Winning at winter

We’ve passed the shortest day and might now feel we’ve turned the corner towards spring, but, before that, ahead of us there are still a couple of months of wintry weather to get through. By this point, we could be forgiven for being fed up with the darkness, the rain, the cold and the general gloom but, really, rather than feeling we’re at the mercy of the elements, we should embrace this time of year and use it to our advantage.

Winter might seem to be nothing other than frozen taps, muddy fields, extra hay rations and endless rugging, but it doesn’t have to be all bad news because you can, in fact, use this difficult season productively and even learn to love it.

In contrast to summer, when we’re busy preparing for and going to competitions or concentrating on improving our horses to reach our next goal, winter can provide the chance to take a step back, release the pressure and embrace a more relaxed approach to horse ownership.

Take a breather

In the past, competition horses would traditionally have had an extended holiday over the winter, just as hunters would have had in the summer months, and this is still the case for some. But, these days, many sport horses now work year-round with short holiday intervals popped in whenever there are suitable gaps in their schedules. We, however, do not have to follow that pattern.

Although the greater availability of indoor venues we have now makes competing throughout the year possible, winter can also offer a chance for you and your horse to unwind a little.

From taking time over clipping to pottering about on the yard, winter brings the opportunity for a little more one-to-one contact with your horse, especially if he’s out around the clock during the summer.

A little TLC goes a long way

Even if you don’t have the time or the daylight hours to ride every day in the winter, there are things you can be doing that will pay you back in the long term. Doing some maintenance on your arena is a good example of this, especially when there’s more moisture in the surface following a rainy spell.

Giving your tack some TLC, taking it apart and oiling the various individual pieces, is also worth your time and a good job to do when the weather’s against you.

Find out more ways to enjoy your horse this winter in February Horse&Rider – on sale now!