With winter and harsher weather right on our doorstep in many parts of the country, finding alternative ways to keep our horses active and their minds engaged becomes crucial.
Inclement weather doesn’t have to mean downtime for you and your horse. There are plenty of fun and engaging indoor activities that can make those rainy, snowy, or just plain chilly days both fun and productive.
1. Groundwork Training
Utilize indoor spaces for groundwork exercises such as lunging, leading, or teaching new tricks like bowing or kissing. This enhances communication and keeps your horse mentally stimulated, helping to maintain a calm and obedient demeanor. This can even be worked on in areas like your horse’s stall or shelter. It doesn’t require a ton of space to make big impacts. Youtube has some great tricks you can teach!
2. Dressage and Flatwork Exercises
Practicing dressage and flatwork in an indoor arena can greatly benefit your horse’s physical condition and responsiveness. Focus on refining responses to commands and work on your horse’s posture and balance, which are crucial during the off-season. This can easily be done at the walk, and doesn’t have to require a full training ride to make headway in your training (some of my favorite work is done at the walk!)
3. Pole Work
Set up poles in various configurations to improve your horse’s coordination and agility. This type of exercise is particularly useful for encouraging careful footwork and maintaining fitness when outdoor riding isn’t possible.
4. Obstacle Courses
Creating an indoor obstacle course can provide a novel challenge that keeps your horse’s mind engaged. Use materials that are safe and encourage your horse to navigate new types of obstacles, building confidence and trust in your leadership.
5. Tack Cleaning and Maintenance
Take the opportunity to thoroughly clean and inspect all your riding gear and equipment. This not only ensures the safety and comfort of both rider and horse but also extends the life of your equipment.
6. Physical Therapy and Stretching
Implement a routine of stretches and gentle exercises designed to maintain your horse’s physical health during inactive periods. Proper stretching can prevent stiffness and injuries, which is especially important during colder months.
7. Educational Time
Invest time in expanding your equine care knowledge through books, videos, or online courses. Learning more about topics such as equine health, nutrition, and training techniques can enhance your ability to care for your horse effectively.
- Trailer to New Places
If you don’t have access to an indoor arena at home, consider trailering your horse to local arenas that permit haul-ins. This can be a great opportunity for a community ride, a lesson, a clinic, or simply a fun outing to a new location. Such trips not only keep your horse active but also help them become more accustomed to new environments.
- Grooming
Dedicate some additional time to thoroughly groom your horse. Start by meticulously detangling and conditioning their mane and tail to promote healthy, smooth hair. Engage in an extended curry comb session to stimulate your horse’s skin and improve circulation, which enhances the natural shine of their coat. Don’t forget to apply a coat conditioner not only to make their coat sleek and soft but also to help reduce static, which can be a nuisance in dry, winter months. This deep grooming process not only improves your horse’s appearance but also strengthens your bond and allows you to check for any skin issues or irritations that may need attention.
The onset of winter doesn’t have to curtail your activities or education with your horse. Indoor activities are invaluable for keeping your horse in shape and mentally sharp. By embracing these activities, you can ensure that every day or encounter with your horse is productive and fulfilling, helping to sustain and deepen the bond between you and your horse, no matter the weather.
