tech that came along to help with our project. She was able to wrap the horse’s legs and give them Bute for the long walk back to the trail head. Both healed successfully and are sound, but were out of commission for a full year.
On another ride we were faced with deep drifts on the switchbacks. Beau and I were in the lead and able to burst through, hugging close to the trees to stay on-trail. The switchbacks were steep and a hoof in the wrong place could be disastrous. One of the horses did just that. She stepped off the trail and slid a few feet before she was able to gather herself and climb back up to safe footing. Water crossings in the winter also require careful study, as you have no idea if the water is frozen underneath the snow or what the landing will be like on the other side. Many of the trails we recon have water crossings located in a draw or ravine. You head down to the water, and climb a steep bank on the other side once you cross. If I cannot clearly see what lies underneath, I will dismount and cross on-foot, stomping down the snow to assess and locate solid footing. A few words of caution: your equine will most likely jump the crossing, so be mindful of where you place yourself. Preferably use a long lead rope. Reins are not long enough to allow room for both you and your equine, and your animal could end up on top of you.
While there is much to consider while trail riding in the winter months, it can be very enjoyable if you prepare and plan accordingly and pay attention to your surroundings, including the weather. In the end, you may simply have to turn around and head back to the trail head. There is no disgrace in making
the right call. I
have aborted
several rides for
the sake of my
animal, my
friends and
myself. Happy
Trails. Now go
make some
amazing
winter
memories.
"I once saw four bull elk jump a fence in unison. It was one of the most beautiful images I have ever witnessed"
Robin has earned the NASMA VTP ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL of 2000 Hour Awards
Over the years I have perfected my winter riding attire as there is nothing more miserable than freezing when you are miles from home. I have raced home several times chattering after a surprise storm caught me in its midst. Now, I plan for those surprises. Everyone knows to wear layers. You can be cold one moment, and frozen the next. I can rearrange my layers three or four times over the course of a mile. I catch myself saying, “girl, make up your mind.” I use sunscreen every day of the year and always wear sunglasses. As much time as I spend riding, it is the only way to protect my skin and my blue eyes. The glasses also protect me from wind burned eyes. In the winter I wear waterproof boots, that are a half size larger than my normal size, to allow for air circulation and to accommodate merino wool socks. My hat of choice is a wool Stormy Kromer cap. It is absolutely the best and doesn’t block me peripheral vision. In addition, I pack extra gloves, a neck warmer and a slicker. The slicker never comes off of my saddle.
There are several safety situations winter riders may want to consider. I have witnessed many of them first hand. As a member of the Beartooth Back Country Horsemen in Fishtail, Montana, we head to the mountain trail heads as early in the spring as we can gain access, to “recon” the trails. In other words, we assess what trail maintenance needs to be coordinated. On one such trip, a group of us headed up trail while others were cutting up old culverts to be packed out for the Forest Service. The snow was quite deep in several places and the only way to advance around several downed trees, was to bushwhack through an alternate path taking us off-trail. We had traveled several miles when we were stopped by a 10-foot snowdrift banked against a boulder. We turned around, following the tracks we made going in. In one spot we had “skirted” going in, we chose to stay on the trail. I went first, followed by half a dozen other riders, one rider chose to take the same route we used going in. She made the right decision. Beau and I made it through fine, but the second and fourth horses both cut a hind fetlock on the jagged rocks that were hidden from view. They were bleeding badly. We were able wrap their legs with bandanas while one of our members headed down the trail to where the rest of our members were working on the culverts. They returned quickly with the equine medical kit, and a vet-