1. Keep an area free of snow and ice. This can be about the size of a typical roundpen (60′ diameter). This assures a place with safe footing (the most vital concern). We shy away from any speed work in its close confines but it is sufficient to train new skills reaffirm foundation work, and practice valuable equitation excercises for the riders.
2. Hillwork! Our driveway loops back and forth across a good-sized hill, and slow hillwork is perfect fitness training!
3. Ride in the snow. It’s great fun! Plus, the snow has the same fitness-building effect as running on a sandy beach (a nice thing to think about in the middle of winter!)
4. Transitions between the gaits (example, walk-halt-walk or walk-trot-walk) build fitness and obedience in your horse.
5. Transitions with a wider spread, such as walk-canter-walk or back up-canter-halt to increase the challenge–and the results.
6. Cavaletti spaced correctly are valuable fitness building tools.
7. Backing up has the the same beneficial effects on horses’ bodies as sit-ups do on ours when the horse is backing softly with his hind end engaged.
8. Lateral work is a fantastic fitness builder. Start with the basics of turn on the forehand and turn on the haunches and build up to leg-yields, side passes, shoulders-in, and more!
9. Think of a new exercise you want to teach your horse. Chunk that down into smaller, step by step pieces. Many of those pieces can be taught in the shed, the barn aisle or your horse’s stall!
10. Learn safe stretches for your horse. A simple example is “carrot stretches” for their neck and shoulders. Over time, consistent stretching will bring great results. Remember to do your stretches as well!
11. Teach your horse a new trick such as bowing or Spanish walk. This will work different muscles and challenge his mind in new ways. Your’s too!

I know we promised 10 but we love bonuses! Have fun, be safe, and spend winter improving with your horse!

We’ve had temperatures plummet below freezing, we’ve had gale force winds, now we’re hunkering down for predicted snow and sleet. The horses are ready for the winter, as are the barns and pastures. Are we?

My Granny used to say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation. The right clothes and tools can make or break the natural horse trainer’s ability to do her or his best in all kinds of weather.

Safety, mobility, dryness and warmth are the goals. Let’s start from the bottom up: your feet. This is the “sole” of the matter!

A good pair of boots is a must. I love my Ariat Frostbiters for training and riding. They are a warm, comfortable and dry winter high boot. I have also used Mountain Horse high boots in the past. I have several pair of gore-tex hiking boots and insulated snowmobile-type boots that I wear for farmwork or ground-training. However, they are too wide to fit safely in the stirrups. If you prefer this type of boot, you can pick up an inexpensive pair of extra wide stirrups for winter riding safety on Ebay (avoid stirrups made of nickel–they are not as strong as stainless steel.)

Good socks are vital! Stay away from cotton socks, no matter how cushy or “insulated” they look. Over-bulky socks can cut off circulation in your feet and make them chill faster. Moisture wicking is vital. We love SmartWool, as well as a variety of synthetic blends that are warming and moisture wicking without being too bulky. Unless you are sock-shopping at an hiking or skiing store, read the fabric content on the labels and ignore advertising “hype”.

Now for the secret. You know those single-use hand-warming packets? A few winters ago, we found inexpensive insoles specially made with “holder” for warming packets right under the balls of your feet. These changed our lives! If you work and ride in extreme cold or wind, or spend a lot of time in the elements without moving around much (I’m talking to you riding instructors out there!) TRY THESE!

We don’t work horses on icy days (or anytime when the footing is precarious) but we still need to get farmwork done. Even the most agressive boot treads may not have enough traction. We slip on our YakTrax and tackle our outdoor barn chores with mountain-goat security.

Try a different horseback riding style. If you normally ride English, try western, or cattle cutting
Learn to play polo Crosse
Learn to braid a horse’s mane. Once you have that down pat, learn to braid a tail as well.
Ride horses bareback
Teach your horse to load into a trailer by himself
Learn to bandage a horse’s leg
Play mounted games. Your and your horse will improve while having a blast!
Take a trail ride. If you trail ride already, ride someplace unusual like a state park or a historic battlefield. If you still need a greater challenge, train for a competitive trail ride or an endurance race.
Learn about basic equine emergency first aid.
Do your stretches every time you go horseback riding. You’ll warm up during cold weather and your horsemanship will improve dramatically by spring time!
Go online and learn about the history of your favorite horseback riding styles
Find the best recipe for horse cookies and treats and share them with your friends, both two and four legged
Build challenge obstacles to liven up your horse training sessions
Clean out your barn and donate what you don’t use to a Therapeutic Riding Program or your favorite horse rescue
Sign up for a yoga or Pilates class to improve your fitness, your riding muscles and your horsemanship skills–and GO!

What are some great ideas that you have? We invite you to share them with our community and spread the inspiration!