Winter in Britain is tough for horse owners and riders. It’s the knowledge that for months on end, we’re battling with mud, dark mornings and rain, and then we might get a cold snap with snow and ice, or we might get high winds and flooding. It’s unpredictable. We’re not saying that winter is easier to cope with in other places, of course – some countries face freezing cold and very snowy weather for months on end! But we do think that here on our beautiful but rather soggy island, we do seem to get all the weather in a haphazard fashion. We’re far north enough to get very short days for the winter months, our island climate throws lots of weather systems at us and that all means winter here is a unique struggle. In this blog we’re taking a closer look at the challenges that a British winter brings for riders hoping to keep their horse fit over winter. We’ll also share some ideas to help you survive the cold, dark and damp, and ensure your horse is healthy and fit for whatever you love to do with them.
Winter in the yard and field
The problem:
Mud is ubiquitous in winter – and often in late autumn and early spring too! That means some yards are forced to limit turnout to prevent their fields turning into a bog. We know that horses must have as much time out of their stable as possible, and ideally physical contact with other horses, for their wellbeing. Some yards use all-weather turnout pens with hay nets or turn horses out in the indoor or outdoor schools in social groups, when they’re not being used for riding. But, despite lots of good intentions, horses often spend more time in a stable in the winter which boosts their exposure to yard dusts. Bedding and forage both bring dust into the stable and that can irritate the horse’s respiratory system. Plus, standing in a stable for long periods of time can cause legs to fill and older horses can develop stiffness from the limited movement.
The solution:
If your horse does spend more time in the stable than you’d like, there are steps you can take to support a healthy respiratory system. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation – whilst watching for draughts – so that they have plenty of fresh air. Steam or quickly soak hay if it’s dusty and research dust-free bedding choices. You can also arrange for your horse to visit a salt therapy chamber, where they will breathe in tiny aerosol particles of salt. The anti-inflammatory properties of salt can help to ease the symptoms of respiratory irritation and, as a bonus, the particles that settle on the coat can ease some skin issues too. Finally, we recommend the following kit for every horse person this winter:
- A head torch in case of power cuts on the yard or when you’re marching around the field looking for missing rugs/boots/horses.
- A pair of waterproof and warm gloves for filling buckets and washing legs.
- A kettle to warm water when it’s freezing and for emergency teas and coffees.
- Waterproof and breathable over trousers – you won’t regret it!
- Stash some extra clothes in the car in case you do get soaked.
- A hat, gloves and scarf combination you can pull on when you really feel the cold.
Winter in the saddle
The problem:
When it comes to riding, things don’t get much harder! Most riders will agree that the roads are getting busier all the time, and with it getting light late and dark early, they’re not always a safe option for hacking. Bridlepaths and byways can quickly become seas of mud unless you’re lucky to have access to some superb free-draining land. For riders keen to keep their horse fit and even compete over the winter months, the school can become the location for virtually all your horse’s exercise sessions… While that can work for some, other horses can get bored of the routine and lots of circles aren’t great for their legs and feet. Plus, you might also find you’re bored to tears of the school after a few weeks…
The solution:
Some people choose to give their horse the worst of the winter off and turn them away in a huge field. But there are plenty of people who don’t have this option – perhaps their sport is indoor showjumping so this is their competition season, maybe they don’t have access to a huge field, perhaps they love to hunt, or their horse suffers from kissing spines and a holiday can be problematic… We recommend making a plan for when and how you’re going to work your horse and sticking to it, rain or shine. There are amazing waterproof breeches and fabulous coats with hoods that go over your helmet, so there’s no excuse not to ride in inclement weather. Snow and ice? That does call a tweak to the plan to ensure you’re on all-weather surfaces, of course. Make sure your plan includes variety, both in terms of the exercise (schooling, jumping, pole work, faster work and a little lunging and long reining) and the location if you can.
If you do have good hacking that’s safe in winter, then schedule that in for the weekends when you can go in the light. Or box to a beach or gallops for some time out of the school! Our gallops offer an all-weather Andrews Bowen canter surface and some people box here once or twice a week, every week when the bridlepaths are wet. Some visitors combine a visit to the gallops with a water treadmill session. Our water treadmill is an excellent way to give your horse a cardiovascular workout without a rider on board that’s low-impact and in straight lines – a nice change from the lunge or walker. What’s more, not only do the horses love it but water treadmill sessions boost topline muscle and hindlimb engagement!
Drop us a line today to learn more about our water treadmill and salt therapy chamber and add them to your winter routine by booking your horse in for a visit.