Ask my sister her vision of hell and she'll describe the same tortuous scenario as most of the horsey folk in this area: "Hell is all wind, all the time." Since Thanksgiving we've alternated between chilly cold winds (non-stop for days) and then blasts of hot winds (non-stop for days). The only horses we dare ride during these wind storms are the Extremely Good Citizens that aren't unnerved by airborne debris, or the veteran show horses that've "been there, done that" in all kinds of weather. The green or sensitive horses? Forget it. Everything in the environment is swaying and the air smells of unfamiliar scents. It's like trying to ride a kettle on the verge of boiling over. But regardless of temperament or training, I don't think any horse enjoys the wind. Like us, they simply find ways to endure it. The only thing that interrupted my self-pity party was the email I got from my old high school pal, Wendy Ward. She now lives in Idaho, and every winter she sends me a photo of her ranch, just so I can keep my weather-related rants in perspective:
Hmmm... What can we do on a wintry day? How about we shovel snow off the roof of the barn! Then we can gaze wistfully below at the round pen and pasture, and envision what it'll be like when we can actually see dirt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So while I moan and complain about the winds, I have to remember that we each have our version of hell during the winter months. And about all we can do to endure is to dream of spring.
6 comments:
I hear you Cindy! The wind has been horrid! I can't seem to come to grips with the heat lately either...ummm....86 degrees today....in JANUARY?? I have to watch my tongue though for the poor folks like your friend in Idaho. Saying that it's "too HOT" to ride in January is just criminal~
Too hot to ride in January? thats impossible here!guess what our high for today is? its -4Fhere today!!!right now though its -14F out with windchills in the -30s and -40s. oh and the foot of snow we have on top of that! i'll trade weather with either of you anytime! maybe for a few days, but i still love winter!not much to do but wear about 12 layers of clothes and wander outside hoping not to freeze! lol
Oh, winter!
I'm a California girl transplanted to Idaho like your friend Wendy, and all I have to say is:"I AM SO SICK OF SNOW!!!!!!!"
I understand, Cindy. I am from the Seattle area, and every few years or so, the city usually known for incessant rain becomes known for incessant snow. I could actually go skiing to the grocery store!! The downside of all the wintery weather is that the icy roads left me stuck at home for three whole weeks. I couldn't get anywhere, not even the barn. Let's just say I was nothing short of crazy for those weeks. If there was a word for it, I might use horse-sick. I'm sorry your weather is so miserable. Now that the snow melted I am (finally) able to ride as long as I wear five gazillion layers to avoid frostbite. I hope your weather gives you a break soon too. :D
Wow - it's getting into the teens tonight in SC, and that seems unreasonably cold for us. I'm not meant for this winter weather. :) Riding in it can be frustrating (last night was no exception!)...but I'm at least thankful I can get in the saddle!!
It definately could be worse. Although I don't have a horse, it would be nearly impossible to ride this winter.
I live near Minot North Dakota and along with the wind, we have air temps of about -20 with wind chills of -50, and about 3-4 feet of snow, with drifts up to 15 feet in some places!
A few stores including Wal-mart and at least one school have closed to remove snow from the roof and we are literally snowed in at our house (out in the country). thank goodness for 4-wheel drive or we'd still be stuck on the road!
I envy your temps down there in Cali
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