Winter can certainly be a challenging time for equestrians. We struggle with mud, dark evenings, frozen pipes and seemingly endless rain! This blog aims to equip riders with insights, tips and recommendations to have a safe and somewhat enjoyable winter.
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Invest in winter riding wear!
My least favourite part of winter is the cold and wet weather. I offer poo-picking services ar my yard, as well as doing my own, and I need to have a selection of warm waterproof clothing to keep me going throughout the season. Good clothing can be a bit of an investment, however, you can find some great deals on secondhand clothing on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
See below a list of some of my favourite winter products, all worn regularly by myself! Plus, won’t break the bank 😉
- Mark Todd Winter Gloves with Thinsulate: I first bought a pair of these gloves in 2016 and never looked back! They are warm and feature a leather outer to keep my hands nice and dry in the drizzle.
- Rydale Ladies Huggate Waistcoat: Layers are 100% the way to go in cool weather! I have an unhealthy obsession with gilets and have a selection of them in my cupboard. The Rydale one is one of my newer additions, I actually got this when I started my job, it’s comfortable, warm and looks smart if im heading out straight after the yard.
- Regatta Womens Pack It Waterproof Over Trousers: Don’t underestimate how horrid wet legs can be during yard work and riding. The Regatta ones, in particular, are a good price point, lightweight and waterproof, what more could you want?
- Weatherbeeta Kyla Waterproof Jacket: This one is definitely a bit pricey but I have seen a few for sale on Facebook Marketplace. I got mine, I believe, in 2021/2022 and I did really like it. It’s mostly waterproof, only ever leaking when it’s been storming. One pocket zip did break within a few weeks of me purchasing it, but I do overall still like it. The coat can also be ridden in too which is super handy!
- DUNLOP Compass Flick Bell: I regularly rant about how expensive products marketed towards equestrians are, wellies don’t have to be that pricey! These standard DUNLOP wellies are perfect for mucking out and poo picking, this is my first winter with them and they have stood up really well to the muddy conditions.
Winter horse care
Remember, it’s not just us that can suffer the winter, our horsey friends also have to put up with cold temperatures, wet weather and muddy conditions.
Rugging
A decent rug will keep your horse dry, at a good temperature and help keep them a bit less muddy. If you would like to learn a bit more about rugging read my overrugging blog, it’s vital to remember that all horses are different, one of mine has been naked throughout the winter so far.
Some of my favourite rugs include:
- Trojan Xtra 50 Turnout
- Trojan Xra Lightweight Turnout
- Buster Zero Turnout Rug with Classic Neck Cover
Grooming
Grooming is something we shouldn’t neglect in winter, it isn’t just about making your horse look nice, it has a huge range of benefits including improving your relationship, promoting circulation, removing dead skin and building muscle tone. Don’t forget to keep your brushes clean! You can’t have a clean horse with dirty tools.
Forage
The key element in winter care is ensuring a good supply of forage. Your horse will probably require additional hay or haylage because of the decline in grass growth during this season. Adequate forage intake not only addresses this need but also contributes to keeping your horse warm in colder weather, with the hindgut functioning like a central heating system.
Monitoring weight
As you prepare for the winter months, it’s crucial to establish a baseline for your horse’s health. Start by weigh-taping your horse and noting its body condition. To ensure their well-being throughout the winter, maintain a routine of regular checks with the weigh-tape and condition monitoring. The reduced exercise and increased stabling during this season can impact your horse’s weight, so vigilance is key. By consistently observing any changes, you’ll be able to promptly identify issues and make necessary adjustments to keep your horse in top health.
Mud fever
Mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis or scratches, is a common equine skin condition often occurring in damp and muddy conditions, particularly during winter. It manifests as crusty scabs, often with discharge, affecting the lower limbs, particularly the pasterns and heels. Horses with mud fever may exhibit broken skin, matted patches of hair, and the affected areas may feel warm or swollen.
Prevention is better than treatment, keep horses’ legs dry and out of deep mud as much as you can. You can also apply barrier products such as Lincoln’s Muddy Buddy or Pig Oil.
Stay safe and stay seen
In the winter months, maintaining visibility on the roads when riding becomes even more vital. The combination of shorter daylight hours and rubbish weather poses increased risks for riders and their horses.
Adequate visibility is crucial to ensuring the safety of both riders and drivers, as reduced visibility can lead to accidents and collisions. Wearing brightly coloured and reflective clothing, as well as equipping horses with reflective gear or lights, significantly enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
I have a hi-vis coat I wear in winter and cooler vests for warmer weather, as well as an exercise sheet.
In summary…
Winter is a bit of a nightmare when you own/ride horses, but, with the right tools and support, we will get through it 💪
Pushing On Daisy 