Hore, who will captain the Highlanders against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, went snow-raking one day this week in Maniototo and said it was extremely tough work.
''I feel pretty sorry for all of those boys who have been doing it [snow-raking] all week. I got a taste of it yesterday [Wednesday] and the legs are pretty stiff,'' Hore, who has a farm in the Maniototo, said.
''It is hard on the legs. It was pretty cool to start with. You get in a helicopter and then you jump out and it really hits you. You are in snow right up past your [waist] and then you have to tread round in it. You get very hot and sweaty and you have to stand around and wait.
''So, yes, it is tough. I just did it for a day. Those who have done it for a week have worked really hard and they are the ones who deserve a pat on the back, not me. I did it for one day and that was enough for me.''
So Hore was glad to switch back to rugby yesterday and was firmly focused on facing the rivals from across the Waitaki River in a South Island derby tomorrow night.
He said many of the players in the All Black squad were Crusaders and there was a bit of friendly banter in that final week.
''This is the last home game for the Highlanders and if we can get some of that form when we played the Blues then it should be a good game.
''That week against the Blues we were a lot more positive going into the match and hopefully we can do that again this week.''
Hore said it would have been great to keep up the momentum after the Blues game but having a three-week international break was just the way the season panned out.
The plan tomorrow night was to just play it simple as they had against the Blues.
''Hang on to the ball, run hard and create some opportunities for the backs.''
With openside flanker John Hardie out with a sore knee, and Tim Boys still to get over a neck injury, Joseph has gone with Elliot Dixon at openside flanker.
Dixon is a big abrasive runner but may struggle for speed to the breakdown.
It is hoped Hardie will be back next week.
Aaron Smith and Ma'a Nonu are on the bench with Fumiaki Tanaka and Shaun Treeby getting starts. There are three changes to the side which beat the Blues.
Tony Woodcock comes back into the team, along with right winger Kade Poki and DixonThe Crusaders have put some of their key players on the bench, including captain Kieran Read.
Also on the bench are lock Luke Romano, prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Corey Flynn.
Owen Franks has an elbow infection and is unavailable.
Former Highlanders lock Tom Donnelly makes a rare start.
There are three Whitelocks in the starting pack, with blindside flanker George captaining the team.
