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Now that the clocks have gone back and winter’s settling in, equestrian media brand Horse & Country has shared their top tips for keeping your horse active through the season, so you’ll both be ready to hit the ground running come spring. 

Motivate yourself

If you’re lacking motivation to get out there, you’re unlikely to stick to a schedule. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to keep yourself fired up and on track — even when the weather seems determined to make you stay inside.

No one loves being cold and wet, so invest in quality winter riding gear that will keep out the elements as much as possible, such as merino base layers, cosy helmet liners, and insulated water-resistant gloves. Pocket hand warmers can be a real game-changer on those especially frosty days.

It can also be helpful to set a few clear, achievable goals. Signing up for a winter event or show gives you something concrete to work towards, helping keep your momentum. And if you feel your routine is getting stale, booking a few lessons or masterclasses can be a great way to shake things up and reignite your enthusiasm. Just keep things realistic, considering the winter weather and time frame. 

Finally, why not team up with a friend? Having someone to ride with will help you both stay accountable and can make those lonely winter rides a lot more fun and sociable. 

Assess your horse’s condition

What kind of shape is your horse in? Your first step should be a check-up with both your equine vet and trainer. They can assess your horse’s overall body condition and fitness to help determine if they’re ready to stay in full work or could benefit from a lighter workload or even a break.

Your vet and trainer can also guide you on adjusting your horse’s diet for winter, factoring in the colder weather, reduced grazing, and the extra energy needed for exercise. It can be a balancing act, but remember, it’s normal for your horse to slim down a bit before the lush spring grass arrives. In fact, many horses who are good doers will actually benefit from shedding some of that summer weight gain.

If your horse is shod it’s worth chatting with your farrier about winter-friendly shoeing options to suit the type of work your horse will be in. 

Warming up

Warming up your horse’s muscles (and your own!) is always important — but in winter, it’s crucial. Skipping a proper warm-up not only raises the risk of injury but also means your horse won’t be performing at their best. Winter training calls for extra warm-up time, so consider adding a few more stretches or some lunging to ensure they’re fully ready. A longer warm-up also helps your horse settle into the training session, which can be especially helpful if they’re feeling fresh or spooky with that pent-up winter energy.

Find suitable places to train in bad weather 

For many riders, winter’s biggest challenge is simply the state of the ground. Last winter’s record rainfall made finding dry routes very difficult, to the frustration of many riders across the UK. 

To avoid getting caught out this year, try to find rain-proof alternatives before the weather turns. Arena riding is always a safe bet, and combining it with a few professional lessons can make it even more worthwhile. Roads and country lanes can also work, as long as conditions aren’t icy. You could also reach out to your equestrian circle for off-the-beaten-path routes — someone might know of hidden spots that stay relatively dry even in wet weather. 

If you’re lucky enough to live near a secluded sandy beach, why not consider taking your horse to the coast? Not only will the ground be better, but it makes for a stunning ride that’s sure to revive your motivation, too. 

Adapt your training to the season 

Even with the best-laid plans, it’s not always possible to get in the saddle for a strenuous training session if the weather has other ideas. But any exercise is better than none, even if it’s low intensity. Keeping things “little and often” will still help to maintain your horse’s fitness and prevent you both from slipping into a winter slump.

If cold or wet weather strikes, don’t be afraid to scale back your plans and focus on some simple in-hand conditioning work, instead. Walking in-hand, lunging and pole work are all excellent ways to exercise your horse between proper rides. Even a quick 20 minutes can make a noticeable difference if you’re consistent. 

Winter is also the perfect time to work on your horse’s core and foundation strength. These exercises are ideal because they don’t require tacking up or even leaving the stables. Get into the habit of doing a few quick stretches or walking exercises between rug changes and before turnout. These little routines can really add up over time, and provide an extra moment of bonding and connection between you and your horse during the doldrums of winter. 

Know your limits

While sticking with a winter routine is important, it’s just as essential to stay realistic. Most riders simply can’t keep up the same level of work they manage in warmer months, and that’s okay. A little downtime can actually do your horse a world of good, especially if they’ve had a busy summer in work. So, be kind to yourself and your horse and be sure to plan in some breaks throughout the season.

Also, be ready to adapt on the fly. If it’s bitterly cold, pouring with rain, or if either of you seem to need a breather, don’t hesitate to postpone a session or even take a week off. It’s far better to play it safe than to push through and risk an injury that could set you back months. Instead, use these moments to strengthen your bond in other ways, like grooming, offering treats, or just enjoying each other’s company in the yard or stable. Sometimes, a little quality time is all you both need.

Winter brings its own set of challenges for both riders and horses, but with a positive mindset and a balanced routine that includes both work and rest, you can keep making progress even through the coldest months. Happy winter riding!

Quote from Horse & Country: 

“Even when you can’t get out in the saddle, there’s still a lot to learn. The winter provides a great opportunity to cosy up and watch your favourite equestrian shows and series, or read up on the latest riding techniques and horse care tips. You can also gain new knowledge by watching some online masterclasses and training videos. The internet is a treasure trove of knowledge, so make the most of it while you’re cooped up indoors. 

“Your horse will no doubt be spending more time than usual in the stable and yard over the coming months, so now is a great time to improve their environment. Lift rubber mats and rinse the floors, power wash the walls and doors, and get rid of any lingering dust and mould. This will keep your horse’s respiratory system healthy. You can also stock up on lots of nice winter bedding — ideally, something that is low dust, absorbent, and encourages your horse to lie down. They’ll no doubt appreciate having a clean, warm, and cosy home this winter.”

• Sarita Linck, Marketing Assistant at Horse & Country 

About the brand: 

Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, the network is available globally via connected TVs, mobile, web, and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. Horse & Country’s programming line-up includes live coverage from leading sporting competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training shows, documentaries, and entertainment.

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Review of the Rider Guider App

by Samantha Osborne

When I was approached by Debbie and Lisa to trial and review their equestrian app, Rider Guider, I jumped at the chance! 

I first became aware of this educational platform at The Equestrian Business Awards. The small business won the ‘Tech of the Year Award’ for two consecutive years. I became fascinated by the posts shared on social media which displayed the unique and creative services the app provided customers with. 

I often ride alone and rarely have anyone to read a dressage test out for me, which makes the learning and memorising process quite stressful! I wish I had discovered Rider Guider Dressage Caller sooner, and I will certainly be recommending this hugely helpful feature to my dressage friends and associates. I began by exploring the step by step YouTube videos, which clearly explained how to use the app to gain the most from it: I then asked a friend to video me riding through an Introductory level test on my youngster. I saved the test with the movements and accessed it a few days later when practising for a competition. I connected my phone to my bluetooth earbuds and simply said, “caller, begin” to kickstart the AI reading of my test. After finishing each movement, I said, “caller, next” to listen to the next movement. Connecting instructions with a video of my horse allowed the movements to be read and performed in real time. If you forget an instruction, you can request the AI to “repeat” and when you have finished your test, you can guide the caller to “stop”. You can save up to 5 tests at a time, which is brilliant if you have multiple horses or tests to learn. This system is an equestrian life hack and must have for those who do their hobby independently. 

Furthermore, the Horse Rider Audio Lessons are a supportive and progressive means of accessing affordable and personalised training at the touch of a button. Without having to endure adverts or pause to watch a screen, the app simply talks you through a range of exercises which you can customise to meet your needs. I often go into the arena to school without a clear plan. Although I am effective and reflecting on a session, I often don’t plan ahead. By creating playlists, I have found that my schooling sessions have become a lot more focused, thorough and beneficial to both me and the horse I am riding. Not only does the speaker talk through movements, they also provide context and encourage you to focus on and evaluate things like the horse’s footfalls as you are riding. As a school teacher, I spend hours planning lessons to ensure all needs are met and the maximum learning can take place in each timetabled lesson. This app has shaped my equestrian practice to follow a similar pattern. The Rider Guider Youtube channel explains how to use this feature on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDFcRlXqfnE  Should your yard have limited signal, you can download and save your training materials in advance so that you don’t need to rely on signal in areas where it is compromised. Check out ‘Disco Dressage’ for some fun! Some of my other favourite sessions trialled so far include: Hacking Out, The Hourglass, Rider Strength Exercises, and 15 Minutes Warm Up For Jumping. 

Free trials of the app are available. Following the trial, you can subscribe for a month, three months or a year, which I believe is a fantastic and flexible option and considers not only financial implications but also competition season influences. The Dressage Caller feature is priced at an affordable £9.99 a month. The Audio Guide feature can be bought for £4.99 a month, £14.99 a quarter or £49.99 a year. I currently pay £60 for a 30 minute dressage lesson whenever I can shake the piggy bank to fund it. For just over £10 less, I could purchase a whole year’s worth of training and guidance via the app as what I receive in a single 30 minute session with my dressage trainer. I was also impressed by the warm up and cool down tutorials available because these sections in a lesson are often lacking constructive and purposeful instruction. You really can make the most out of every minute of training when using Rider Guider!

Want to know more? Visit any of the links below:

Website: https://riderguider.com/ 

Instagram: @riderguider 

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Horses are such beautiful animals, but their size and strength can pose significant risks. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of horse public liability, exploring the necessity of insurance coverage. We discuss whether it’s a legal requirement and stress the critical importance of obtaining adequate protection, especially when riding in public spaces.
Securing the right insurance coverage plays a pivotal role in risk management, offering reassurance to the general public, horse owners, and riders alike. Incidents involving horses can result in severe damage to property, or even fatalities, leading to substantial financial and legal consequences.

What is Horse Public Liability?

First off, it’s important to understand what public liability entails before diving into its implications for horse owners and riders.
Public liability refers to the legal responsibility that an individual or organisation has for any injury or damage caused to a third party due to their actions or negligence.
In the equestrian world, this type of insurance is called horse public liability insurance and it’s designed to protect horse owners from financial loss in the unfortunate event that their horse causes injury to a person or damage to someone else’s property.

Is Horse Public Liability Insurance Legally Required?

In the UK it’s not a legal requirement however it’s highly advisable as the risks associated with horse ownership are significant, and having proper coverage ensures you are not left vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Here are some examples where public liability insurance can help:
● A horse damaging a vehicle
● An individual sustaining an injury caused by the horse
● A horse injuring another horse or rider
● A horse causing an accident after escaping the boundaries of the property

Why Horse Public Liability Insurance could be essential?

Owning a horse comes with a unique set of responsibilities and potential risks that are often underestimated. Horses, with their impressive size and strength, can unintentionally cause significant damage or injury, making public liability insurance an essential consideration for every horse owner or rider.

Here are a few reasons why horse public liability is essential:

Equine Activities and Events

We all love partaking in equestrian activities be it for leisure or competitions however with being in a public space, this can increase the liability risk. You might even be denied access to riding arenas, competitions or other equestrian activities if you don’t have sufficient coverage.

Financial Protection

Without public liability insurance, horse owners may be personally liable for damages, medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation resulting from accidents or injuries involving their horses. Liability insurance helps cover these costs and help survive a claim financially.

Peace of Mind

Being a horse rider is such a rewarding experience but it can also come with worries about potential accidents and their consequences. Equestrian activities inherently involve risks, and accidents can happen despite the best precautions. Having liability insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against the unforeseen and legal challenges that may arise from horse-related activities.

Road accidents and increasing claims

Accidents involving horses on roads are alarmingly frequent and result in significant fatalities and injuries every year. In the UK, liability claims have surged, emphasising the need for valuable coverage. In 2023 alone, there were 3,383 reported incidents, leading to the deaths of 66 horses and 3 equestrians. Additionally, 94 people and 86 horses were injured. A staggering 85% of these accidents occurred because vehicles passed horses too closely or too quickly. Furthermore, 23% of riders reported experiencing road rage or abuse from drivers.
These statistics highlight a concerning trend, despite updates to the Highway Code in 2022 aimed at improving safety for equestrians . Without public liability insurance, your assets would be at risk should you be found legally liable for an incident involving you or your horse. The unpredictable nature of horses, who are living beings with minds of their own, underscores the importance of having robust insurance coverage.

Common Risks Faced by Horse Owners

Horse owners face several common risks that could result in public liability claims. Understanding these risks helps in selecting appropriate insurance coverage and implementing preventative measures.
So what are the common risks horse owners face?

Personal Injury Risks

Horses can cause injuries to people, including riders, owners, visitors, or members of the public. These injuries can be anything from bites, kicks, falls, to being trampled. Owners and staff who interact with horses daily have an increased risk of injury due to frequent handling and riding horses.

Property Damage Risks

Horses can damage other people’s property, such as vehicles, fences, crops, or buildings. Additionally, horses can also damage their own facilities, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. These damages can result in substantial financial liabilities for the owner if not properly insured.

Escaped or Loose Horses

If a horse escapes and causes a road accident, the owner could be held liable for damages and injuries. Escaped horses can cause damage to property or public land leading to potential claims against the owner. Ensuring that fences and enclosures are secure is crucial, but even the most vigilant owners can face unexpected incidents.

Injuries involving car accidents

Owners hacking or transporting their horses can face accidents, especially in areas with high traffic. Horses can be easily spooked by loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar objects, causing them to side step or spook into the middle of the road. Such incidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities and significant parked car damage.

Case studies

At Harry Hall, our customers have been faced with a variety of public liability claims. The following case studies are drawn from our own data, illustrating the types of incidents that can occur and the financial impacts they can have.
These real life examples underscore the critical importance of having comprehensive public liability insurance.
● Escaped horse incident: A horse escaped from his field, had an impact with a vehicle and injured a 3rd party. The cost equated to £9,000.
● Hacking accident: A horse spooked whilst out hacking and had impact with 3 vehicles totalling a cost of £28,000.
● Injury during ride: A horse kicked out whilst riding side by side and broke the other rider’s leg resulting in a cost of £26,000.
● Horse to horse injury: A horse kicked out and injured another horse equating to £10,000 in costs.

Public liability insurance is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about protecting yourself from the unpredictable nature of horses and the significant financial implications that can arise from accidents and injuries.

Types of Coverage in Equine Liability Insurance

Coverage limits:
Liability insurance policies typically have a range of coverage limits, which determine the maximum amount the insurer will pay for claims if the unforeseen happens. It’s essential to assess your potential risks and choose coverage limits that adequately protects your assets and financial interests.

Policy features:
Different insurance providers offer varying policy features and options. Some policies may include additional benefits such as:
● legal costs: coverage for legal expenses incurred while defending against claims
● coverage for non-owned horses: protection for incidents involving horses that you don’t own but may be handling or riding. Review the policy features carefully to ensure they align with your specific needs and preferences.

Exclusions and limitations:
It’s important to be aware of any exclusions or limitations in your horse liability insurance policy.
Standard public liability policies may have exclusions and limitations based on certain activities, breeds, or types of claims. Understanding these exclusions can help you avoid unexpected gaps in coverage and ensure you’re adequately protected.
Understanding the importance of horse public liability insurance is crucial for every owner, providing not only legal compliance but also essential protection against unforeseen accidents. This insurance covers incidents where your horse causes injury or property damage, shielding you from financial hardship and preserving your standing within the equestrian community. From personal injuries and property damage to incidents involving escaped horses and road accidents, the risks are diverse and unpredictable. Real-life case studies underscore how public liability insurance can alleviate financial burdens in critical situations. When selecting coverage, consider limits, policy features such as legal costs and non-owned horse coverage, and be aware of exclusions to ensure comprehensive protection. Investing in horse public liability insurance ensures you can enjoy your passion responsibly, prepared for the challenges that may arise.

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BIO

Harry Hall is a heritage brand that originated in 1891, dedicated to providing high-quality products and competitive horse insurance via the Harry Hall One Club. Harry Hall sells equine retail from riding tights & baselayers, to horse rugs & horse care products.
The membership and Insurance policies offer from Public Liability and Personal
Accident, Vet Fees, Horsebox & Horse Trailer & further add-ons such as colic and mortality cover. We understand that horse ownership is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.
Our mission is to make horse ownership as affordable as possible so that you can focus on giving your best in the saddle.

Discover what Harry Hall can do for you today!

 

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Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can keep your horse happy and healthy when temperatures soar. Read on for five ways to help your horse beat the heat, shared by the equine enthusiasts at Horse & Country.

1. Keep them hydrated

For both humans and animals, one of the first priorities during hot weather is having access to plenty of clean water. Horses are very efficient at cooling down after periods of exercise, but this is because they release a significant amount of sweat – you may have seen this in the form of steam coming off the winning horse at the end of a race. In fact, a horse weighing 500 kilograms can lose anywhere up to ten litres of sweat after two hours of moderate exercise (Equinavet).

It’s therefore important that you provide your horse with a constant supply of fresh water, whether you have them stabled or are travelling. Automatic troughs can help keep the water cool and appealing to your horse if they don’t usually drink well, and this can be more appetising than buckets that become stagnant over time. You could even flavour their water with apples or mint leaves to encourage as much drinking as possible on hot days.

For horses who are in heavier work or are poor doers, switching from hay to haylage can be a great way of keeping them hydrated, especially if they don’t tend to drink enough on their own. It might be a little more expensive and higher in calories, but haylage has a higher water content because the grass is wilted for less time after being cut (Dengie). Even if you just switch to haylage for the summer months, this can help keep your horse as hydrated as possible. For a slightly cheaper and lower-calorie solution, you can also soak your hay —however, as this can slightly reduce its nutritional content, be sure not to soak the hay for longer than 6 hours and supplement their bucket feed with some of the electrolytes outlined below.

2. Replace their electrolytes

Horses don’t just lose water when they sweat, they also lose a lot of important electrolytes. In the same way that we use sports drinks after exercising, horses also benefit from replacing the salt and minerals that they lose from perspiration.

One way to do this is by providing your horse with a salt block, as they naturally seek out more sodium when they are lacking it in their diet. However, they can often get carried away with salt blocks and lick more than they should! This can not only irritate their tongues but too much salt can also lead to more dehydration, so rather than leaving the block in their stable, bring it along with you when putting out fresh hay or mucking out. You can also add a teaspoon of salt to their feed, or a supplement with a blend of electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

3. Clip their coat

Horses with a longer coat will still want to get out of the stable and enjoy the sun, so when summer rolls around or a heatwave is on the way, be sure to clip their hair. This can be a particularly important step for horses with Cushing’s disease or PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) — this causes increased coat length and delayed shedding of the winter coat, as well as increased sweating, low energy, and a higher susceptibility to laminitis (Royal Veterinary College).

Keeping their coat short allows them to better regulate their body temperature and decreases water loss from excess sweating. Remember, though, that the skin previously covered by thick hair will be more sensitive to the sun, so it’s often wise to put on thin summer sheets or a fly rug just after clipping.

4. Alter their turnout routine

While you may want to make the most of the good weather (as fleeting as it can be in the UK), try to avoid exercising your horse in the midday sun when temperatures are at their highest. Instead, aim to get out on a ride earlier in the morning or later in the evening so that you can still enjoy the sunshine together while it’s slightly cooler. The table below gives some guidance on exercising caution when you’re out riding in hot weather.

You may also want to alter your usual turnout routine during the summer to give your horse more time outside during the evenings and early morning. If you decide to stable them throughout the day when temperatures are highest, just be sure that your stables have proper airflow and don’t get too warm. Try spending a stretch of time in there yourself to check whether you feel too warm and move them to a more sheltered spot or even provide some fans if necessary.

5. Protect their skin

Did you know that as well as giving yourself a layer of SPF on sunny days, your horse can also benefit from some sun cream? While this is mainly the case for pale horses like those with grey coats, other hairless patches or pink-skinned areas like their muzzle can also be prone to burning under direct sunlight (Animal Friends). Using fly rugs and other lightweight covers can also help to protect from the sun’s rays and prevent their coat from bleaching.

If you’re experiencing a particularly long heatwave, your horse will always appreciate a cold shower — especially if their paddock doesn’t have much shade or your stables have limited airflow. A shower with the hose is sure to cool them down when temperatures spike, and this will reduce how much water they lose through sweating to cool off.

Katie Allen-Clarke, Director of Marketing at Horse & Country comments:

“Hot summer days are welcome break from a long British winter, and there’s nothing better than getting out on a sunny ride with your horse. However, it can also be easy for our horses to overheat and struggle to regulate their temperature during the summer months, or an unexpected heatwave.

“While horses can cool off quickly through sweating, this loses them a lot of water and electrolytes and means they run the risk of serious dehydration. As well as keeping them hydrated and ensuring their paddock has enough shade, it’s also wise to consider things like sun protection, clipping their coat, and introducing a slightly altered diet for warm weather. This way you and your horse can head out into the sunshine together while staying healthy and happy.”

About the brand

Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, the network is available globally via connected TVs, mobile, web, and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. Horse & Country’s programming line-up includes live coverage from leading sporting competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training shows, documentaries, and entertainment.

To learn more, visit: www.horseandcountry.tv

References and further reading

https://spalding-labs.com/community/b/morgan_murphy/archive/2015/04/15/the-pros-and-cons-of-giving-horses-salt-licks.aspx

https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/horse-and-rider/horse-blog/keeping-horses-cool-in-the-summer/

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet/information-and-advice/fact-files/cushings-disease

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