How to Ride Horses in the Snow

Horseback riding is a great way to break the cabin fever that always creeps up around the middle of winter. Riding in the snow is an exhilarating pick-me-up for you and your horse and it can even be more fun than riding in the warmer months if you follow a few safety precautions.

Things You'll Need

  • Clothing layers
  • Safe boots
Show More

Instructions

  1. Ride Horses in the Snow

    • 1

      Dress yourself warmly and in layers. Dressing in layers allows you to add and remove clothing as you need it so you can stay comfortable all day. Start with insulated underwear and add a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, a thin jacket, and a winter coat. Waterproof blue jeans can be purchased inexpensively from many camping stores. They look and feel just like regular blue jeans and they repel water to help keep you dry.

    • 2

      Choose a good pair of gloves and a safe pair of boots. Opt for thick gloves that have textured fingers to keep your hands from slipping. Stay away from cowboy boots this winter--they won't give you the traction you need. Try a pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots instead.

    • 3

      Fit your horse with a good pair of shoes on all four feet. A horse with sore feet is no fun--especially when riding in the snow.

    • 4

      Take it slow. Walking in the cold winter air for long periods can be exhausting for you and your horse. Cold weather can cause an increase in blood pressure and even thicken the blood a bit causing a great deal of stress on the heart as it tries to keep up with the body's need for blood and oxygen. Take breaks as often as possible and never push your horse to continue if he's showing signs of fatigue.

    • 5

      Inspect your horse's hooves during each break to remove any clumped ice or snow. Snow and ice can cause sore feet and interfere with your horse's traction while walking.