Have you ever taken a horseback riding lesson on a rainy day? If you’re continuing to ride, there may come a time when your lesson is scheduled during rain.
Rainy days can make your clothes wet and cause you to walk through muddy paddocks, potentially leaving you covered in mud. As a result, many people decide to cancel their lessons. Of course, it’s also a sensible choice to skip riding on days with poor weather.
However, during the rainy season, especially in the rainy months, you might find yourself unable to ride because it’s always raining. Long breaks can make you worry about your progress, so if you’re considering riding on rainy days, here are some important points to keep in mind for safe and enjoyable riding in wet weather.
Check if your riding skills are adequate for riding in the rain
Unless you are part of a riding club with an indoor arena, weather conditions can affect your ability to enjoy riding as usual. Rain gear and waterproof clothing are often necessary, and full-body wetness can lead to hesitations or cancellations.
But it’s not just about weather gear. The key challenge is whether your riding skills are sufficient to handle riding in rainy conditions.
Slippery muddy paddocks can cause horses to stumble or lose balance. Maintaining proper riding posture and balance is crucial when walking on muddy surfaces.
The sensation of rain falling on your body, water droplets before your eyes, and the sound of rain can be very stimulating for horses. Keeping a horse focused and listening to commands amid such distractions is essential.
Riding in the rain requires advanced riding skills. Sometimes, the risk of injury means you should skip riding altogether.
Apply hoof oil before riding
If you are a rider, you may have used hoof oil before. This is a grooming product for horses that is applied to their hooves. Do you know why hoof oil is necessary?
This section introduces the reasons for applying hoof oil and the best timing for it. Let’s see when it’s ideal to apply hoof oil in rainy weather.
Reasons for applying hoof oil
So why is hoof oil such an essential part of horse care? Here are the main reasons for applying it.
The horse’s hoof is similar to a human nail. Just as nails can crack or become soft from prolonged exposure to water or the bath, horse hooves are vulnerable too. Some people even take care to avoid cracking by regularly applying nail treatments.
Applying hoof oil helps repel dirt, prevent dryness and cracks. Horses’ hooves naturally absorb moisture from the underside and release it from the surface, which can lead to water absorption and damage in muddy, wet riding conditions.
Extended exposure to rain and wet paddocks can cause hooves to become soft, increasing the risk of hoof rot or wall damage.
When to apply hoof oil?
There’s some debate whether hoof oil should be applied before or after riding. Some people prefer one over the other, and both are correct. Applying hoof oil before riding can prevent dirt from sticking, while applying after helps combat dryness and cracks. For rainy days, it’s best to apply hoof oil before riding to prevent dirt and mud from sticking and to protect against hoof softening.
Wipe down the horse and dry riding equipment after riding
After riding in the rain, both horse and rider are likely to be soaking wet. If left wet, they can catch colds. Horses cannot dry themselves, so the rider must ensure they are properly dried.
Use a towel to wipe off excess water. If the horse is very wet, using a sweat scraper first can help remove moisture, making the towel more effective. Also, riding gear will be wet. Make sure to thoroughly dry saddles and other leather equipment to prevent mold.
Bring rain gear and change of clothes
If riding is likely to happen in the rain, bringing rain gear and an extra set of clothes is essential. Many equestrian stores sell rain gear suitable for riding. Rain gear for riding includes a ‘raincoat,’ ‘overboots,’ and ‘rain leg covers.’
The “raincoat” is a familiar item, typically water-repellent and designed to protect your clothing from rain. Some may use regular waterproof clothing, but riding-specific gear often features slits for mounting the saddle and non-slip materials on the seat area.
“Overboots” are rubber covers that prevent water from entering through the zipper of riding boots. They are easy to put on and take off, ensuring a snug fit.
“Rain leg covers” are waterproof gaiters worn over pants or riding knickers—secured with ties behind—to prevent rain from seeping in. They are suitable for light rain.
It’s also useful to bring waterproof or water-resistant riding attire like waterproof jackets or waterproof jerseys to dry the horse and tack after riding in the rain.
Summary
How was that?
While rainy weather might tempt you to skip lessons, riding in the rain offers a unique experience with a different atmosphere. Horses also behave differently, adding variety to your riding. Fewer students on rainy days mean instructors are more attentive, making it easier to receive advice.
Some riding clubs may cancel lessons in bad weather or recommend against riding unless you are skilled, but don’t let rain discourage you. Instead, try enjoying riding in a different style or even experimenting with rainwear fashion for horseback riding. It’s a fun way to experience horseback riding under rainy conditions.