Your Horse challenges you…
Many horses end up stable-bound when temperatures plummet, but Stephanie Anthony explains why it’s such a treat to hack out in a snow-spangled winter wonderland
to try riding in the snow
ALTHOUGH SHORT DAYLIGHT hours and icy temperatures can make exercising your horse more challenging in winter, getting out in the snow on a bright, crisp morning is a rare treat that everyone should experience. Most groundwork exercises that can be performed in dry conditions can be ridden in the snow. When exercising in snow your horse will gain additional benefits as he’ll need to pick up his feet more, so he’ll be working harder. Riding in snow up to a depth of 2ft (depending on the height of your horse, of course) also offers excellent resistance training. As a bonus, the snow and cold helps to reduce inflammation in joints and tendons too. Soft, powdery, freshly fallen snow is the best to ride in, as it won’t ball up in your horse’s feet. Putting some Vaseline or similar grease on the soles and the inside of your horse’s shoes will help to stop snow from compacting and balling up inside them. Barefoot horses can continue as normal, completely sure-footed.
When exercising your horse during cold weather, it’s important to use common sense. If it feels painful to take a deep breath of wintery air into your lungs, it’s most likely too cold for your horse to be galloping about as well. Avoid working on ice — as a guide, if you can safely walk on a surface without the risk of slipping, your horse shouldn’t have a problem either. It’s important, though, to only use routes you know well, as a blanket of snow can conceal ground hazards such as rabbit holes. A careful warm-up routine is especially important during cold weather. Allow enough time to get your horse’s circulation going, especially in the large muscle groups and lower extremities. Researchers have found that exercise during the winter helps horses to maintain a more cooperative mood, with less negative behaviour. Keeping your horse ticking over will also have a beneficial impact on his fitness and performance come the spring.