Horse Show
by Laura

Cold Weather Riding Tips for Hearty Winter Riders.

Well, I hate to admit it but the cold weather is going to come and we have to be ready for it.

The shoes and pads are on but what about what to wear? Here are a few tips to keep the cold out when you are out riding this winter.

winter horse back riding tips, Thistle Ridge Equestrian, Laura Kelland-May
Winter Riding Mittens
  • Get a pair of winter riding mittens. These puppies are great. They keep your fingers warm and provide a pinkie pull out so you can hold the reins proplerly. Failing that, use some mittens.
  • Get a grip. If you plan to ride, like me, outside then provide your horse with some decent grip. Get some screw in caulks or have permanent ones put directly into your horse’s shoes.
  • Have a plan. If you are riding, like me, outside, then plan your ride to account for the conditions. Riding in the snow can be hard work for a hore. You may get more work done but ride for less time. Take into account the conditions.
  • Don’ t Sweat it. Cooling down is important and if you ride enough to sweat then take the time to cool down and dry off your horse. Here is a tip. Have a spritzer bottle of alcohol. Spritz the sweaty parts with alcohol and the horse will dry faster and leave the hair so it is smooth and clean. Not matted with sweat.
  • Keep them warm. Keep the horse warm for warm up as well as cool down. Here’s a tip: put a blanket on your horse if it is warm and sweaty after a ride. The wool will keep them warm and pull the moisture away from the horse. You can tell because the top of the wool blanket will have beads of moisture on it. If your horse is being turned out, put him out only after he is dry.
  • Dress in layers. If you happen to get warm then you can peel off a layer and keep your temperature consistent. Here is a tip: wear wool socks. Cotton socks make your feet cold. Wool socks will keep your feet warm even if your feet sweat.

more winter riding tips.

  1. Three tips for winter blankets – Winter blankets
  2. More winter tips – Riding in Florida
  3. What to do in the winter – hot weather riding tips

Do you have any winter weather riding tips? I’d like to hear from you.