Even though winter is upon us, this does not mean you have to take a break from riding. You can still keep your horse in shape during cold weather. Even if you don’t have an indoor arena to exercise your horse in, you can make do with the areas that you do have to ride in. Of course, there are some conditions you probably should not venture out into except to keep your horses fed and watered, like a snow storm or freezing rain. Also, if you will be riding in the snow make sure to have your farrier put the correct shoes on your horse. There are pads that can put under the shoes to prevent snow from balling up in your horse’s hoof.

When you go out to the barn to saddle your horse, warm his bit before asking him to hold it his mouth. Cold steel is cold, especially on his tongue. After tacking up and mounting, remember to take extra time to warm up slowly during cold weather. Start out with a brisk walk for ten minutes before doing anything else. Move on to a trot for at least ten minutes more before asking for a canter. An easy canter is okay, but try not to go any faster if the ground is slick or covered in snow. If you are riding on snow covered ground keep in mind that it is harder to maneuver through the snow so your horse will be working harder in each gait than normal. Just going through a simple warm-up and cool-down routine a few times a week can keep your horse healthy and in shape over the winter.

While riding in the cold, it is easy to work up a sweat. You should take extra time at the end of your ride to walk you horse until he is “cooled”, meaning his heart rate is back to normal, he is breathing quiet and easy, and is not wet with sweat. Make sure he has access to clean, cool water. 

Winter does not mean you have to sit back and let your horse get fat and out of shape.