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How to enjoy winter hacking
Posted in Hacking
Have fun on a winter’s hack
Going for a hack’s the perfect way to relax after a busy week at school, and it’s great for spending quality time with your fave pony, too. Just because it’s cold and wet in winter, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an epic ride out. All it takes is a bit of careful planning!
Wrap up warm
Your hack won’t be much fun if you’re freezing cold and your feet and hands feel like ice blocks, so dress for the weather conditions. Layering up is a great idea, so try to wear a few thinner tops rather than one bulky jumper. It’ll trap warm air between the layers and you should find it easier to move around, too.
Don’t forget your gloves, and keep your toes toasty with some warm socks, or invest in a pair of thermal riding boots! If rain’s forecast, cover up with a waterproof coat and some over-trousers that are designed for riding in.
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Layering can work a treat for your feet, too! Two pairs of thinner socks can keep you warmer than one thicker pair.
Watch the weather
It may sound a bit annoying, but you’ll need to plan your winter rides around the weather. Going out in light rain is OK, and it’s fine to ride if it’s a bit chilly, but it’s not safe to hack in bad weather conditions. Heavy rain makes it harder for motorists to see you, and likewise riding in fog’s a definite no-no. It’s best to avoid windy days, too, as some ponies find it super-spooky, plus there could be loads of debris flying around.
If it’s frosty, it’s really important to postpone your ride until later in the day when the sun’s come out and thawed any ice. Remember, though, that ice can linger in some places where trees stop the sun reaching the ground, so choose which route you take with care.
Did you know?
Lights can make you extra visible, so look out for hi-vis gear that has some built in.
Let there be light
Leave enough time so you get back to the yard before it’s dark. Winter days are really short, and the light can start to fade as early as 3pm, especially if it’s a gloomy day.
Share your plans
Whatever the time of year, always tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. Try to give them a brief rundown of the route you’re going to take, just in case they need to come and find you. You should do this even if you’re riding out with someone else. Make sure you keep them updated if you get delayed or change your plans, so they don’t worry.
Be visible
Wearing hi-vis is important whenever you go out for a hack, so you can be clearly seen by motorists and other bridleway users. Try to make both you and your pony visible from all angles, so pop on a hatband as well as a tabard, and consider a tail guard, ear bonnet, noseband cover, martingale and leg boots for your pony.
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Always wear hi-vis or light-coloured gloves to make sure motorists can see your hand signals. Dark gloves or sleeves can blend into the background and go unnoticed.
Go for good ground
If you can, steer clear of bridleways that tend to get really muddy in winter. Your pony won’t enjoy wading through boggy ground, plus it’ll risk pulling off his boots and even his shoes! Also, using paths when they’re wet can spoil them for the rest of the year. If you don’t have many other routes nearby, why not ask a parent if they’ll box you and your pony out to access tracks that’ll be drier and more fun to ride on?
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Thank you pony for these awesome winter hacking tips! They where really helpful! My pony and me say thank you Xxx