Braving the elements!

[greydales]

Anna is staying and we were determined to get some riding in, but it was blowing a gale yesterday although sunny in the morning. Saturn and Dancer hadn't been ridden for a while and were a bit jumpy when we brought them in so we didn't know what to expect! I decided against taking the lorry out due to the wind so we tacked up for a local ride, and by the time we were ready it started to snow .

When we reached the bridle path the gusts were huge and as we cantered across the field my hat was literally being lifted off my head! . But the boys were really good, we got across another field then it started to snow and hail horizontally and they were snorting and throwing their heads around so we had to stand with out backs to the weather for a while.

Considering the weather and the fact they were fresh they behaved fantastically, Dancer was a bit prancey but controllable and Saturn being his usual brilliant self with the gates (what a good boy he is!) and we had a great ride ;D.

[felldale]

What good boys I rode Mina the other week when it was sleeting and she was really naughty, she was so forward going coming back down the lane I thought we were going to do a somersault

Have you got snow this morning, Gill? It was really coming down here earlier but has stopped now.

[harleydales]

We are struggling to get out at all at hte moment, the weather is so vile.

[dollylanedales]

You were brave, Gill, but it sounds like your boys behaved very well. I hate it when it snows and hailstones when riding, its usually when we are in the middle of open country, with no shelter, and the ponies end up walking sideways and backwards to get out of the snow. And I have usually gone out without my full chaps on, and am soaked through and freezing!!!

[greydales]

No nothing Lesley! It's been cloudy/sunny, but I can see snow on the hills where you are!

[harveydales]

Oh you are brave you lot riding out in this weather! We've had such strong icy winds all week and snow today. Roll on spring and some decent weather......

[Debbie]

You're a lot braver than I riding in that stuff!!! So glad you've had some fun

[dalesponyrider]

Hail storms are not nice to ride in. Do you remember the one we were in at Barnard Gill? You are quite a hardened rider aren't you? Or possibly mad!

[nars]

We have quite a few crazy people like you Gill, on our yard, Despite howling wind and snow on Saturday, most rode out and Louistic got to do a 2 1/2 hr hack in all that weather. He was a good as gold, but I'm glad I opted to muck the stables out- much warmer!

[greydales]

Although I used to ride out in all weathers, these days I'm far more a fair weather rider - just that the forecast got it wrong both days!

How can I forget the hail storm at Barnard Linda - I was on D remember ! These showers weren't a patch on THAT one thankfully!!!

[SuzieP]

We've had a clear round jumping comp at the yard today - punctuated by snow showers. It was loads of fun - and when you're concentrating on getting round a course somehow the snow doesn't matter.

Bea was a star - jumped clear in all four rounds!

[dalesponyrider]

Oh well done Sue and Bea! Bet you're indulging too now!

[SuzieP]

ROFL - not yet, Linda. I'm going to see Andrew later and need to be able to

[greydales]

Well done Sue and Bea! It's weird weather here, heavy sleet showers but sunny at the same time!

[PonyGirl]

Truely weird weather everywhere....