Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is not a substitute for medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment or medical concerns, consult a qualified health care provider. Always seek professional guidance before making any healthcare decisions. 

 

The season has changed, the daylight hours are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder by the day, and you can feel your motivation to ride ebbing away. However, to keep your horse physically and mentally healthy – and if you are planning to compete in the spring – maintaining your riding schedule in the winter is vital. Of course, the idea of going out to ride and actually riding are two very different things, especially as the temperatures drop, but with advice from cold-weather experts, you can keep your motivation ticking until the frost starts to melt. 

 

Equine Winter Welfare 

Maintaining your horse’s fitness during winter is vital to keeping it in good physical condition, but training should look different in frigid weather. A thorough warmup lessens the risk of injury or muscle strain, and an extended cooldown gives your horse a chance to dry from their workout. Even if you aren’t riding that day, groundwork is a great way to keep your horse moving and active both physically and mentally.   

Because horses are less inclined to drink cold water, it’s important to ensure your horse stays hydrated in the winter, especially after an intense workout. Make sure fresh water is always available, preferably heated to 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize consumption. If you notice your horse isn’t drinking enough water, generally 10 to 12 gallons a day, consider soaking their hay in water or adding electrolytes to their feed, which will encourage drinking. 

 

Motivation Strategies 

According to Jamye Shelton, Psy.D., a licensed clinical sport and performance psychologist at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee in Chula Vista, Calif., one of the biggest components of good performance when riding is enjoyment. Mindfulness, being in the moment and confidence play into our performance as well, because we do better when we enjoy what we do. If winter takes your enjoyment out of riding, here are some tips to help you get back in the saddle, even on the coldest of days. 

Set Goals 

Rather than setting an overly ambitious, perhaps unachievable goal for the winter, setting small, realistic goals can help you make more progress in the long run. While having big dreams is important, it’s also essential to take a step back, make a plan, and assess what it will take to achieve your goals. Plan which days of the week you will ride and what you want to achieve from each session. Having a set schedule will help you to stay motivated and reduce stress.   

Get a Riding Buddy 

Accountability makes a huge difference when you’re trying to reach your goals in any area of life. A riding buddy is there to motivate you (and vice versa), help you stay on track, and stay positive. Besides, it’s much easier to crawl out of your cozy cocoon inside and head to the barn when you know you have a friend there waiting for you.  

Group rides are also another way to stay accountable while socializing with friends, said Chris Cassenti, owner of Chrislar Farm in Rowley, Mass., who highly recommends group lessons. Many times during the winter Cassenti’s instructors will get a group together to go trail riding to a nearby state forest or beach. Cassenti said there is a group of female owners, ranging from ages 50 to 82, who will get together several times a month to go on a trail ride or have a group lesson. Afterwards, they will get lunch or dinner or hang out at the barn to chat and enjoy each other's company! 

Groundwork and Horsemanship Activities 

When seeking motivation to go to the barn, remember that it doesn’t always have to involve riding. Sarah Armentrout, co-founder of Carlisle Academy at Spring Creek Farm in Lyman, Maine, said that spending time with your horse on the ground can always be valuable. Activities such as grooming your horse, brushing up on longlining skills and in-hand work, learning new horse care practices, or simply hanging out with barn friends are positive things to do when it is too cold to ride. Although Carlisle Academy has an indoor arena, it is not heated so Armentrout finds unique alternatives to riding in the coldest months to keep her students engaged and motivated, including bodywork and even a yoga mini-series.  

 

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

One of the biggest obstacles to leaving the house in the winter, besides the cold weather, is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to Shelton, SAD is a disorder that can affect your mood. Symptoms can include low energy, feeling lethargic, difficulty sleeping, mood changes that involve feeling “numbed out,” and a loss of interest in your usual activities. If you live in an area that experiences colder weather in the winter months, such as the northeast or Midwest, you may be more likely to experience seasonal depression than someone who lives in a warmer climate like California. Experts also theorize that people with SAD tend to also have other disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, panic disorder, or a family history of mental illnesses.  

 

Treatment 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Although it is hard to overcome SAD during the dreary, winter months, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. Shelton explained that CBT can be helpful for addressing the mental process that makes tasks challenging, without feeling so much like traditional therapy. “CBT is really just behavior action,” Shelton aid. “Staying engaged, staying active, and trying to find enjoyment in your activities can be really important, especially when you craft a schedule that is creative and varied.”  

One of Shelton’s recommendations for when you are experiencing SAD is to try to stay ahead of it. “Make a plan for how you are going to keep engaging in enjoyable activities,” she explained. “How are you going to stay connected to other people that have the same interests or values?” When finding the motivation to get out and ride despite the cold, think about not just the riding component, but also the social component – chatting with other riders, going on group rides, grooming your horse – aspects that allow you to interact with the sport in enjoyable ways that aren’t completely dependent on being outside. “Embrace the alternatives!” Shelton said. 

Light Therapy 

Another treatment option for SAD is light therapy, which is a popular alternative or supplement to medications such as antidepressants or CBT. Light therapy, otherwise known as phototherapy, uses bright, ultraviolet (UV) lights in the form of a light box to simulate the sunlight and ultimately increase mood.  

While there is mixed evidence among experts about the effectiveness of light therapy, many people with SAD have reported that it has considerably improved their mood. The reasoning behind light therapy is that the light helps improve SAD by regulating the body’s internal clock, increasing the production of serotonin and decreasing the production of melatonin, contributing to an overall better mood. 

Other activities to lesson SAD symptoms include getting as much natural sunlight as possible – even a 15-minute walk can help – sitting near windows when you’re inside, avoiding stressful situations and managing your stress, eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise. It can also be helpful to talk to your family and friends about SAD, and to consult with a professional when necessary. 

 

WARM WINTER GEAR

There’s nothing quite like getting new winter gear to get your spirits up. Set yourself up for success by purchasing new gear at the beginning of the season or create a reward program for yourself to incentivize you to ride. Fulfill your goal - riding three times a week for example - and reward yourself with new breeches or gloves. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite winter essentials. 

The Tri Factor Frost Insulated Full Seat Breech from Ariat combines the slimming fit you love for all seasons with warm fleece to keep you toasty in the saddle all winter. These breeches can endure any winter weather, and with Moisture Movement Technology™ to wick away sweat, a Calf Fit System (CFS™) to alleviate pressure points and friction, and Core Control Technology™ for a slimming effect, these are a must-have for winter.  

The Women’s Classic Heated Vest from Ororo is essential for long days outside. Lightweight yet insulated for unrestricted movement, you don’t have to worry about taking this vest off when you ride. With three adjustable heating settings and up to 10 working hours, you’ll be recommending this product to everyone at the barn. 

 

 

Ariat’s Heritage Contour II H2O Insulated Tall Riding Boot has been upgraded with waterproof technology and warming insulation to give you all day warmth and comfort when riding. The boot is easy to put on with elasticized laces, while still providing an elegant, contoured fit.