HORZEHOODS Top Tips for Surviving Winter.

Equestrian Winters need no introduction especially here in the UK. Taken from source: Current Results.com who advise the annual precipitation averages for the entire UK are 159 days of rain or snow, totalling 1163 millimetres (45.8 inches) which isn't far of half of the full year on average means us horse riders are pretty hardcore with a flare for serious dedication. 

Let’s break down how those who aren’t into horses see us when they discover our sport: “Wait, you actually pay to clean out horse stalls and roam through muddy fields collecting sycamore seeds? And you choose to do this?” Yes, that’s us—dedicated horse lovers who might seem a little crazy, but in the best possible way. We cherish our horses and, surprisingly, we find satisfaction in the chores and lifestyle too—most of the time, that is.

Even the most devoted among us have our off days. Picture this: You just got off work, you’re knee-deep in mud, the sun's setting, you forgot your wellies, and your sneakers are soaked. Meanwhile, your horse is lounging at the far end of the field, looking at you like, “You’re out of your mind, and there’s no way I’m coming over!”

So, while we’re all about that horsey life, any quick tips that can save us time—even just a few minutes—are a win! Those minutes add up, whether it’s switching to gloves that allow for phone use, so you won’t have to bare your hands to send a message in the cold, or opting for a thinner ear warmer that fits comfortably under your riding helmet.

We reached out to our team to gather their top winter routines and hacks. We hope these ideas help you snag those precious extra minutes of sanity. And we’d love to hear from you too! If you have any hacks that aren’t mentioned here, please share them in the comments of this blog. Let’s brighten each other’s winter as we prepare for what’s likely to be a rainy season.

**Please note that these tips are not medical or professional veterinary advice; they are suggestions from fellow horse enthusiasts. Remember, you know your situation and your horse best.**

- Use oil on lower legs to help prevent mud rash; apply only on dry legs before turnout—never on wet legs. This method cuts down on excessive hosing, which many do not recommend.

1. Instead of hosing, brush off dry mud.
2. Plan your week by checking your work diary; look for opportunities to fit in daytime training around the longer nights.
3. Ensure your hi-vis gear is ready.
4. Mix up your exercise routine by incorporating groundwork instead of just ridden work. Not tacking up saves time and provides variety when ground conditions change.
5. Opt for hot oil cleaning instead of bathing to make grooming quicker and less dusty.
6. Check your balancers, especially with reduced grass and forage.
7. Introduce boredom breakers if your horse is stabled longer than usual.
8. Increase hoof care to prevent thrush by regularly cleansing; popular products include Milton and Red Horse, which are free from harmful ingredients.
9. Use weekends or non-working days to prepare and fill hay nets for the week; consider double netting to slow down feeding if horses are stabled longer during winter.
10. Invest in good lighting; a quality headlamp is a great option if you’re working from a field.
11. Create a winter goals diary to keep your motivation up with something to work towards.
12. Invest in comfy leg wear. Nothing worse than lots of chores which require bending over on and off and buttons or waistbands digging in.
13. Take a flask of tea or coffee in the morning if facilities aren't available; a warm drink can lift your spirits on cold, challenging days.
14. Ensure all your equipment is serviced and organized before adverse weather arrives; nothing is worse than pushing a wheelbarrow with a flat tire!
15. Some owners prefer to do a full muck out on weekends and skip out during the week.
16. If you visit twice a day, choose the lighter visit for exercise and the later one for chores, depending on your setup.
17. Consider finding a reliable sharer, as many owners have found this arrangement beneficial.
18. Invest in a multifunctional waterproof coat, like the Ultimo 3-1, which has layering systems and a detachable midsection for customizable length.
19. Organize and mix up supplements for the week in small sandwich bags or recyclable pots (available cheaply on Amazon); preparing seven at a time saves a lot of effort, especially when mixing various supplements.
20. Plan and purchase forage in bulk to take advantage of discounts.
21. Some owners leave turnout rugs on rather than switch to stable rugs; they dry quickly when worn and don’t require waiting for drying on a rail.
22. During better seasons, if possible, establish a small all-weather turnout area so horses can move regardless of the weather.
23. Invest in tail bags for £10-£12; they will simplify cleaning.

Remember, horses mainly need friends, forage and movement, there is absolutely no harm in giving your horses time of over winter and re evaluate in March. 

OR, you could sell up and move to Barbados! ;)

We would love to hear your tips and stories for winter in the comments section.