Let's think before we clip!

Now that the nights are drawing in and our clippers are being serviced in readiness for the first clip of the winter, let’s consider why we are clipping our horses, and the type of clip that they need.



Chaser clips are great for horses in light work

Horses grow their coat at this time of year, as a natural instinct in the wild, to protect them from the elements, keeping them warm and dry during the winter. Needless to say that when we exercise horses in a domestic environment that have a big thick coat, they will sweat heavily and become uncomfortable, in the same way that we would if we exercised in a big down jacket!  Of course we will need to clip them to ensure that told they stay sweat-free and comfortable whilst they are working. However, we also need to consider is how hard they are working before we decide how much of a clip they will need.



Blanket clips are great for horses in light - medium work (eg dressage horses)

So often in my work as a trainer and massage therapist, I see horses in light work that are fully clipped out, ears and face included, simply because it looks smart and avoids having to worry about lines. These horses will be snugly wrapped up in rugs in the stable, but will probably spend every ridden moment during the winter feeling cold, because they are not exercising hard enough to keep them warm. It is a bit like when girls go for a night out in winter wearing a tiny dress and no jacket – but at least for them it is a choice, and quite often they have their beer jackets on! We all know how it feels to be cold…our shoulders hunch, our muscles tighten and it is thoroughly unpleasant. A few weeks into winter, many horses that are clipped out and don’t get their heart rates up during exercise develop a sore back, which is often a result of bracing themselves for such long periods.  This results in hefty bills from back specialists, which can be avoided. Most horses in light to medium work will suffice with just a trace, chaser or blanket clip. Horses that hack and do light schooling would benefit the most from a trace or chase clip, and dressage horses probably a blanket clip. There is a reason a hunter clip is called a hunter clip! If you have a horse in medium or hard work that needs to be clipped out, exercise sheets are a great way of keeping your horse warm on a cold day until they are properly warmed up.

Hunter clips suit hunters, eventers and horses in hard work

So… let’s consider how much coat we take off our horses this winter, and always use an exercise sheet until the horse is thoroughly warmed up. A warm horse will be a happy horse, and a happy horse will perform far better for you, which will be reflected in your results!

Ride Fit this winter; emerge a winner in Spring

As the nights are drawing in and the rugs are being dusted off from last year, there is a definite autumnal feel to the air. Apart from autumn's crisp mornings, and beautiful golden brown scenery, one other thing is inevitable:

Winter

Even the word makes us feel cold. Immediately, we imagine long days in the office coming home to dark nights with soggy, muddy horses. The frustration of not being able to ride due to flooded or frozen arenas, when all our hard training over the summer goes to waste. 

Or does it?

 

 We can't change the inevitability that is winter. However, what we can change is the connotations that it brings. It's all semantics really if we just look at two words:

Winter
 

Winner

 There is one letter that differentiates the two words. The letter 't'.

 T is for 'training'.

Another inevitability...Unless you are lucky enough to have an indoor school, there will be days when you can't ride during the winter. It sucks, I agree. Whilst you can't control the weather, there is something you can control. Your riding ability. Your fitness.

Use these cold dark days to work on you.  Work on your strength, your balance, your co-ordination - all of the things that differentiate elite riders from the rest. It isn't just your horse that needs to be fit for the job; you do too.

From the comfort of your own home, or through group exercise classes, you can still improve as a rider through the winter, without getting cold and wet. Whilst your competitors are lacking motivation and finding it easier to stay at home, use the winter to train, train, train and emerge as a winner in spring.

Are you lucky enough to be able to motivate yourself easily during the winter? If so, share your tips below!

 

Like this post? Why not subscribe to our newsletter for relevant updates and training tips?

Find us online at: www.ride-fit-equestrian.co.uk