Come rain or shine

When you think about your ideal hacking scenario your mind probably drifts back to the distant memory of long summer days, cantering through open fields under the warmth of the sun. And yes, you might think we’re crazy for trying to convince you that anything else is better, but in our opinion hacking in the rain can be just as satisfying. From optimum ground conditions to post-ride pub trips, there are plenty of reasons to support our case.

Talk of the town

Convincing yourself to skip a ride is easy when the weather’s miserable, but a little bit of fresh air and a quick catch-up with friends will go a long way in supporting your mental wellbeing, and hacking gives you the perfect opportunity to do both.

Let’s face it, when the dark days drag on for months, it’s often hard to find the enthusiasm to get out and about. But spending time with friends – while giving your horse a good workout – will allow you to forget about the stresses of life for a moment, discuss the latest yard gossip and look forward to spring and summer adventures. Getting carried away in a conversation is sure to distract you from the elements, too, so you won’t even realise you’re close to being soaked through!

Blow away the cobwebs

Finding a stretch of grass with the perfect footing for a blast is like hitting the jackpot. Sitting lightly in the saddle and allowing your horse to open his stride up a hill is the perfect way to release tension – particularly the kind that’s quickly built up as a result of many hours trotting around the arena in the dark after work.

Look ahead

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail – this certainly rings true when planning wet winter rides. Preparing yourself for the all-important post-ride warm-up is an essential part of making it more enjoyable, not to mention reducing your risk of catching a chill.

The first step is to get all your yard chores done before you head out – muck out your stable, refill haynets and leave feeds ready to be dished out so when you get back, you can focus on getting yourself and your horse warm and dry. And what’s the best way to do this? Well, there are plenty of options available here, some more appealing than others. Snuggling up in your horse’s stable under a wicking rug while he munches on his hay is more than acceptable, but you’re absolutely winning if you have access to a solarium. Now it’s time to think of yourself – we reckon the human alternative to that solarium is finding a cosy pub or heading home to sit by the fire with a hot chocolate, bliss.

Check out February Horse&Rider for more reasons why winter hacking is so great – on sale now!