It’s B-r-r- in the Barn

Too Snowy
Too Cold
Too Windy
Too Much of A Hassle

With riding friends, riding is always just right!

If this winter has left you wondering if you really even want to ride find a riding friend (thanx Gaynor and Patrick - and head out on a few miles. I do this with running too.. The first 5 minutes out there is an “arrggh”.. But trust me, it will adjust your perspective about riding and life. As a runner, it was a good reminder that I started riding g for many physical reasons but I keep riding for the challenge and the great riding friends and teachers I continue to fine along the way.

Regardless of what Mr. Groundhog might have to say, here in Montana, we’re smack dab in the middle of winter.. and no sign of ending in a hurry. Can you say “hand warmers”? Well what are we supposed to do about our equine companions in this weather? Your intrepid innkeeper (horsekeeper in training) is here.

First here, always check the road reports. Acutally a smart move whenever you’re traveling.. .especially with horses. Fortunately Alle has her pen safe and snuggy at Joanie’s .. But I digress. What’s going on here can and usually is totally different over the pass into Butte. I can always count on the temps in Butte being at least 10 degrees colder and in Joani’s barn colder still since it’s not heated. Gives new meaning to barnstormin’

First , if your horse is a show horse and/or gets clipped you really need a heavy winter blanket for her. I have one here too that’s waterproof for GaZi and Picken even though we dont clip em. There’s just some of those days where they’re shivering from the wet cold. If he/she doesn’t get clipped in the winter and is allowed to grow a winter coat you should still get a lighter winter sheet just in case!

Well now what are we supposed to do when we go riding? Their bits are cold so our horses do want them in their mouths, the leather on our tack gets stiff, and worst of all it’s freezing cold outside!!! The easiest of these three to fix is the first one! They do make bit warmers in the winter but those can be a bit pricey Instead you can just place the bit in your hands (if it’s a bit slobbery just put some gloves on) and rub your hands back in forth when the bit no longer feels cold in your hands try and see if your horse will take it!

For that , stiff, stubborn tack, regular saddle-soap and leather polish will work. Just use either of these a little before you ride and a little more before you store your tack away. For really cold climates they make special winter tack products that you use before you store your tack away.

Now most of us aren’t lucky enough to ride at a very fancy or nice riding stable that has at least one big indoor arena. Ok, I do ride at one of these but I didn’t always, so here’s some tips on what to do when the weather outside is frightful and you don’t have a Joaniland?

First things first — layers, layers, layers! When you’re getting dressed to ride put on at least a sweatshirt over your tee and a warm fleece or outwear coat over that! Also maybe supply your horse with an extra warmer saddle pad or something. If not than make sure he’s getting a good work out!

Whether we’re doing showmanship, western or english riding … as long as I’m moving I ‘m fine… Just the hands usually suffer especially when I have to take on and off her blankie .. Did I mention layers?

Since I ride year round and Alle’s outside at Joanie’s and of course our horses here… we have our Keith put on winter shoes starting in November. Definitely worth the extra money so you and your equine companion don’t slip slide away.

And no waffling either way… waffles for the waffle aficionados and a vegan one at that…We’re having guests next weekend who are vegan and thought I’d make these again.. Tis been awhile . From vegan-food.net

INGREDIENTS

225 g / 1/2 lb / 2 cups wholewheat flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
425 ml / 3/4 pint / 2 cups soya milk
4 T vegetable oil
Chopped pecans, as required, optional

METHOD
Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and add the baking powder and salt. Gently stir in the milk and oil (and pecans if using). Prepare on a waffle iron.

Serve the waffles with maple syrup.

Yield: 6 waffles

Innkeeper notes
This recipe comes out well, and doesn’t have any special provisions made for the lack of eggs.
A toasty trot on friends, trot on.