cold weather blues

for those who love to ride, but live in a climate that is less then helpful at all year riding with below freezing temps and snow for months-how do you cope with the cold,snow and lack of daylight blues, to keep up with your love of horse and riding??

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Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on November 23, 2009 at 2:17pm

Hi, TIffany:

Take a look at what I told Laura Coffey about riding equipment for the cold. I think too it really helps to ride with a friend. It's not so hard to get motivated to go to a cold and dark barn if you've got company, and you can motivate each other.

Also, I keep the stall and alley lights on until the late chores are done, which makes the barn a really welcoming place at which to arrive. If it's dark, it's just so much harder to get yourself going.

When I was younger, I rode bareback a lot in the winter, as it was much warmer. Now there's so much great winterwear for riders that it's not so necessary any more. Still, the best thing for motivation is a friend, and failing that try a ghettoblaster with your favourite music!

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Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 24, 2009 at 9:37am

Hi Tiffany,
I have also decided to include some new and less chilling items in my horse routine over the winter such as; learning equine massage. This will help keep my horse flexible, promote relaxation and build our connection. I bought a pilates for dressage riders video to keep me in shape, the added benefit is exercise chases away the winter blues.
Best of Luck
Laura Coffey

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Permalink Reply by Shirley on November 24, 2009 at 11:27am

One of my favorite cold weather aids is my Patagonia underwear. It's light-weight and very comfortable. Comes in different weights and fabrics (all are pretty thin) so you can find the right product for you and the varying temps. Designed for skiers & hiking but great for any outdoor activity. Very high quality and last forever...(well nearly-forever is a long time)!

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Permalink Reply by Amy on November 25, 2009 at 1:34pm

Well I cheated. Last year we bought a place with an indoor arena. I was still bored as was my horse (I am a trail rider at heart). This year I planned ahead and bought myself a copy of 101 Arena Exercises. My goal is to get through all of them this winter. If that works I can start on my husbands horse! I ride in warm ugly boots and ski bibs so no bareback for me. I would love to find someone that would like to come out a few days a week to ride with. It would make it so much more fun.
So far this winter I have taught both my horses to free lunge inside and actually listen. My biggest problem seems to be cooling them off. I'm not clipping and blanketing and one of them is a very hairy beast that really pushes herself when it comes to working. Right now I am taking advantage of walking them and letting them cool down while I do my own 15 laps to get my mile of walking in :) Just set some goals and keep plowing towards them. For me the fact that I don't want to miss my own exercise helps. I now have 2 reasons to get out there every day. The more exercise I get the more motivated I get. The more I teach my horse the more I want to take it further!