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Winter challenges, even in Ramona

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Baby, it’s cold outside! OK, OK, yes we live in San Diego County and cold weather is not the norm, but we did recently have daily highs of 41 degrees and snow at some beaches.

The truth is it does get cold and we love to spend time outside in So California. Thinking about winter hazards for yourself and your horse should always be considered while at home or away. Cold weather at home or camping and riding in the snow and cold can cause issues for you and for your horse.

Two big concerns of spending time outdoors in cold weather are frostbite and hypothermia. Both can occur at much higher temperatures than many people realize. For example, exposed skin can start to freeze at just 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) and deep frostbite can cause blood clots and even gangrene.

Our mountain and desert areas can reach 28 degrees and below at times. Even right here at home in Ramona it gets that cold, and colder.

Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature, even in winter conditions that people might not consider particularly nasty. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, confusion, light-headedness and profuse sweating.

Without medical treatment, the victim can lose consciousness and die. Between 1979 and 1995, an average of 723 Americans died each year as the result of hypothermia. (www.safetytoolboxtalks.com)

Protective clothing is of the utmost importance. Wearing the right clothes that are comfortable, safe and appropriate for the conditions outside will make a huge difference in your day, and possibly your life. Your horse is also susceptible to weather conditions, so take into consideration her needs under rest or work in the cold.

Gloves for the work or riding you are doing should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite, but be thin enough so you can feel what you are doing if you are manipulating tools or reins. If it’s wet out, even if just a mist, water resistant gloves are important in keeping hands warm and dry.

Gloves that are too thick can make your hands and wrists work harder trying to hold on to objects, causing repetitive strain injury, and you may drop your reins and not even notice — dangerous in either case.

While horses don’t wear gloves, hoof boots may be a good idea. Boots can prevent snowballing in the hoof, slipping on ice and freezing hoof tissue, all painful and dangerous for your horse.

Dress in layers of light-weight clothing, which keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes. Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring that can lead to chills or hypothermia later.

Remember that wet clothing is 20 times less warm than dry clothing. Don’t forget that horses sweat, too, and working up a sweat in the cold is dangerous for her as well. Cool her down, use cooler covers to cool her down, and use horse sweaters and layers to ensure her safety during and after a winter ride.

Wear a hat or riding helmet and you’ll stay much warmer in cold conditions. As much as half your body heat can go up in steam off the top of a bare head.

Protect your ears from frostbite by wearing a hat that will cover your ears, or use ear muffs. Under my helmet I wear a wide headband over my ears to keep the cold at bay and the wind out of my ears. Ear covers are available for horses, too, in different weights (thicknesses) should you be out in freezing conditions.

While donning a scarf or muffler might help keep your neck warm in the cold weather, it could also kill you if you aren’t careful. I like to wear mine over my face if it gets too cold so my nose doesn’t freeze, but I keep the loose ends tucked into my coat and not flailing around to catch on a tree branch or spook a horse.

Think about what you are wearing and why before venturing out. Check your winter wardrobe for entanglement hazards such as loose sleeves and dangling parts. Always check your horse’s gear to make sure nothing is hanging to catch on, get stepped on, or come undone or break. Even in the corral your horse can get loose blanket straps caught, creating a hazardous situation.

For you and your horse, eat winter-weight meals. This does not mean a high fat diet, but one with enough calories and nutrients to give you both the fuel you need.

Start with a good breakfast, get plenty of rest and give her plenty of rest, too. Working in the cold takes more energy than you may realize. Cold weather can strain your heart and that of your horse, even if you aren’t overexerting yourself or asking her to do so. Be sure to pace yourself. It is up to you to keep you both safe in the cold.

Karen Carlson, a trails advocate, is a Ramona resident and past president of Ramona Trails Association. For questions or comments, contact her at karenandcricket@gmail.com.

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