How to give your horse a proper winter warm up.
If you are lucky enough to have tolerable wintertime temperatures, you are probably lucky enough to be able to ride! But cold weather can mean a stiff horse and the cold weather friskies, which can lead to injuries, for you and your horse. So, the warm-up process can start long before you make it to the mounting block. Here are some tips for you!
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- Make sure your horse is warm in his fur or a blanket before you begin!
- If you need to remove a blanket in order to groom him, use a heavy cooler in its place. You can peel back areas, groom, and cover up again. This is important if your horse is clipped. No one wants to get naked and then run outside where it’s bitter cold.
BBBRRRRRR
- Speaking of grooming, take your time and really get the curry comb going. This warms you up and gets the circulation going to your horse’s muscles!
- Leave your saddle pad in a warm area before you put it on your horse if you can.
- Warm up your horse’s bit! I’m not sure if horses can get “brain freeze” like we can from ice cream, but why risk it? You can find tips for that here.
- Use a cooler or quarter sheet as your mounted warm-up progresses. This keeps your horse’s major muscles covered, and it also covers your legs. (Bonus!)
Quarter sheets are the best
- Lengthen the amount of time you spend walking around before getting to work. You may want to hand walk for a bit or take a long trail ride as part of your warm-up routine.
- Keep your cooler or quarter sheet handy as you hack around to cool down, also.
Thick wool coolers work wonders.
Some other things to consider during the winter, and really anytime, but especially in the winter:
- Letting your horse buck it out on the lunge line is never a good idea. You end up with a horse that doesn’t listen and has an increased chance of injuries due to a lack of proper warm up.
- Keep your winter exercise routine consistent. A little bit of every day is preferred to a lot of work inconsistently. For more on exercising during the winter, read this!
- Don’t forget to listen to your horse.
How do you warm up your horse in the winter?
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A classic pattern in a modern colorway. And it's so thick!
Soak up all the sweat and water with this Irish Knit, best for warm weather use.
Irish knits are the best wicking coolers for warmer weather.
Square coolers are traditional and versatile, and wick more than a fleece cooler.
Help your horse cool out in hot and humid weather.
Keep your horse dry and visible with this reflective quarter sheet.
This heavyweight turnout blanket gets even warmer with the neck.
Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.
For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.
This turnout sheet doesn't have fill, and is great for windy and rainy days.
This affordable heavy blanket will keep your horse warm in the worst weather and cold snap.
Be seen from space with this hi-viz quarter sheet. Keep your horse's bum safe and dry.
Keep your horse dry and spiffy with this cooler combo. Love the neck for fast drying.
Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.
These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.
Use code 15PROEQUINE for a sitewide discount on muzzles, halters, accessories, and slow feeders.
Thank you!