It’s Cold Outside!
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I’m looking outside my home office window – the weather is gloomy and cold, with a steady rain. I’m sure the snow will be upon us soon! Despite the desire to continue snuggling up on the couch with a warm chai tea and my Springer Spaniel, that force that pulls all of us equestrians to the barn, no matter the weather, will get me going every time! When the weather is rough, it makes it tough to get those hours in the saddle…but there are so many other things that we can do with our horses from the ground! Below I’ve included some of my favorite winter horse hacks. Perhaps they’ll become some of your favorites activities as well!
Here are some of my favorite winter activities to do with my horse when riding is not an option:
Walk with your Horse
Let’s face it – we can both use the exercise of trudging around through the snow, or simply a walk in the fresh air (be sure to bundle up!). There is no better way to bond with your horse! Walking around the property lines, or even on a trail, sets up that leadership that you crave with your horse. They’ll be following you around willingly in no time!
I highly recommend getting yourself a pair of warm, waterproof boots to do so! I absolutely love my Muck boots for all of my farm activities in winter and in all seasons of mud. I’ve used mine heavily for over 2 years now, and they’re still in fantastic shape! Add a pair of alpaca or wool socks, and you’re sure to keep your toes from getting numb or wet while walking those steps with your favorite horse! Who would want to be thinking about cold feet when you could be enjoying that bonding time?
Work with Cavaletti, or Ground Poles
There are a TON of exercises that you can do from the ground with cavaletti poles! If you don’t have any poles, see if you can find a few old fence rails or even old broom sticks – be creative! Short on ideas of how to use them? This book, The Equine Listenology Guide, by Elaine Heney has some great thoughts on groundwork and incorporating cavaletti exercises. It you haven’t read any of Heney’s books or seen any of her work, she’s worth checking out! Exercises like these keep your horse engaged mentally, and also are great to help them involve some muscles.
Take some Time for a Good Grooming Session
Your horse benefits so much from a good grooming – not only does it help keep their coat clean, but it is fantastic for their circulation. When you’re grooming, take the time to look over their skin, legs and hooves…get to know their normal, and look for anything abnormal. Now is a great time to practice taking those vital signs too!
While you’re at it, check out my post below on how to make a simple DIY conditioner to help grow your horse’s mane and tail – I was amazed at the difference that it made on Frosty’s forelock!
Move those Feet
Work with your horse on moving his feet! Some ideas that come to mind? Teach them how to side pass down the barn aisle or along a fence line. Work on a sending exercise in and out of stall doors or fence gates. Back your horse down the aisleway. Work on yielding the hindquarters, and then the forequarters.
Be sure to have a good quality halter and lead when doing groundwork with your horses. I prefer to use a rope halter when doing any training or exercises where I want responsiveness. This rope halter by Knotty Girlz is ideal – I love the knot placement as well as the stiffness of the halter for training purposes. Not to mention all of the color options and matching leads!
Again, be creative! Hopefully this article inspired some fun winter activities to do with your horse. There are a ton of ways to engage your horse’s mind and body from the ground and with limited areas in which to work. You’ll be amazed at the improved relationship that you gain from taking the time to do these little things with your horse. You just might start including them year-round into your time together!