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[Joan Deutsch]

I quit trail riding when the ground froze because I don't like to slip and slide on a horse. But there were lots of folks riding in the park when we were walking our dogs. Maybe it's better if the horses aren't shod? Here's a view of the trail along the Williams Pipeline in Lord Hill when the ground was frozen solid. Was anyone able to ride in that cold weather? Looks like we have more in store this weekend.

[Eventer]

Traildusters has an annual New Years Day ride at the Tree Farm and this year was no exception even with the snow and cold. We had about 13 riders and no one had any problems with slipping and I would say 50% of the horses were shod. Some of the unshod horses got a little sore walking on the frozen ground like in places that would normally be muddy where it froze in little peaks and the two wooden bridges were a little slick but everyone had a good time. If you do go ride in the snow on a shod horse, spray Pam non-stick on the soles of their feet or coat with vaseline to prevent balling up of snow.

[Joan Deutsch]

Wondering if anyone has been riding or working their horses on frozen ground and how it's going?

[horsepeople2001]

I use renegade hoof boots and have ridden in the snow and ice with them with no issues of snow balling up or slippage on ice. It kinda surprised me because I am used to horses having difficulty under those circumstances. This was on steep snow covered trails some times the snow was up to the horses knees and I know the bridge had ice on it and other places I rode did too but not one slip or slide with the boots.

[Joan Deutsch]

I noticed the Woodbrook Fox Hunt canceled a hunt because of ground conditions so I asked Melody if she could share their standards for deciding when to cancel a ride:

Joan, in general we take several things in consideration, 1.) the safety of the roads and highways for the many members and guests that haul in to hunt and have to leave home early in the morning 2.) the condition of the trails that receive sun as well as those in the heavy woods which thaw out much later 3.) general safety of footing for the horses and hounds on the hardpack roads. Because we have such a diversity of riders and riding ability, and some very seasoned and not so seasoned horses, we always defer on the issue of safety and will call off a hunt if footing is questionable, primarly when the ground has been frozen overnight several days in a row, and is not thawing out in the daytime. We usually have enough members in the area of the hunt club reporting on conditions several days ahead of time, so get a good idea of local conditions.

Please feel free to share! Melody Fleckenstein Jt. MFH

[Real time]

I've ridden my horses on the trails for the last four days in a row. I put boots on their front hooves if the ground is frozen or if there is going to be ice. The horses had no problems keeping their footing at all gaits. Granted, we weren't cantering on the icy spots. I agree that they probably have better traction without shoes on. My horses are pretty cautious and know how to get around safely. I think they also enjoyed the opportunity to get some exercise and stretch their legs since they have a hard time doing so in their frozen pasture.