Winter Slow Down: Tips and Tricks for Equine Snow Days
Winter Weather Creativity
Winter is a tough season to be an Equestrian. It’s cold, it gets dark early, your horse is a little more wound up, and the weather can be unpredictable. This winter in particular, at least in New England, has been consistently giving us freezing temperatures and ever-growing mounds of snow. For me, this is also the first winter I’ve boarded at a barn that doesn’t have an indoor arena! With my young horse Truffles this has become quite the learning curve on how to keep her brain stimulated while navigating weather and temperature conditions that make riding itself not an option. I’ve come up with a few ideas, and a few coping mechanisms along the way, that I’m going to share with you. These should give you some ideas if you’re also stuck in the snow and cold with me!
With just having an outdoor arena, the option of riding quickly goes away as the snow and ice keeps building. Clearing a space that big is a daunting task, and with all the other winter chores that come with horses it’s not truly a necessity. Thankfully, Truffles and I are boarded at a lovely facility where the owner clears a path around the edge of the arena so we can still get in and do some form of exercise! With this path cleared it gives us the space to do hand walking and jogging, as well as work on our manners on the ground. As long as the ground isn’t too hard, I try to get her out there and do at least 10 minutes of something that gets her mind moving.
Using All The (All Around) Tools
I come from a Western All Around riding background and often go to Showmanship as a tool to keep Truffles’ mind occupied and body moving when space is limited or the ground isn’t ideal for riding. You don’t have to be a Western rider to do Showmanship though! There are countless Showmanship patterns available through various associations for free, including those that are simply in a straight line or can be made to fit into the cleared space in your arena. I love to pick out a new pattern to try, work on the fundamental parts, then put it all together. The different maneuvers such as the backup, the spin, and jogging in hand all are fantastic stimulation for Truffles’ brain. Not to mention it helps with her manners on the ground in general!
Even with a clear path around the arena, there still are days that are simply too cold for Truffles and I to do any kind of work. When that happens, I go to my back up plan to keep her entertained. Truffles, like most horses, is a big fan of treats. I am a big fan of making a horse do something for a treat. Cookie stretches are a great quick thing that I do with Truffles. Luckily it doesn’t require a lot of time or risk us both freezing! Asking her to flex her neck and body while her feet remain planted uses her brain and several muscle groups, providing quick and easy exercise that can be done in practically any spot in the barn. As long as it’s not too slippery! You can see some examples of these stretches and learn a bit more from one of our other articles, Carrot Stretches for Horses.
Snacking as a Form of Enrichment
There is one other thing that doing these stretches allows me to do with Truffles. Taste test new treats with her! Truffles is notoriously picky, so I love trying new flavors and treat types with her. Introducing new flavors and shapes is fun for me, and I can see her brain working through the new information she’s being given. It’s a win-win! Her absolute favorite treat is the Equi-Treats Bite Sized Pellets, specifically in the Pizza Party flavor. Truffles is a savory flavored fan! Over this winter we’ve tried a lot of different treats. Some additional treats that are Truffles approved include The German Beet Treat and Hilton Herballs in both flavors!
Even with these plans to get into the arena or do stretches, there’s still down time for Truffles and I. The biggest thing this winter has taught me is that this down time is ok! Winter is a time of rest for all creatures, and we deserve some rest too. Sometimes, I go to the barn just to give her a brush and some pats and call it a night. At the start of this winter, I felt immensely guilty about not being able to work her as consistently. After thinking about this and mulling it over, it wouldn’t be safe for us to be riding in the freezing cold snow anyways! Winter gives us time to reset, recharge, and get ready for the next season of great rides coming our way.
Enjoy the Winter Wins
Truffles certainly seems to appreciate her time off, and I know that having a rest over the winter has been good for me too. Between our arena walks, Showmanship nights, cookie stretches, and quiet winter evenings this winter has given Truffles and I a great opportunity to recharge and relax while still keeping each other entertained. There’s more snow in our future before winter is over, but the slow down and rest it’s given Truffles and I is something I’ve come to appreciate!