Winter/Hairy Riding

HairyHorse · 02-08-08, 06:06 PM

I will admit, perhaps a little sorrowfully that I do not like to ride in the winter. My horse fluffs up, the winter coat is so much thicker that he looks like cavehorse. I worry about the comfort of the saddle on the thicker hair, or of it rubbing or pulling the hair.

Do you still ride the same?

**alexis** · 02-08-08, 06:48 PM

Does your horse get a trim or anything. Also is he or she inside well covered from the cold weather? I dont know many that dont ride year round having this issue.

SaddleSore · 02-09-08, 09:32 PM

I never had an issue with it, however I don't have a horse that becomes hugely hairy. Yes, she fluffs up somewhat and gets shaggy around the legs, but it's not that big a deal.

purplefdu · 02-09-08, 11:22 PM

I've ridden plenty of furry ponies without incident. The hair is longer but no more likely to be pulled under the saddle and saddle pads than short hair. I've always loved riding a nice furry beast as they are wonderful to cuddle with to keep warm.

horseplay · 02-10-08, 10:28 AM

Horses here get really hairy and shaggy looking. I ride just the same as I always do. I don't think it's ever hurt him before. I never really thought of it though. As long as you put a blanket under the saddle, it shouldn't pull any hair.

HairyHorse · 02-11-08, 07:15 PM

You are right that they are definitely more cuddly when they are like this, and I wouldn't mind being able to grow a coat like that myself. I realise that I am probably over sensitive to it, but I have very long hair and it's always getting pulled and drives me nuts. I guess I am anthropomorphising this.

dappled_rider · 02-25-08, 12:00 AM

I thought the saddle blanket was to prevent pulling and chafing? I've heard some people clip their horses if they get really hairy. I'm still riding, but admittedly this is my first year.

02-08-08, 06:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
HairyHorse Member Join Date: 02-02-08 Posts: 50	Winter/Hairy Riding I will admit, perhaps a little sorrowfully that I do not like to ride in the winter. My horse fluffs up, the winter coat is so much thicker that he looks like cavehorse. I worry about the comfort of the saddle on the thicker hair, or of it rubbing or pulling the hair. Do you still ride the same?

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02-08-08, 06:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
alexis Super-Moderator Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 329	Does your horse get a trim or anything. Also is he or she inside well covered from the cold weather? I dont know many that dont ride year round having this issue.

02-09-08, 09:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
SaddleSore Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 233	I never had an issue with it, however I don't have a horse that becomes hugely hairy. Yes, she fluffs up somewhat and gets shaggy around the legs, but it's not that big a deal.

02-09-08, 11:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
purplefdu Member Join Date: 08-12-07 Posts: 236	I've ridden plenty of furry ponies without incident. The hair is longer but no more likely to be pulled under the saddle and saddle pads than short hair. I've always loved riding a nice furry beast as they are wonderful to cuddle with to keep warm.

02-10-08, 10:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
horseplay Member Join Date: 01-02-08 Posts: 50	Horses here get really hairy and shaggy looking. I ride just the same as I always do. I don't think it's ever hurt him before. I never really thought of it though. As long as you put a blanket under the saddle, it shouldn't pull any hair.

02-11-08, 07:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
HairyHorse Member Join Date: 02-02-08 Posts: 50	You are right that they are definitely more cuddly when they are like this, and I wouldn't mind being able to grow a coat like that myself. I realise that I am probably over sensitive to it, but I have very long hair and it's always getting pulled and drives me nuts. I guess I am anthropomorphising this.

02-25-08, 12:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
dappled_rider Member Join Date: 02-01-08 Posts: 26	I thought the saddle blanket was to prevent pulling and chafing? I've heard some people clip their horses if they get really hairy. I'm still riding, but admittedly this is my first year.