Final blog.

Hey guys I hope you enjoyed reading my blog! I also hope this blog gave you a new perspective on horse back ridding, and you've learnt allot of new horse facts! Writing this blog has been allot of fun. I hope you found it very useful and interesting. Thanks for reading!
-Katelyn Samson

Riding during the winter

When you're riding during the winter there are a few thing you should keep in mind. First of all, when it's cold out horses usually tend to be more energetic and hyper. Therefore if you're used to using a crop or spurs they may not be needed on cold winter days. Also when it's cold and snowing out you should always be wide awake while ridding. There could be patches or ice on the roof that could fall off randomly and spook your horse, therefore, you always have to ready for anything. Secondly, during the winter you have to be sure to warm up your horse well, he/she will be cold and stiff. Therefore, it's very important that you take at least 30 minutes to loosen up his/her muscles and get his/her blood flowing before you start jumping or doing other difficult exercises. Thirdly, after you've ridden your horse he/she is going to be hot from being worked, therefore, once you've taken his saddle off it's very important that you put on his/her winter blanket as soon as possible. Otherwise your horse could get catch pneumonia or become very sick. Also during the winter you shouldn't leave your horse outside for very long. If you put your horse out check on him/her every so often since there are most likely going to be ice patches on the ground and if your horse if running he/she could slip on them and injure themselves.

Horse back ridding in the summer

When you're riding on hot summer days there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, before you go for a ride during the summer you should always put fly spray on your horse; either spray it directly on your horse or spray some onto a cloth and rub it on your horse if he/she doesn't like sprays. The reason you should always put fly spray on your horse in the summer is because it's during the summer when all the flies and bugs are out and about. Flies, horse flies, horse bees and other bugs will bite your horse during your ride and could get your horse very annoyed which would result in a very unpleasant ride. You can buy fly spray at your local tack store or simply make you own!

1. 

   Things You'll Need:

   • 4 oz Avon Skin So Soft
   • 1 oz Citronella Oil
   • 12 oz Vinegar (white or apple cider will do)
   • 12 oz Water
   • Spray bottle

   Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and shake gently to combine. Now you're ready to use it!(http://www.ehow.com/how_2090046_horse-fly-spray.html)

   Secondly, don't over work you're horse when it's hot and humid. This evidently wouldn't be good for him/her and he/she could get a heat stroke. Don't stay out in the sun for longer then an hour. If you're cantering and jumping be sure to give your horse a break regularly to catch his/her breath. Also when you're done riding ALWAYS cool down your horse. You should never put a hot sweaty horse into his/her stall!

   Finally, when you're finished riding sponge off your horse where he's sweating the most, generally the saddle area and where the bridle was sitting behind his ears. You could also just bathe your horse if he's very hot and sweaty.