Need some ideas for activities to do with your horse this winter? There are many deterrents when it comes to old man winter. The cold, the footing, and the short days keep us out of the saddle. And if you’re like me, I need some ideas to keep things interesting. I hope this list helps you and your horse to survive this long winter and make the most of it!

Winter Actiities with Your Horse

1. Walking

If the footing is good, I recommend taking your horse on a 20 to 30-minute walk. This warms you up and keeps you healthy as well! Take this time to enjoy your horse’s company and work on transitions and speed control.

2. Flexiblity

Sometimes horses stand around a little more eating hay or hunkering in the barn out of the wind. You can stretch their muscles with some carrot stretches. Check out this book, Stretch Exercises for Horses.

3. Pole Work

Try some new pole exercises. These can be great for building muscle, communication, and posture in your horse. It’s actually quite easy to set up a few poles in a unique pattern to get a little time in with your horse. Check out this book, 151 Polework Exercises for Horses.

4. Grooming

Grooming is great to improve circulation in your horse during these cold months. Keeping the coat clean also helps insulate your horse, thus keeping them nice and toasty this winter!

5. Spruce Up Your Barn

Barn time still equals horse time for me. I may not be riding, but whenever I can my horse close I’m happy. Winter is a nice time to tidy up and make a few changes in your barn. There is always loose hay to sweep or making sure items that may freeze are taken inside. Maybe add a cute sign or work on reorganizing things. When Spring comes you’ll be so busy wanting to train or ride you might not have time to do that Spring cleaning.

6. Tricks/Play

Have you ever taught your horse tricks? There are some easy ones to teach. You can do these in most any weather.

You can teach your horse to kick a ball back and forth and it’s kinda fun.

Check out this book, The Handy Book of Horse Tricks.

7. Bonding Time

Bonding time can be anything that requires pretty much nothing from the horse. The time you spend with them petting, grooming, and hanging out are all great ways to simply bond. Do you know their favorite scratchy spot?

8. Learn more about Horse’s Hooves

The Essential Hoof is a book you might want to read. But just spend some time learning the anatomy of the foot. And if you’re really ambitious, maybe learn to trim your horse yourself.

9. Write out Some Goals

I think winter is a great time to sit, reflect, and look forward to what is to come. Just like a farmer plans out their garden for the coming spring, think about what you’d like to accomplish next year with your horse. Here are some ideas: enter a show, learn liberty, fix a problem you’ve been having, build more confidence riding, go on a trail ride, or learn a new skill. Brainstorm these ideas while you groom or bond with your horse. Keep a running list on the notes section in your phone or journal.

10. Winter Pictures

I love photography and taking pictures of my horses in the winter. You can get some really lovely pictures such as their breath coming out of their nostrils, snow falling, or snow stuck on their cute nose. Cell phones do pretty well these days, so get out and start shooting. It’s all about fun and being with your horse.

I hope this list of winter activities to do with your horse gives you some inspiration to survive these long cold days. Our horses still need attention and they still need our love. It is so hard for me to want to go out in the cold and dark. But sometimes motivating myself to get out the door is the hardest part.

Take one of the ideas from this list and just head out. You won’t regret it. Ride if you can, but remember that if you don’t do much with your horse, this winter it’s okay. Give yourself grace.

Wishing you a beautiful winter and happy memories with your horse!

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