I live in the midwest. We are in the middle of harvesting corn and soybeans. Is it okay to ride my barefoot gelding in the bean field? When I say ride I mean the whole works (walk, trot, canter, gallop). Or will the bean stalks poke his sole and frog and damage his hoof? I WILL NOT ride in them if this is the case. I just thought the soft fields would be better on his joints. The corn fields you have to worry about the foot tall stocks cutting their legs, but when we ride in corn fields we just walk and maybe trot.
You have no idea how many people feel entitled to ride in fields and farm lanes, even if they've never met the farmer!! Have fun!
The farmer may not let you ride on his property not because of the beanstalks or even that it would harm the ground, but because of the liability. If you were to get hurt on his land, your health insurance company could sue him without even informing you they intend to do so - you have no say in it. And people who get really hurt, they tend to sue landowners as well, just so they can pay for their own medical care. So for the owner of the property, it can very quickly become a real 'lose lose' situation.
All of the farmers around me let me ride on their property. It's a small town and they all know/like me.
Lucky you, never take it for granted though, take them cookies or something as a gift every now and again.
I ride in corn and bean stalks a lot. Corn stalks can be slippery so I try not to breeze too often in them but they definitely won't cut your horse's legs.. Bean stalks are my preference. I, too, live in a rural area and nobody gives a rip if we ride in their fields. Doesn't harm the ground none unless you've got a herd of horses with you.
