racing turns for more forgiving footing.

 

When you’re out on the trail you can sometimes steer clear of this hazard by avoiding shady or north facing slopes where the warming rays of the sun don’t reach.

 

While it may seem counterintuitive; if you find yourself riding through an area that is “slicker than snot” try to stay on your horse or mule. Equines have remarkable four wheel drive where you do not. If you feel you must dismount stay well away from the horse (After all mules don’t fall ) just in case its feet do slip.

 

If you live and ride in an area where below freezing temperatures commonly hang around for extended periods you may want to chat with your farrier about adding traction to your horse shoes. Typically borium is welded to the bottoms of the shoes giving them extra grip. Hoof boots are also available with metal studs (much like on our car tires).

 

Riding consistently on ice is a whole different ball of ice (so to speak). Icy areas can very easily cause your mount to scramble for traction, lose footing, and fall down. Spend icy days planning your next trail trip rather than trying to ride through it.

 

• Snow

While the white stuff is glorious in its beauty and riding through fresh snow is a treasure, snow can also hide trail dangers under its glistening blanket. Snow drifts can fill ditches and holes that can catch a leg and cause major injuries.

 

Deep snow can also veil sharp sticks and other dangers that again, can cause serious issues.

 

Danger escalates as the snow gets deeper as your horse has to work much harder to make his way through. Just as we can pull a muscle if we aren’t ready for strenuous exercise so can our mounts if they are suddenly asked to tackle a deep snow bank. Shod hooves also have a tendency to hold snow, creating snowballs which make it even more difficult for the horse to move.

 

During snowy periods try to stay on trails that you are familiar with where there is less chance of unknown dangers. Save your cross country expeditions for warmer weather.

Packed snow is of course ice and can be just as slippery. If your trail of choice is heavily used and has become essentially a toboggan run you can try to keep to the edge of the trail where perhaps the footing has a bit more traction. Just beware of hazards that might be lying alongside the trail.

 

I hope that this brief primer on riding through inclement weather has given you some ideas about how to stay saddled up during the winter months.

 

Wow! You made it all the way through and are ready for a wintery and wonderful ride get inspired with more great tips for the trail here.

 

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