It’s beginning to look a lot like winter
by Avril Clinton-Forde
Since the clocks changed, it is sooo tempting to hibernate
indoors. And with limited daylight, cold days and the hustle and bustle of
Christmas just around the corner, it can become more challenging to maintain
regular riding and schooling, especially if a deep freeze sets in! Brrrr. There
are still plenty of riding opportunities to be utilised however, if we focus on
what can be done in the circumstances available to us. Whenever possible, prioritise
your riding to the brightest part of the day, most especially if you have no
arena, or one without lights!
If you are limited mainly to hacking, it is still possible
to keep up your flatwork training. Most bridleways lend themselves to lateral
work such as leg-yielding, shoulder in and bending right and left, as well as
transitional work. This will keep your horse supple, obedient, between hand and
leg and collected. Lengthening and shortening at any pace is also an easy task
on safe straight tracks with good going underfoot. It can be more fun to work
in tandem with a friend!
Quality time
Of course, there will be days when the weather or lack of
time will defeat you, but you may still be able to spend some quality time on a
good grooming session including some suppleness exercises with your horse, for
example getting him to bend round either side to reach a carrot, but not moving
his feet or body. Your local sports massage therapist or veterinary physio can
show you a few simple massage techniques and/or some leg stretching exercises –
these will also be particularly useful on any days that turn-out is limited.
This non riding work also reinforces the bond between you and your horse!
If your arena does become frozen (“Let it gooooooo”......Sorry....mum-mode) or semi-frozen (“Do you want to build a snowwwwwwmannnnnn?”) you may still be able to exercise your horse at walk! Practise your free work on a long rein, encouraging the horse to take his nose to his toes, then back to a medium walk, without him anticipating trot. A square halt can be performed at various places, plus leg yield, shoulder in and turn on the forehand.
Although this sounds simple, and perhaps not very interesting, if you can do it well, it will really help you when you return to your trot work, having established such good work at walk.
Remember also that there is also the possibility of a bit of
hunting to keep you both fresh, from November until March,
if you and your horse are fit enough! Don’t forget your Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panties, to make sure your foofoo is unscathed, following a tiring day in the saddle! Another great bonus is that they keep your bum warm!
Avril Clinton-Forde is
a brand ambassador for Derriere Equestrian with her mare Grand Duchess; she’s
based in the stunning surroundings of Dollanstown Stud, Co Meath, in Ireland.
Avril rides at Medium level, and is ultimately aiming for Grand Prix. Visit http://duchessdiaries.ie/ 
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