riding in the rain

[headlesshorseman]

It is still raining here, hasn't stopped in 2 days, and I don't want to go outside!
But, horse didnt get ridden yesterday, and i have a lesson booked for 2pm today (outside obviously!)
So how can I make riding in the rain more bearable?

[alwaysGOLD]

Dont know if this will help..nothing much can make rain bearable!

When i have a lesson/show in the rain I take a spare change of clothes ano boots as i hate the feeling of clothes so wet that they cling to you!

Also a nice flask of tea!

[headlesshorseman]

oh, lesson cancelled coz the school is a swamp :-(
tea is a very good idea tho :-)
horse is not impressed with the rain, doubt we'll go out today, but hes going to be very fizzy tomorrow!

[NoToastWithoutKnickers]

Have a warm aga to sit on afterwards with a mug of hot chocolate. It's the only way!

[ExitPursuedByABear]

I never minded if it started raining once I was out riding, but hated setting off in the rain, largely because of the wet saddle.

[DolomitesDonkey]

I love riding in the rain!

[headlesshorseman]

ewww wet bum.
i agree, i dont mind if it starts to rain, even when horse does his rain dance, but it is torrential here!
lets hope it stops soon!

[Landy77]

I don't mind as long as wearing full waterproof clothing including soft shell breeches or waterproof long chaps with a long coat so the tops of your legs don't get wet.

[alwaysGOLD]

Ah bummer its been cancelled :( but saying that its awful today!

Notoast - forget the tea, i like the sound of that much better!

[Lasvegas]

get water proof jods, they go on top of normal jods, they have a 'sticky' bum area so you son't slip on the waterproof bit.

[Principality]

Ds had 2nd ever show yesterday, which was completely ruined because of the rain. He did one in hand class but it poured so much he was soaked thru to the skin, and he was so cold he began to cry. :( so we went home early, missing his two stronger classes, first ridden and lead rein jumping. He was so disappointed. :(

[headlesshorseman]

wow lasvegas where can i buy waterproof jods from?
Think I need to find out horses exercise sheet, might stop him complaining about the rain.
Sorry to hear about your DS principality thats a real shame.

[monsterchild]

I think Mountain Horse has lots of waterproof gear. I have the polar fleece which work well in a light rain or snow.

I don't know that I have ever ridden in a down pour, except on an expedition ride, and we just wore our regular raincoats, and sat miserably on warm horses as we walked through it. The heat of the horse does keep you pretty warm!

[AllPastYears]

have ridden in many downpours and don't mind that much - waterproof jacket + waterproof trousers. I also have a waterproof cover to put on the saddle, and a waterproof exercise sheet for when he's rugged (rarely) so the rug can go back on afterwards.

But, all these waterproofs can make it a bit slippy, so I tend to play it safe when riding. And, while I don't mind actually riding in the rain, I hate getting ready in the rain, and sometimes give up at that point!

My pony doesn't like soggy schools either, he doesn't go forward very well.

[Pixel]

I'm very short-sighted and it's no fun riding when your glasses are all fogged up and you can't see where you are going. I used to go out in the rain when I could tuck my pony in behind my mum's horse and know he'd take me home at a sensible pace but it's different now with dhorse being a fool and having to go on the roads and everything so I don't really bother, unless I have a lesson at another yard with a school, in which case I'll brave it.

[ChameleonicLifeFormsNoThanks]

I'm solar powered! I don't ride in the rain!
I also wear glasses. It's impossible!
I'd give them less hard feed and more hay, lunge them carefully if they needed it, and pop them a nice waterproof rug on. Our roads are shit anyway. People round here drive like arseholes on dry days!

[Alameda]

I don't mind riding in the rain but like someone said, getting them in and ready is the annoying part. Actually it's the dark I hate the most. Ugh.