Winter Riding Woes Part 2

Winter Riding Woes P2 

Do you have a case of the winter riding woes? Let me fix it!

Us riders face a special set of problems in the colder months. 

I’ve outlined what I think the causes of many of those problems are,  and what you can do to fix them! 

But first… make sure to save this post so you can return to it later! 

In part one of “winter woes”, I went over why winter can make horses so bodysore. 

But, anyone who has ridden in freezing temperatures knows that it’s hard to stay loose!

This is for two reasons: 

#1 We are braced against the cold 

#2 We are in more layers 

Fix for both: These 2 Causes make us feel extra stiff. Investing in thin, warm layers to ride in can be extremely helpful in the winter months. Personally, layering silk and wool is my go to! Additionally, winter is a good time to try yoga or an at home stretching routine, so you can get limber before you get on your horse.

But, that isn’t the only issue we have to deal with! 

It’s harder to ride consistently because the footing is bad and it gets dark out earlier 

Fix: Find an indoor arena to trailer to, and/ or take lessons with a coach every week to stay accountable. You can even take virtual lessons! If you ride dressage, I highly recommend Melissa Gallager of Collective Roots Dressage for virtual lessons. 

Finally, the worst part of winter (for many of us): seasonal depression. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka SADS) can make me feel totally down on life and my riding goals. I never realize how much so until the spring rolls around and I feel like a whole new person. 

Fix: Find a riding buddy, and supplement with vitamin d3 k2 complex. Supplementing has been life changing for me in the winter! Make sure to check with your doctor for dosage. 

In the winter it’s incredibly cold, dark, and just all around miserable. Yet, show season is fast approaching. Try these tips out to  stay motivated and performing your best!