The Equine Post Blog

Photo by Cathy Childs 

By Seasoned Rider Staff Member

Winter is not the easiest time to ride, but if you make the right preparations,  take precautions and warm down, riding in a winter wonderland can be beautiful and fun. Consider these tips and enjoy your winter ride.

Getting Started

   Be sure your horse is fit and healthy for the ride in the cold weather. Be sure to check your tack and make sure it doesn’t need any repair, that it is clean and oiled. You want to warm your horse’s bit before placing it in your horse’s mouth. This can be done by rubbing it between your hands, placing it under your coat or your arm or putting a warm, but not hot, gel pack around it. You can give your  horse's hooves a coating of petroleum jelly to prevent snowballs from forming and you should carry a hoof pick. Your horse will need extra time to warm his muscles up and so will you. Some people will put a quarter sheet on their horse to keep his muscles warmer. You should make sure you dress warmly, as well, and in layers, but make certain you can move easily too. Hat and gloves are must, of course, and a warm jacket. You should make sure the boots you are wearing will slip out of the stirrups/irons easily.

For the Ride
 
    It's harder work for your horse to ride in the cold and or snow - just like it is for you. Riding time should be adjusted for the cold and  adjust your speed to the environment, meaning you will mostly be walking, or only trotting, on safe level terrain. Make certain you have checked the terrain and that it isn’t too icy or that the snow is not too deep . Remember a horse can get stuck in a drift. If you walk and just trot a  little  your horse doesn't sweat as much. If you ride a lot during the winter, ask your farrier about shoes with pads and ice caulks.
  Choose where you ride carefully  and choose the safest places to ride. Remember there could be unseen hazards under that snow. Wearing brightly colored clothes will help people see you if you are riding on or near a road.
Warm Down After the Ride

   A wet horse can catch a cold, so take extra time for your warm down. Dry your horse thoroughly after riding. You can towel him off. Be sure to clean the horse's hooves so you  can check for cracks or loose shoes. You may want to cover him with a blanket for extra warmth.

Stable Care

  Make sure your horse has fresh, clean, ice-free water. Install water heaters in troughs. Horses drink less if the water is too cold and this can lead to colic. Consider bedding stalls a bit deeper so horses are not standing on cold floors. Blanketing for extra warmth doesn’t hurt either,  especially if the temperature  really drops. Senior horses often need a blanket during the winter months. If you live someplace where it gets cold and rainy remember a horse will be much wetter from rain than from snow and a wet horse can’t stay warm, so a water proof blanket may be in needed. Be sure to give your horse lots of good hay  during those cold months.

   If you decide you don’t want to ride in the cold weather just give your horse a treat then head back to the house and have a cup of hot chocolate or tea, sit by the fire  and dream about spring (or a warmer
climate).