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I’ve rarely had to battle the elements in order to ride during the winter. For the first 22 years of my life, both my horses and I called Houston, Texas, home. There, our idea of a polar vortex was a few weeks of daytime temperatures in the 40s. And since I’ve lived in Kentucky, winters have either been mild or my horses have been in Florida.
So this year’s uncharacteristically brutal season has opened my eyes to some of the challenges of winter riding. Here’s what I’ve learned (and you probably already know):
A well-maintained indoor arena has been a riding must-have this winter.
Photo: Alexandra Beckstett
An Indoor Arena is Essential
I can’t imagine any other way to keep a sport horse in form over a long, icy winter than having access to a good indoor arena. My barn’s indoor allows us to ride long past sunset and regardless of the temperature. We did, however, encounter some footing hiccups. When temps first dipped below freezing for days on end, watering and dragging risked turning the riding ring into an ice rink. So the place was a bit of a dust bowl until the owner added magnesium chloride–the same compound applied to roads for ice control–to the footing. Don’t worry, it’s safe for use around horses, unlike another road salt–caustic calcium chloride. (One pony mom thought this
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Amelia, small world! And yes, it’s a fabulous facility :).
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Around here we have had many subzero days. Our horses are stabled inside out of the elements but blankets are a must. From the barn to the indoor arena there is a hill that can be icy when the snow gets packed down. Gravel and sawdust
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Winter riding and horse care is very challenging. But there are many, many riders who do NOT have access to an indoor ring or snug facility. We manage as best we can–and set our sights on spring. Do we ride as frequently in winter wi
re: Winter Riding Realizations
This is every year for those of us farther north. I would comment that the indoor arena IS something to try very hard to access for safe footing, though hauling a trailer on ice to get to said arena can also be daunting. At home, I take to using
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Blanket duty – check. Iceballs in feet – check. Ice skating from paddock to barn – check. A few more things. Keeping liquid water in front of outside horses in subfreezing temps. If the temps are very cold, and stay cold o
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Yes, here in Virginia it’s been a hard winter but if you are not preparing to compete soon, leaving your horses out 24/7is a good idea. I open the stable yard gate and the doors to the stalls. They can come and go at will. They also have a run in, clea
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Well I must say last winter was awesome for riding. Some snow covers the rocks on the trails and makes it more pleasant, and my horse much prefers a 30-40 degree day to a 90 degree day! The struggle now is too much snow. I wish I had
re: Winter Riding Realizations
Well I must say last winter was awesome for riding. Some snow covers the rocks on the trails and makes it more pleasant, and my horse much prefers a 30-40 degree day to a 90 degree day! The struggle now is too much snow. I wish I had
re: Winter Riding Realizations
A friend of mine on the South Texas Gulf Coast brought in a Thoroughbred stallion from the north. He haired up like a woolly mammoth the first winter he was here. Not sure how he did this winter.