Against the cold in winter
Riding in winter: 6 tips for the cold season
Cold fingers, wet fields, early darkness: in winter, riders and horses need a little more preparation. With the right rug, warm clothing in layers, good visibility and a calm warm-up routine, you will get through the cold season well. Here are our six tips.
1. The right rug for your horse
Whether your horse needs a rug depends on whether it is clipped, how thick its winter coat is and whether it lives in an open stable, in the field or in a box. For the field and paddock there are waterproof, breathable turnout rugs, for the box stable rugs. The fill weight in grams shows how warm a rug is: from 0 g as pure rain protection up to 300 g for really cold days. With under rugs you can add a layer without buying a second turnout rug straight away. We explain the differences between the Bucas series in our guide Bucas horse rugs. Important: the rug should protect, but not overheat. At first, feel with your hand under the rug at the shoulder and chest whether your horse is sweating.
Riding jackets for the winter
If you spend a lot of time in the stable, you can turn to heated clothing. The ELT Comfort Heat range includes a heated gilet, heated parka, heated breeches, heated belt and heated gloves, among other things. It is powered by a power bank; with the heated gloves you set the temperature in three levels from 45 to 55 °C. Whether the power bank is included is stated on the item.
Winter jackets for riders
Winter riding jackets should be wind and waterproof and at the same time breathable so that you don't sweat even when moving. Make sure you have a hood and fleece or down filling to keep you warm. Reflective elements also ensure safety when riding in the dark.
Winter breeches and riding leggings for cold days
Winter breeches or lined riding leggings are the best choice for low temperatures. Softshell or fleece linings keep the legs warm, while the breathable material wicks moisture away to the outside. A full seat also ensures optimum grip in the saddle.
Hats, headbands and scarves
The head loses heat the fastest, which is why hats, headbands and scarves are indispensable in the stable. Headbands keep the ears warm while fitting under the helmet. Wool or fleece hats provide a cosy, warm feeling.
Warm hands with riding gloves
Special winter riding gloves are important so that you can maintain a good feel for the reins even in winter. These gloves are lined without restricting the mobility of the fingers and offer a non-slip surface for optimum grip.
Warm feet - Lined riding boots and socks
Lined riding boots or winter ankle boots with a thermal function protect against the cold and provide a secure grip in the stirrups. Combined with thermal socks or knee socks, your feet will stay warm and dry.
3. Staying visible in the dark season
After the clocks change at the end of October, it gets dark early in the afternoon, and many hacks take place at dusk. Reflective equipment makes you and your horse visible to drivers sooner. Under reflective items and visibility you will find, for example, reflective exercise sheets, an exercise sheet with luminous strips, reflective boots, overreach boots and bandages, a reflective headcollar and a reflective vest. More tips for hacking out can be found in our guide Hacking out safely.
4. Warming up before riding
Cold muscles take longer to be ready for work, both yours and your horse's. Before mounting, circle your shoulders and arms, stretch your legs and back or walk briskly for a few minutes. Your horse starts with a longer walking phase than in summer. Check the ground before riding: frozen, bumpy tracks and hard arenas are no surface for canter and tight turns. On such days, calm hacks at walk, work in the indoor arena or groundwork are the better choice. On the way to the arena or in the indoor school, an exercise sheet keeps the back muscles warm. Before riding, you can also work your horse in hand for a few minutes or loosen it up on the lunge line.
6. Feeding and enrichment in winter
Less grazing means hay becomes the main meal. Make sure there is enough good hay and that the water does not freeze. Whether your horse needs additional supplementary feed is best clarified with your vet or a feed advisor. If your horse spends more time in the box, hay nets and slow feeders and horse toys provide variety.
Frequently asked questions about riding in winter
Yes, with a little preparation: warm up horse and rider for longer, watch out for slippery or frozen ground and bring the horse into the stable dry after work.
That depends on whether it is clipped, how thick its winter coat is and how it is kept. Clipped horses usually need a rug, unclipped horses with a thick coat often only in wet and windy weather. You choose the fill according to temperature and keeping.
Layers work best: functional shirt, jumper or gilet and a winter jacket on top, plus winter or thermal breeches, warm socks, gloves and a thin headband under the helmet.
With reflective equipment for you and your horse, for example a reflective vest, a reflective exercise sheet or reflective boots. The more reflective surfaces are in motion, the sooner you will be seen.
Lined riding gloves, warm riding socks and shoes with enough room for thick socks. For long days at the stable there are heated gloves whose temperature can be set in levels.
Plan considerably more walking than in summer and only increase the pace once your horse is loose and warm. An exercise sheet keeps the back warm in the meantime.