Katherine Cosper I can only speak for myself but when starting with the feet I go with little and often, I use my hoof pick to tap on the hoof and sole then build up to actually picking the hooves out and making sure they hold them up for this, I know Richard does trim his but that’s far to advanced for me! 

I’ve started using them when I can get the bowline right 🤣

But the looks and raised eyebrows I get from the English riders next door  when I have my horses tied up outside or working them in the round pen, I’m sure they think I’m strangling them, mind they think my mecate and slack reins are the devils work, we won’t mention spurs! 

Totally unprepared for an impromptu ride today, wet, cold and muddy across the fields, good to get out though, Mooney was on a route march today as she just wanted to get back to her stable, I do apologise for the colour of my girl, never get a grey if you want to look respectable! 

Nice list, base layers and gloves are top on the list, fleece snood for me but the silk sounds like a good idea!

I love the snow and winter but hate being cold so plan well ahead 

Richard Boatwright makes such a difference if you can keep that core warm, I always put a layer over the jacket to keep the heat in, it’s become a common place item now in the UK for construction workers and the price has dropped massively, the  heated waist coats look pretty good also.

Lucas Truax Due to the breed of horse we have we actually clip them in the winter as they get seriously thick coats and they sweat up to much if not clipped, when we have ridden in snow and cold and removed the masses of snow from the feathers we normally put a stable blanket on which is fleece and just bed them down for  the night in straw and full haylage nets, we always give them a hard feed before riding but I know people have differing views on that. 

As I say gypsy vanners and shires are very hardy and live out all year if allowed, so maybe don’t take my advice for QH’s 🤣

So I thought it would be a great idea to work the 3 youngsters today who have been in for 2 days because of 75-80mph winds….. you know what great ideas do for you, nearly get your head clean knocked off your shoulders that’s what, lots of good code working but some serious outbursts of energy and leg throwing!! 

If anyone wants to purchase a lovely Friesian/cob filly then I’m your guy 🤣🤣

Richard Boatwright the best things I ever obtained is a ski helmet, nice and insulated with ear muffs and protection and a heated jacked that runs from my Dewalt batteries to keep the core warm, heated socks also work a treat, this was me a few years ago at Hamsterley forest doing a 14 mile ride on my vanner mare who is in foal now, before I turned western! 

in the UK I’ve found you need to get on fresh snow before it has time to freeze and become slippery, especially if the horses are shod, ours love the snow and it gives them a real freshness and zip 

Richard Boatwright Completely agree, it’s akin to English dressage riders with double reins, Pelham bits and all the hardware associated, if mastered it’s a thing of beauty, if not it’s a sure fire way to wreck a horse! 

In terms of the ES20 Hackamore series it certainly sounds like a fun idea and if you have the right colt for it and enough time then why not! I know you like a challenge! 

it would certainly benefit those with horses that do not appreciate the snaffle