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 

It’s an interesting one to observe as a UK rider, having attended a California Bridle Association clinic last fall at the V5 ranch in CA where a lot of the riders were at the various stages of the “Program” 

I can understand the principles behind the process and the end result but for me I observed an awful lot of very busy horses working on the bit and not getting much peace compared to the horses in snaffles and hackamores.

I’m not knocking it and the experienced horses were on point and worked brilliantly on the cattle, it appeared to the unknowing like myself as more of a lifestyle choice in riding than giving anything more to the rider than a well broken snaffle or hackamore horse. 

I took a lot away from the clinic and the trainers were excellent but 8-9 years in the making along with mega expensive bits did leave me wondering, the noise from all those crickets from a dozen horses was deafening! 

Lucas G Truax Much appreciated, for sure if I end up in your neck of the woods, this years state side trip is to South Carolina to learn from the master himself! 

Urghhh this weather, frozen round pen again unfortunately and now I’m having to work a few days away so things ground to a halt again.

Farrier visit yesterday, all perfect for him despite some thrush, well all except the young filly, she was a challenge, thought my work on the feet had done her good but she didn’t agree so more work to do before the next visit, managed to address the left ear situation which is progress and she’s leading really well now, roll on the weekend and time to ride my grey, need a few hours in the saddle I think and she needs to get softer in time for your May Clinic, time to re saddle the big Friesian again and put my big boy pants on and see what he remembers! 

Thick fog forecast for the next few days also so I’m sure the mountain lions will be everywhere waiting to pounce on them! 

Katherine Cosper how are they settling in? 

Some nice videos Lucas, looks a fantastic place and your living the dream mate 👍

Katherine Cosper haha these accidents do happen, great looking colts and good luck with them, look forward to seeing the progress