Winter Horse Ownership

Light at the end of the tunnel…

As winter envelops the equestrian world in its icy grip, horse owners find themselves navigating the challenges of chilly temperatures, reduced daylight, and often unfavourable weather conditions. However, with the promise of spring on the horizon, there’s a silver lining to these dark and cold months. As we venture into January it’s helpful to keep an eye on the calendar and remind ourselves that brighter days are ahead. Spring officially commences on the 1st of March, signalling a shift in the weather patterns, and giving a much-needed ease to those trying to fit horses in around their work hours. Daylight savings time follows suit on the 31st of March, bringing with it longer days and a welcomed extra five hours of daylight. This transition offers a glimmer of hope for horse owners, paving the way for more hacks, training sessions, competitions and all-important, mood-boosting vitamin D for both horses and riders.

If the dark winter days are getting you down, here are five key things to remember:

THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR WAS 22^ND DEC 2023

The days are already getting longer.

8^TH FEBRUARY – THE DAY THE SUN STARTS TO RISE BEFORE 7.30 AM

Hopefully giving enough time to fit in a daylight ride before work (depending on your commute).

1^ST MARCH – WINTER IS OVER AND IT’S OFFICIALLY SPRING

31^ST MARCH – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

The clocks spring forward, so whilst we get an hour less in bed, we gain an hour’s more daylight in the evening.

FROM TODAY THERE ARE ONLY 23 MORE MONDAYS UNTIL SUMMER

 Navigating the Challenges of Horses in Winter

Winter brings its own set of challenges, with mud and rain creating less-than-ideal conditions for doing the horses, let alone riding. Sometimes instead of pushing through, it’s okay to give both yourself and your horse a break. Sometimes, a cuddle and a grooming session can be more fulfilling than battling the elements. This is the perfect opportunity to focus on the well-being of both you and your horse. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and strengthen your bond, whether it’s groundwork, a leisurely walk, a deep grooming session, or simply spending quality time together in the stable. Using January to plan your year can be mood-boosting too.

Having the right kit for the job is equally as important. Ensure you’re comfortable and dry, and that you look after your body during harsh weather. Decent gloves are always a good idea, along with a trusty pair of yard boots. Our Barnsdale Wellingtons have been tested in -11°, the 4mm of neoprene and vulcanised rubber make them an excellent and sturdy yard boot. Defence from wet and mud is crucial too, extra helpful if waterproofs have a warm filling too. And if you’re a proud all-weather rider, a pair of over-trousers will keep cold wet legs at bay. If your horse tends to be fresh in cold weather, a pair of fleece-lined full-seat silicone breeches will give you more security in the saddle.

Looking Ahead to Spring

As winter gradually loosens its grip, horse owners can look forward to the promise of spring. Longer days and milder temperatures create an ideal environment for more focused training sessions and adventurous hacks. The transition from winter to spring is a reminder that, like the seasons, our journey with our horses is marked by change and adaptation.

In conclusion, owning a horse in winter requires a delicate balance of patience, self-care, and a whole lot of grit and determination. Embrace the downtime, utilise moments of connection with your horse, and look forward to the opportunities spring will bring.