Ideas for Winter Riding (Part One)

By Samantha King

With winter on our doorstep and horse show season drawing to a close we all look for ideas to keep our riding skills up to date [and] our horses well trained.

With winter on our doorstep and horse show season drawing to a close we all look for ideas to keep our riding skills up to date, our horses well trained and combat the boredom of riding in an indoor arena for the next 6 to 7 months.

Here are some ideas to consider:

MAKE A PLAN: With the end of show and summer riding season it is the opportune time to make a plan for new goals.  All levels of riders should check in with their coach to make a plan for learning new skill sets, riding a new horse or competing for the next season.  Planning is key in being successful and ensuring that you and your coach are working towards the same goals.  Review what you have accomplished, where you see opportunity for improvement and then what your goals are for the next season(s), up to 3 years out.  This sets you up to achieve those goals, budget for what is needed and ultimately be successful.

GO FOR A HACK WHENEVER YOU CAN: As long as the footing is safe (not too icy) it is a great idea to do your warm up or cool down outside.  With the right clothing and foot/hoof wear for you and your horse outdoor hacking fall/winter/spring can be delightful.  Get out of the indoor arena whenever you can to clear the cobwebs and enjoy the scenery.

GYMNASTICS FLAT OVER FENCES: Working in an indoor arena is a great opportunity to work on the finer points of your riding and your horse’s elasticity by working through gymnastic exercises.  There are many sources for gymnastic ideas online and in books so work with your coach to find the right ones for your skill level, your horse and your discipline.  Remember gymnastic work does not just happen over fences, but on the flat as well with the lengthening and shortening of strides, pole work, circles and lateral work.

Don’t overdo it, take things at your own pace, but try to do a little more each day.

NO STIRRUPS NOVEMBER: This theme has been going for years and is great for working on rider core strength, as well as the independent seat and balance.  Don’t overdo it, take things at your own pace, but try to do a little more each day.  If you are new to no stirrup work, make sure you have a friend or your coach with you as you build your stamina.

Samantha will share more suggestions to help us enjoy our winter riding later in the week.

WHO IS SAMANTHA KING?

At the height of her business, she had many horses and students competing in eventing and hunter/jumper on the schooling, Trillium and A Circuits. Aside from her own stables in Oakville and then Georgetown, Samantha has taught riding at Sunnybrook Stables (Toronto), The Riding Academy at the Horse Palace (Toronto), Southlands (in Vancouver), and Stonewood Riding Academy (Pickering). She continues to be involved with horses as the Mum of an 11-year-old rider who competes on the Trillium Circuit, judging a few schooling shows and loves to teach whenever she can!