How to Enjoy Fall and Winter with Your Horse

Fall fairs circuit championships and club awards banquets signal the end of another horse show season. So how did it go? Did your shows rodeos or competitive trail rides meet your expectations? For the majority of horse owners the answer to this question will likely be no. Stuff happens. And so we look toward the next year. But with chilly fall and winter weather looming we all need some goals to motivate us to get off the couch and out to the arena on those cold nights!
Although theres no shortage of yearround equine events to choose from south of the border here in Canada the show season comes to a halt during the winter months for most of us. One benefit of this is the opportunity it gives us to assess our riding goals and make whatever changes are necessary.
What did you enjoy most and least about the past riding season?
What are your goals for the future?
How can you best meet those goals taking into consideration budget and time commitments?
For some riders meeting their future goals will mean starting with a new horse. For others the fall is a good time to change up their training program with the horse they have. There are a number of ways to do this here are some ideas to inspire you over the fall and winter months
1 Lets get physical
Sometimes a horse has just been not right over the season. A thorough veterinary diagnostic work up dietary supplements dental work alternative therapies or even surgery may be beneficial at this time. Some conditions once treatment begins get worse before they get better. Experimenting with shoeing or other medical procedures may not be practical or affordable while competing because they might involve a layoff. Now is the time to address any onagain offagain soundness issues once and for all.
2 Explore alternate activities
Keeping in mind that A change is as good as a rest consider that by developing nonequestrian skills and interests you might actually become a better rider. Studying sport psychology as part of achieving coaching certification Ive learned that athletes stay in the game longer when they supplement their training with other activities in the off season. Develop your stamina with aerobic activity. Improve your coordination with dancing. Could yoga give you better balance? Might guitar lessons help with your rhythm? Would gaming with your teen benefit your decision making abilities?