Already thinking about Winter - how do you keep yours fit?

[Mongoose11]

I have worked hard on my mare's fitness and she is now much fitter and happier for it (still a way to go). I am already thinking about how hard it is going to be for me to keep her fit over the winter.

Previously we had only really been weekend hackers with a pop in the school once a week but now I am riding everyday and aiming to do some dressage.

We have no floodlights and I have to leave for work at 7.30am - finishing about 4.30pm. Cue dark nights.....

Someone must be able to think of a canny way around this - does anyone school in the dark?

 

[tinap]

Do you have electric at all? We bought some site lights from screw fix & use them & a 40m extension cable - Do cast a few shadows but better than nowt! xx

 

[starryeyed]

Our floodlight was taken down last year (the building it was on fell down and it took ages for it to be-rebuilt!) and we schooled in the dark. The horses can see, even if you can't!
When it was pitch black I put the car lights on the school, is that a possibility? Otherwise, maybe a headtorch you can attach to your riding hat? You'd have to get your horse used to any reflections because it can spook some, but I know a lot of people do use headtorches for the dark mornings/evenings.

 

[gocharliego]

I got two head torches last year and put one on my horse's nose (where the nose band is, torch has an elastic band to attach it) and the other on my head. Worked fine for us!!

Obviously my soultion won't work for everyone, but it does for me and my gelding!

 

[Mongoose11]

I think I am gong to just have to try in the dark. At my last yard we did have a weak floodlight and I rode with it but I felt nervous (no reason just being an idiot), after a while I just gave up riding in the week. I really don't want to do that this winter. Now I feel much more confident with her I think that riding in the dark may be much more of a possibility. Car headlights may work - good thinking batmen!

Can't wait to see what she thinks of a headtorch attached to her nose - great idea!!!

 

[Suelin]

I think I am gong to just have to try in the dark. At my last yard we did have a weak floodlight and I rode with it but I felt nervous (no reason just being an idiot), after a while I just gave up riding in the week. I really don't want to do that this winter. Now I feel much more confident with her I think that riding in the dark may be much more of a possibility. Car headlights may work - good thinking batmen!

Can't wait to see what she thinks of a headtorch attached to her nose - great idea!!!

If you are going to hack in the dark it is far safer in the early mornings, there is much less traffic (at least here in the sticks there is) I rode my chap in the dark at 5am and never saw a single car. Easier than in the day frankly.

 

[Luci07]

If you are going to hack in the dark it is far safer in the early mornings, there is much less traffic (at least here in the sticks there is) I rode my chap in the dark at 5am and never saw a single car. Easier than in the day frankly.

Did you seriously hack out in the dark?!!

 

[Suelin]

Did you seriously hack out in the dark?!!

Indeed I did, I didn't have a choice for about 4 months. It was very soothing actually and my boy was very relaxed about it all. It would depend on where you live I guess but it is quiet here even in the day.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I also hack out at 5.30am in the winter. No choice and never meet a car but if I was to hack out at 5pm it would be less safe. At least at 5.30 I know it's not getting darker only lighter

 

[Mongoose11]

I went out on a hack a couple of winters ago and got caught out in the dark. I did have high vis on but nothing flashing so ended up having to ride on the pavement. One very sweet woman called out to me and my friend 'Girls this is very dangerous, you must make sure that you time your ride better or wear flashing breast plates and tail guards. You don't want to get into an accident.' My friend and I (both in our 30's) apologised and then giggled a lot. The woman must have thought we were kids!! Only someone so young would be foolishly riding along on the pavement, in the dark in the depths of Winter!!