Hitch Up & Drive

[Lahja Morgan]

~ No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle ~

November already; where on earth does the time go? It feels like only last week that the lambs were frolicking around in the fields and the first foals of the year were rising on their wobbly little legs. Now the nights are getting longer and the big woolly jumpers are getting their use again, and those of us in the equestrian world are feeling the effects of the upcoming winter already. Still, the season of celebration is rushing at us headlong and with it comes promises of fun and merriment and more than a little bit of over-indulgence.

This month I'll be reviewing some of the season's must-buy accessories, perfect for Christmas gifts or as a present to yourself (go on, you know you deserve it!), and I'll be sharing some winter tips that will hopefully make the next few months a little more tolerable for both you and your horse. These should also help shorten your yard work time and grant you more freedom to ride, drive or just simply hang out with your horse. After all, that is what we battle the elements for!

Top Ten Winter Tips:

• Planning well ahead is an essential in winter. Icy and snow-covered roads mean longer times getting to and from the stables, the cold means the horse will need a longer warm-up time and the night creeping in sooner means you could end up stuck in the dark. The better you plan ahead, the better you can make use of a more limited time-frame.
• When you clean out your horses hooves before riding, coat the underside with a layer of non-stick cooking spray or petroleum jelly. It will help stop snow from balling up in them and causing potential discomfort, as well as making them much quicker and easier to clean out after the ride.
• Grooming your horse thoroughly with a rubber curry comb before a ride will help warm up his muscles in preparation for work – and it'll do a good job of warming you up too!
• *If the temperature drops hard and you don't have access to a thick winter rug for your stabled horse, an old duvet under a normal rug makes for a very snug horse. Just remember to use a surcingle to hold it in place so it doesn't slip if the horse lies down.
• *Wear lots of layers of clothing – five thin layers trap heat far better than two thick ones do. The innermost layers should have wicking properties as you will sweat while mucking out and working with your horse, and if that cools on your skin you will feel the chill.
• Turnout boots are a lifesaver. Invest in the best quality you can afford – not only will they keep your horses legs protected should he skid or stumble on the slippery ground, they'll also keep them dry and clean, making grooming that much easier.
• Working at the stables in winter can be very draining, and a granola bar and flask of coffee or hot chocolate will help keep your energy up and help warm you after you've battled against the snow and rain.
• If you are not feeling up to riding or driving your horse it can be a perfect opportunity to improve on his ground work and showmanship instead. There are so many skills you can work on with your horse from the ground (not to mention teaching him tricks) and it wont make him sweat too much and can really help improve your relationship with him.
• Winter riding boots, while sometimes costly, are absolutely worth their weight in gold. I don't know about you but my toes are often the first place to get cold, and once they are cold I'm cold all over. If well looked after specially designed winter riding boots will last many years and you will never regret the money spent on them. Just make sure they are not so bulky that your feet risk getting stuck in your stirrup irons. The best things for keeping your hands warm are the silk linings used by skiers. Those guys really know what they are doing.
• In winter the temptation is always to give your horses lots of hard feed and warm mashes, but the absolute best thing you can feed him to keep him warm is good old-fashioned hay. It is slow to digest and ferment but generates a lot of heat in the lower intestine, helping to keep your horse a little warmer.

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As tested by the Montadale Farm team[/div]

For Him

Double Wrap Snaffle Bracelet by Falabella.
Pros: Very smart and mature, horse related without being in-your face, comfortable and easy to wear, well made, the sterling silver is a good looking finish.
Cons: The ~$240 price tag.

Serino Windblocker Riding Gloves by Harry Hall.
Pros: Very affordable at ~$25, very warm and comfortable, well made and long-lasting.
Cons: A bit too bulky to wear for any riding much more technical than trail rides.


For Her

Farriers Nail Drop Earrings by Falabella.
Pros: A lot prettier than their ~$40 price tag might make you believe, very elegant, go with most outfits, horse related without being overly obvious.
Cons: If not outright told 'it's a farriers nail' some people might not pick up on that.

Camille Fleece Jacket by Horseware.
Pros: Very fashionable and on-trend but still very warm and comfortable, high quality and hard-wearing, very reasonably priced at ~$64.
Cons: Not suitable for an outer layer in wet weather.


For The Children

Brown Horse Rucksack With Detachable Toy by Thesaddleryshoponline.
Pros: Very cute and tough bag, perfect size for little ones to carry but still fits in plenty.
Cons: Not an X-box but still much better priced at around $25

Riding Hat Cover by Carrots.
Pros: Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, very affordable at around $20, waterproof and secure.
Cons: None we could find.


Stocking Fillers

Boot-Mounted Adjustable Phone Holder by Perri.
Pros: Well made, very easy to use, extremely handy, ideal for trail rides, a bargain at ~$10.
Cons: Only water resistant - not suitable for use in heavy rain or snow.

Checked Fleece Neck Warmer by Horseware.
Pros: Very warm and easy to wear, adjustable to any neck size, not suffocating, very affordable at around $12.
Cons: Gets soaked and heavy quickly in the rain or snow, scratchy if hay or bedding gets stuck in it.

Lahja Morgan
Owner ~ Montadale Farm & Montadale Carriages

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