With little money in your wallet or purse after the christmas period and the colder, wet weather stopping you from enjoying your horse, you can sometimes feel like you are haemorrhaging cash.
In this issue help is on hand from young event rider Harriet Morris-Baumber and her sponsor’s EquestrianClearance.com to help make February more bearable.
Surviving on a budget
With the purse strings tightening, try and save money on bedding and feed costs. If you have little time to work your horse in the winter, give him a holiday in the field. Even if you are still riding your horse, let him spend the day in the field when you are at work, this will give him a change of scene and help him relax but will also reduce the amount of bedding needed.
Turning your horse out, even in the coldest of weather, has never been so easy. It is important that he is kept warm and comfortable during his holiday to help prevent health problems and weight loss. Check him over every day for cuts and scrapes and if any arise treat them immediately with slightly salted water, before assessing further action.
To keep your horse warm and dry EquestrainClearance.com has a wide range of turnout rugs at great prices. Do not be fussy about the colour at the end of the day your horse will soon have his rug covered in mud anyway.
As it is the winter months when grass is in shorter supply your horse or pony will no doubt be fed hay whether he is in the field or in the stable. Often this can end up being mixed with his shavings or trampled in the mud. Try feeding little and often so it is not wasted. If you cannot visit your horse that regularly during the day EquestrianClearance.com has specialist small holed nets from as little as £1.99 which will also do the job.
Surviving when riding!
If you are still competing or riding your horse at the weekends when the daylight allows, make sure your horse is given some work during the week to stop him feeling fresh and keep him fit enough for his weekend excursions.
During the weekday give your horse a 20 minute lunging session. This is equivalent to one hour’s ridden work and allows your horse to get the correct amount of exercise whilst saving you time in the evening, and allowing you to enjoy yourself when you eventually get in the saddle.
If you are lucky enough to find the time to ride regularly but the light is always dim, visit EquestrainClearance.com to find reflective gear and fluorescent clothing for you and your horse, to make sure other road users will see you in the dark.
Surviving with your health!
It is important to keep warm during the winter to keep the illnesses away. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables so that the essential vitamins and minerals will help your immune system throughout the winter.
Especially if you work in an office the contrasting conditions from a warm office to the chilly outdoors can make you more susceptible to colds and flu so make sure you wrap up really well before going outside.
EquestrianClearance.com has a wide selection of coats, gilets, waterproofs, thermals and socks as well as footwear at cost effective prices. Once again do not be fussy on colour, your health and bank balance at times might need to come before looking good!
