Happy Holidays! I hope everyone is enjoying this time of year and getting to spend lots of time with family, friends, and your horse!
Actually, I know how easy it can be to lose motivation to work with your horse when the weather is cold, windy, or rainy, and if you live in a climate like mine here in Eastern Pa, we still have several months of not so great riding weather! But the good news is that there is still a lot you can do with your horse inside the barn, and that’s what we are going to talk about today. I am sharing four things that I do to be a better rider and improve my horsemanship skills when I can’t ride, plus what you can do to keep your horse focused and progressing in his training.
Hit play and let’s get started.
Here is the link for the video on softening in the rope halter or bridle:https://crktrainingblog.com/why-a-soft-horse-is-important-for-any-rider/
This is the video for teaching your horse to ground tie:https://crktrainingblog.com/teach-your-horse-to-ground-tie/
…and here is another article on What to do During Nasty Winter Weather: https://crktrainingblog.com/how-to-continue-training-in-nasty-winter-weather/
See you in the comments, and Happy New Year!
Callie
8 Responses
Great tips! Also wanted to add, while it doesn’t necessarily involve your horse – hitting the gym is also a great way to improve your riding over the winter. You can shed those extra holiday pounds, increase your cardio, and build strength (especially core strength). Last winter I started hitting the gym regularly and could not believe the benefits I saw in my riding this past year. There are multiple books out there that focus on exercises that will help with riding.
Hey Emilie! Working out is a great addition to this list! Any exercise will help, my personal favorite for riding is yoga because of the emphasis on body awareness and breathing!
Hi! Could you say me one of those articles or books where tell the gym exercices?? I think I need it 🙂
Hi Axelia,
You can do an Amazon search to find all sorts of books about exercises for riding. Here are a few to start: http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Equestrians-Achieving-Union-Horse/dp/1570761361 or http://www.amazon.com/The-Riders-Fitness-Program-Specifically/dp/1580175422/ref=pd_sim_b_1 or http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Riders-Control-Perfect-Position/dp/0851319742/ref=pd_sim_b_6
Great tips. Thank you.
The reminder to work on problem areas hits home with me. My horse can get resistant to hoof having his feet picked up. Taking time this winter to address “why” we still have this problem and to solve it is my motivation to get out to the barn when it’s cold.
Your videos and posts are always so awesome! You’re always so composed, and have great ideas and insights. I was wondering what blogs and trainers you like to follow, like you mentioned in this video? I love the way you teach and train, so if there are trainers whose blogs or posts you like to follow, I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Hi Sarah, Two of my favorite trainers I have managed to bring here to help teach courses: Angelo Telatin and Wendy Murdoch. I also really like Mark Rashid, his books are excellent. Lately I have also been influenced by Dr. McDonnel from New Bolton. There are many others I have learned from but these are my top at the moment!