I think those of us who have somewhat poor circulation or even those of us who just simply aren't warm enough may experience the things you are experiencing, Jackie. I would think it has something to do with the amount of blood flow to your muscles and joints that allows them to move more freely and be a stronger base. If you've ever gone outside to feed or something with no gloves in freezing temperature and then come back inside and tried to do some mundane task like open a door, you may find yourself feeling stumped! I think the cold takes away our ability to fully function for some science-y reason or another ;)

Another thing I notice in the cold is that my knees tend to hurt more. I've got some concoction of arthritis/supposed Osgood/Schlatter's Disease (not sure that doctor wasn't entirely off his rocker) going in my knees, and the cold weather irritates them for sure!

I think we should all keep in mind that if the weather gets to a point that we can barely function, it's probably not going to be an easy task for our equine buddies to do the work we normally expect from them, probably for the same reasons.

Ouch, Justice! Sounds like you've had some crazy adventures in your life? I have to agree fracture sites definitely feel it in the cold. Let's just say when I was younger I knew all of the doctors in the cast room on a first name basis...

I find the same thing, Justice.  The fracture lines which hurt the worst in cold weather are the ones in my face, in particular the front and hinges of my lower jaw.  Those ache like crazy in cold air!

Fortunately I don't have much arthritis, which is fairly amazing, considering the number of intra-articular fractures I've had.  My wrist is bothering me now, but I think that's more related to over-working it than it is to the old fractures...at least, that's what I'm hoping!!

I might gear down but I will never quit, tho I admit that for me now, it is not about The Ride as much as The Rehab.

You come set your bones down by my fire anytime, too, pbm, everybody is welcome : ) I will supply the Advil ....or whatever : )

-- Edited by justice on Tuesday 4th of January 2011 04:51:22 PM

I would say "wanna see my scars?" (inspired by the trading scars stories in the cabin scene in 'Jaws') but it reads creepy, lol : ) Sorry!

After 50 years out there, I've been thru the river and over the woods, for sure! No regrets, no second thoughts, a lot smarter now than when I started : )

-- Edited by justice on Tuesday 4th of January 2011 06:06:58 PM

I am blessed, rest assured, as the broken ones come to me where they are repaired to the best of my ability and allowed to live out comfortable lives. We understand each other : ) If we can get sound enough to play/compete, we do. If not, we just hang. Some days, that's all any of us are good for. Works for us : )

God never promised it was gonna be easy....

Jackie, sometimes we don't get far from the ring or even the walk, either, but we do it.
Kudos to you for keeping on! We do what we can, push just enough to use the effort/comfort ration for the day and let the rest just be. Other days, we go for the day : )

It IS a day to day thing, Ash, take full advantage of the easier ones, accept and shift on the hard ones. I have enough horses here that there is always somebody that wants or needs so I am fulfilled on some level every day.

Cold out? Yeah, but that breaks up the monotony of whinge-ing about the HEAT the other half of the year : )

Besides: could have to deal with earthquakes, mudslides, hurricanes, typhoons, tornados, tidal waves, volcanos... a little cold weather and some snow is a fab deal. Lots of snow? Day off with no guilt since the boss can't get out, either : ), albeit I am in New England...and walk 60 feet to my job every morning....

I especially enjoy the comraderie in this thread, huge hugs and hails to all that hurt but work, even a little.

-- Edited by justice on Wednesday 5th of January 2011 10:41:42 AM

 Hi Ladies:  I have to agree 100%, After my major riding injury 6 years ago, on cold days sometimes I can barely walk, never mind putting a foot up into the stirrup.  I.m just like Jackie, my legs (mostly ankles) give out from under me.  If I get to fatigued from riding I can't get back into the saddle cause my ankle just gives out and I need a friend to give me off stirrup to get on.  I feel totally useless.  Broke both my legs and ankles in a riding accident and the metal inside me deffinately gets cold.  Some days if I over do it (just cleaning the house) I cry myself to sleep it hurts so bad.  But I won't take pain killers because I don't want to screw up my body and stomach.  I love to suffer, what a nut LOL.  Hope the warm sun comes your way and you can bask in it and soak it into those weary bones.  See you on the Trail.

Sarah