Winter Exercise Series: Keeping your horses moving

As we are at the beginning of winter here in the UK, I wanted to write a Winter Exercise series, based on my experience of rehabbing horses in the winter...not easy, but needs to be done! 

Unfortunately with the best will in the world, a lot of horses suffer with less movement in the winter months, due to stabling, the weather, etc. And less movement is unhealthy for their body and systems. 

Movement is natural and key to horses maintaining body strength, core strength, muscle tone, good healthy posture, good joint health, and effective digestion. So lack of movement can start creating a slowing down in these processes. Your horse can't maintain good muscle tone, core strength and good posture if not getting much movement.

At this time of year I always like to start planning what I can do over the winter with my own horse, who has several ongoing musculoskeletal issues, to combat the reduced movement situation. And thinking ahead too...what will I be able to do on the worst weather days, to keep him moving? So I make sure I have a rough plan for him! 

I have exercises that I can do in the stable with him, some exercises that I can do in hand in the barn/around the yard, and I have short groundwork sessions planned out (for in between showers!!) where I can get the maximum out of my session with him in terms of movement! So even if it's a power walking day, I can incorporate poles, transitions, lateral exercises etc into the session to get the most out of it for him in terms of movement and flexibility. 

It's also a bit of a mindset shift, so 'what CAN I do?' rather than 'I can't do anything with my horse'. 

I find ways to get round the winter related problems that we encounter with our horses and exercising them, and work out what I can do, even if it's just power walking in hand for 30 minutes, this is much better for your horses body than little or no movement. 

So even if you're having to reduce the amount of exercise your horse is getting, thinking about and planning their movement on a daily basis is really important, whatever their situation. 

Some ideas...:

• Hand walking
• Walking over poles
• In hand exercises 
• Long reining
• Obstacle course (!)
• Walking on the lunge 

These are all suggestions that you can try, if you can't ride for whatever reason, or your horse isn't having much turnout or movement, all of these walk versions of exercise are still super valuable for your horses body and systems!! 

NEED SOME MOTIVATION...? 

If you need some motivation to get through the winter months keeping your horse in exercise effectively and sanely (!) come and join my members group where you will get access to my 'Strength & Straightness' Online Training Programme, and join in with my weekly live talks with a like minded group of horse owners in the members group! We will support you every step of the way to keep going through the winter! CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS: The Members Enclosure