How to Make the Most of Winter with your Horse

Riders also develop habits which need to be addressed. Was your trainer constantly reminding you about your hand position, or that you were leaning to the left? Is it time that you learned to pick up that diagonal by feel once and for all? Have someone videotape you, or lunge you on your horse with the goal of focussing on your position. Spend some time in the saddle without stirrups or look for opportunities to try riding horses more or less finished than your own. Attend a clinic or even a few lessons with a trainer you’ve always admired.

#2 A Total Vacation

Giving your horse a complete rest, with turnout only, can be mentally beneficial for some horses — especially a seasoned horse who knows his job. You can supplement with some light lunging and ponying in order to maintain fitness. I think this is a better alternative to sporadic schooling sessions. I find that a horse ridden only once or twice a week takes too much lunging before he is settled enough to learn anything and this is probably harder on him than regular work. Some horses take too long to bring back to fitness and sanity after a lengthy time off and with these horses, continuing to train throughout the winter is a good choice.

During show season, especially if your trainer is showing your horse himself, your riding time with your horse may be limited in order to keep him finely tuned, or even because of distance. It may be a good time to move him closer to home. Ask yourself what you enjoy most about your hobby — is it show ring success or simply the time spent with your horse? If you dream of daily grooming, barn chores, or trail riding with friends, now is the time.

Keeping in mind that “a change is as good as a rest,” now might be the time to vary the program by experimenting with new skills. For example, I have my students start jumping or cantering poles. Some start on trail obstacles or switch from English to Western or vice versa. You may discover that your horse has an unknown talent!

Finally, a rider benefits from a change in the routine as well.  I know that by riding fewer horses in November and December, I approach the new year with greater creativity and enthusiasm. Catch up on some reading about new techniques, visit equine trade shows, or simply take a vacation.