02/12/2025
Winter ……
Shorter days and wetter weather can all lead to restricted turnout and less riding which not only impacts upon our mental health but can also create noticeable changes in our horses and pose a significant risk to their physical and mental wellbeing as well.
Joint stiffness, muscle loss, digestive problems and lower leg swelling are just a few of the problems you may encounter if your horse is stabled longer or has restricted turnout during winter.
Fortunately, there are ways that we can help our four legged friends and in turn spend even more time bonding with them .
1: grooming kit… take this opportunity to spend longer grooming and use as many of your different brushes as you can. Start with long, light strokes to stimulate blood flow, moving in the direction of the coat and slowly build up the pressure ( always checking your horses reaction). Change to a rubber curry comb and maybe change the style to more circular, brisket movements to stimulate the area being worked on , avoid using hard pressure through the neck especially where the cervical spine runs . You might then finish with a ‘flicky’ brush or swap to using your hands to make light sweeping effleurage strokes .
A longer , really good brush from top to toe in these winter months will encourage blood flow, speed up the circulation and increase lymphatic drainage as well as help your horse to feel relaxed!
2: can’t fit in long rides during the week ?.. shorter, brisk sessions are quite often better than no exercise at all . Just make sure that you spend longer warming up to kick start the circulation and lubricate the joints AND you spend longer cooling down .
3: if you have access to an arena /ménage why not try some in hand walking , lunging, long reining . Walking .. slow to start off and building up the pace is just as beneficial. Why not walk a course that you would ride?..walk those serpentines and 10m circles .
4: massage … book your massage therapist.. we are dedicated to helping you and your horse stay the best all year round. We help to improve circulation, relieve stress and knots , promote relaxation and improve muscle function and much more !
