Horse Riding in Winter: Should You Continue Horse Riding or Training in Winter, or Give Your Horse a Rest?

Horse riding in winter: Go for it or give your horse “down-time”?

You might be tempted to give your horse some "down-time" during winter. But studies show that, without regular winter exercise, muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, and overall flexibility significantly decrease. So riding your horse in winter is a good thing for your horse

This is true even if daily turnout is provided. As horses grow older, it takes more time and effort for them to return to their previous fitness levels each spring. 

[Based on Preparing Your Horse for Winter By Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director]

© Denise Cummins, PhD January 2009