Completely lost motivation to ride

January and February are disgusting months weather wise, so if you know your arena is going to be a swamp, you hate the mud, and you suffer with the lack of light, then give the horse some time off, let them be a mud monster and accept it, after all, this is your hobby, not your job, it wont hurt your horse to have some time off.

But if your horse has to be exercised because of health issues, or if you have competition goals that cant/wont be pushed back, and therefore a certain level of fitness is needed, then I'm afraid its not motivation that you need, its discipline. Motivation comes and goes its unreliable, if the horse has to be exercised you need to be disciplined about and dont think about whether you feel motivated or not, just do it.
 
I feel your pain OP. I've ridden all of about 5 times since January 1st! (No arena or indoor school) Usually I get out hacking least 2 days a week over Winter but it's been vile here (West Midlands) and everything is underwater. We even have egrets and ducks in the field! 🤣

Looking forward to a nice hack this Saturday as we have a cold but sunny day forecast, but I'm not beating myself up about not riding much and figure I can pick up the pace a bit in March/April time. Pony is ridiculously fresh at the moment out hacking and coming back all sweaty, but I'm trying to hold off clipping again as I think we're in for another cold spell ...WAAGH!!!
 
I'm with you all, the weather is foul and there's less pleasure in riding and my motivation is through the floor. I'm gearing up for my competing goals so horse needs to come out of winter going so as Daffy says, I'm just sucking it up and riding. Hoping that I'll reap the benefit and enjoyment when we hit spring and I can get out and go.
 
I can’t ride mine at the moment but I really wish I could. He lost a lot of weight due to stress from our last place so I’m working on that before I even contemplate putting his saddle on - it wouldn’t fit him right now with the amount he’s lost.

But usually I’m the opposite to most people, I ride more in winter and less in summer because in summer it’s just easier to leave them out enjoying the nice weather.
 
On diy with no school but daily turnout, and working full time, January and February were firmly once a week or fortnight hacking.

The first hack when there was just enough daylight after work was a big event and made me really happy!
 
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