Cold weather reminders

It is officially winter here in central Vermont! Plenty of snow, single-digit temperatures, the works.

When winter reappears each year, drivers have to "relearn" how to drive on icy or snowy roads. I find that it is helpful to apply the same "relearning" attitude to our horses.

As I have been working on horses in the past couple of weeks, I am beginning to see the same cold-weather phenomena pop up as happens every year. These include things like tight hamstrings, tight/reactive common calcaneal tendons (that big tendon that runs down your horses hind leg), muscle spasms, and general reduced range of motion. Sound familiar? I'm betting you feel some of the same sorts of tightness when you struggle out of bed on a cold, dark winter morning.

What this translates into is allowing your horse (and, incidentally, yourself) more time. Try to spend a few extra minutes grooming--remember that grooming isn't just about making your horse pretty; it's also about checking for lumps and bumps but also getting his blood moving. A deep grooming can do a lot to loosen your horse up before you work him. And it will do a lot to loosen you up, too!

Take the time to hand-walk or ride your horse on a loose rein at the beginning of every ride. Allow him to stretch and begin to move freely. If you have the time to lunge him for a couple of minutes before you get on, so much the better!

Make every effort to ensure that his feet are in good shape. Loose shoes, too-long hooves, ice balls in the hooves; all these will compromise how your horse moves, which can be a disaster for a cold, stiff horse.

Pay attention to whether or not your horse needs blanketing. I know many folks who don't blanket at all, and I know many whose horses have entire wardrobes of blankets and sheets. it really depends on what your horse will tolerate in terms of the cold. A cold horse is a stiff, tight horse.

And my personal favorite: STRETCHES! Remember to stretch your horse after you ride--and take a few minutes to stretch yourself too!

A lot of winter maintenance is about just that: trying to maintain the level of suppleness that is easier to achieve in warmer weather. Yes, it takes a little longer, but it feels worlds better when you're done! And knowing that you're doing all you can to avoid sprains and strains for your horse and yourself will help keep you warm this winter--I guarantee it!