Preparing for the Colder Colorado Weather
There are many benefits for spending time outside in the colder temperatures. From getting fresh air, problem solving, experiencing new challenges, seeing nature from a different perspective, and increasing exercise. Being prepared for the weather, can set you up for having a positive experience outside during colder temperatures.
On the other hand, not being prepared can create a negative experience. We want to help each student experience the benefits of horsemanship during Colorado’s colder months. The temperatures drop when the sun sets, and temperatures can change quickly in Colorado. It is hard for everyone involved when students are stating, “I’m cold” or “I want to go home” because they came to class underprepared for the weather.
Use this brief guide to help you be better equipped to attend classes in colder temperatures.
What to Wear?
It is best to take the weather into consideration prior to arriving for class. It is better to be warm and remove layers than to be too cold.
- Layers! Layers! Layers!
- Base Layers- Thermal tights and shirt
- Mid layer- Warm pants and sweater/vest
- Outer layer- Snow pants and Winter Coat
- Gloves, hats and neck gator
- Hand and toe warmers are an excellent addition for a cold day
- Gloves should be weatherproof and have grips- avoid slippery fabric gloves
- Warm Socks- Wear 2 pairs if necessary
- Weatherproof boots such as snow boots or Bogs
What not to Wear?
Safety is still very important on cold days.
- Loose clothing that could catch on equipment
- Plastic sounding clothing that may spook the horse
- Footwear that could be cold and slippery- Like cowboy boots
- Gloves that are slippery and not weatherproof
Weather Related Cancellations
For the safety of the students, equipment and horses we may need to cancel class. We will reach out to you via email and text message in the event that class is cancelled. These are the factors that we take into consideration when cancelling.
Temperatures
If we have very cold temperatures we will cancel class. This is typically below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but we take the other factors into consideration too.
Wind
Wind above 20 miles per hour can pose a safety risk and drop the temperatures drastically.
Precipitation
We will cancel if it is actively snowing or raining.
Footing
If the footing is too slippery to safely walk or trot, we will cancel class.