02/03/2025
February challenge!
Winter time blues and how to survive
As an equestrian winter time can be tough, especially when the temp
rarely gets above 0 degrees. It has been freezing and I literally spent the entire week inside curled up with a blanket in total hibernation mode. Even when I’m not snowed in and I’m able to make it to the indoor to ride I’m losing feeling in my toes 🤣. So when I am stuck indoors, I’m watching my riding videos from summer. Analyzing what I could do better when I finally could get on my horse. These Winter Blues are common I wanted to give you my top three activities that I do in winter when I can’t ride.
• Pilates
We all have asymmetries in our bodies. And if we can’t sit even and straight on our horse, how can we expect them to carry us effectively? Pilates is a great way to improve your core, coordination, and proprioception. Take the 30-40 minutes you’d be riding and do a Pilates class (preferably mine)
* Education
Say you spend 30-40 minutes each day riding, if you can’t ride spend that time reading a book, listening to a theory podcast, or watch a training video to improve your knowledge for riding later.
* Groundwork and bonding
try some simple groundwork exercises that can be accomplished in a smaller space. My favorite is the poll release exercise or a variation on simple bending. Even just brushing and giving treats will help my mental state
