Sweet Pepper Ranch recently endured the coldest, snowiest winter storm that we’ve had in almost a decade. While researchers tell us that cold, dry weather is no problem for horses, it’s often problematic for us humans, who may not enjoy trudging through a foot of white stuff while bracing against a cold wind—which only seems to get worse when you’re up in the saddle. But that leads us to a problem: what do you do with your horse when it’s too cold to ride?
Some simply pull their horses’ shoes in the winter and allow for “off time.” Others like to do what they can to build horsemanship skills and strengthen their relationship with their horse. Others may try to keep their horses fit during the off season, hoping for an early spring riding season.
Whatever your preferred approach to winter, here are a few tips from Pacific Northwest trainers—each experienced with bad weather—on ways to keep working with your horse in the winter.
Liberty Work
Shelby Ketcham is an accomplished young female trainer and the owner of SJR Horsemanship in Kuna, Idaho. Known regionally for her success in the mustang world, Ketcham strives to train true “all around” horses using a variety of techniques, including liberty work.
“Liberty work is an opportunity to connect with a horse mentally and physically without the use of restraints,” explains Ketcham. In other words, you’re not connected to your horse with halters, ropes, leads, or any other tools. Instead, working horses at liberty gives you the chance to show your horse you want to connect on a deeper level, which often allows your horse to work through bigger issues like trust or fear. Ketcham suggests starting out by spending quality time being present with your horse. From there, you can work on teaching your horse no-contact cues for various movements. Working with a knowledgeable trainer can be helpful, but if that’s not possible, there are numerous resources available online.
Showmanship
Jodi Croy, based in Renton, Washington, has coached horses and their riders to many world titles over the past 40 years, including reining, Western riding, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and Showmanship. For adults as well as youth, and particularly for 4Hers and FFA members, showmanship is an excellent skill to work on when it’s too cold to ride. Showmanship is not a halter class; it is judged on the exhibitor’s ability to show a horse in-hand, quickly and efficiently, while performing a pattern.
“For the benefit of our horses,” says Croy, “on cold days, we prefer not to have a physical workout with them. Instead, we practice showmanship and have an extensive grooming day.” Croy explains that showmanship is a great way to connect with your horse, teaching them ground manners, patience, and respect for each other’s space.
In-Hand Work
“Working with your horse in-hand is always beneficial,” says Matt Livengood, a ranch riding and ranch trail trainer in Nampa, Idaho. “It is the building block for your relationship with your horse. Even simply walking, stopping, and backing your horse on the ground helps to develop a connection.”
Livengood suggests walking at “normal” speed, then walking faster for 10 or 20 feet, then slowing down to a very slow walk, encouraging the horse to match your speed and energy. “Have your horse move just their hind end (keeping their front-end in one place), then just their front end (keeping their hind end in one place), in response to your cues.” If you don’t have access to an indoor arena, this kind of groundwork can even be done in a smaller area, like a barn aisleway or a large shelter—or maybe even out in the snow.
Trail Obstacles
Adding trail obstacles can be an easy way to add an extra level of challenge to your in-hand work. “If you do have a little space somewhere,” Livengood says, “set up a simple obstacle course with poles, cones (or a few blocks of wood), and a tarp or piece of plywood. Walk your horse over the tarp or plywood, then trot over the poles, then come back to a walk to serpentine through the cones or blocks.”
Take It Inside
When it’s not safe to drive to the barn or walk your horse across icy footing to the indoor arena, it might be a good time to catch up on your horsey To Be Read pile or study the rule book for your chosen discipline. A friend used to say that January was for planning. Extra cold days can even be good days to begin mapping out your summer strategies for trail rides or shows to attend.
Mixing things up with these techniques, even for just 15-20 minutes a day, isn’t just a great way to spend quality time with your horse when it’s to too cold, wintery, or dark to ride. It’s also a great way to infuse new excitement into stale training routines, provide enrichment for your horse, and improve your horsemanship skills. A little bit of patience and creativity can make winter a lot more bearable.
