First Horse In UK

[Whoopit]

I'm very lucky that the only horse I have ever owned I got, and still lives in, the south Caribbean. I have agonized over bringing him to the UK but to be fair, I couldn't do it to him so he lives a life of leisure roaming a friends garden. Lucky boy!!

I am in fact English so am well aware of the wicked UK weather. So, my point being, how does everyone deal with the cold dark wet winters here as this is something that is weirdly going to be brand shiny new to me! It seems like a dumb question but your first horsey winter did you just play it by ear?

Cheers!!

 

[Elle1085]

It's not that bad big rugs for the horses big coats for the people and most importantly good warm dry boots. If you can't ride till late in the evenings then you'll need access to a school with lights. It's hard to think about the winter when its so hot outside now

 

[MrsMozart]

Muck Boots to keep your feet warm and dry!

And learn to love the colour brown - because everything is mud coloured from about October to April

 

[Ravenwood]

LOL - I think I hate you

I am assuming you have spent quite some time in the caribbean?!!!

Winter, well what can I say - it usually lasts for about 9 months of the year, you need an exceptionally good pair of clippers for horsey to use fortnightly, waterproof trousers for riding in the rain every day, a huge tin of Kao cho line (sp?) to keep your tack in good nick, an enormous bank account for the bedding and hayledge required, very strong will and character to keep you going 'til Spring and a plentiful supply of Radox to use in the bath to wash away your mucking out shoulders!

Oooo - well there's something to look forward to!

 

[Enfys]

Good Luck

You just keep your head down and go day by day, some are hellish and you'll wish you were back in the sun, but when it is dry and crisp and the sky is blue it makes up for all the grey days.

I survived over 40 European winters (not all in Britain) before I ran away, now I have long, long, cold winters, very lttle rain, often sunny and NO mud except for a week or so during the melt, I love my winters now.

 

[MrsMozart]

Enfys - where are you?????

 

[Enfys]

[ QUOTE ]
Enfys - where are you?????

[/ QUOTE ]

Ontario

This is generally what I see out of my window for three or four months

Way better than rain

 

[Whoopit]

It's not seeming like such a good idea now people!!! So, plenty woolies for me and the horse, lots of hot baths and plenty brandy in my mugs of tea?! I think I should ensure I find a yard with an indoor school - fairy that i am!

Enfys - I think i too would prefer snow to rain. Will see how my first winter goes when I find a nice yard. I will keep you posted on how i get on :-D

 

[Enfys]

Whoopit,

Get yourself some good waterproof chaps and a jacket, some quilted coveralls for yard work (Ok so you may look like a navvy, but you'll be a warm navvy) and good waders! Oh, and fleece earwarmers and neckwarmers are THE best thing in the world for warmth, make your own. I ride in my coveralls in -20C, but then there are only the trees to see me.

Apart from finding somewhere with the facilities for your horse (I am a huge fan of American barns, so convenient) make sure it has a place for you to dry off and make a hot drink too.

Enjoy, it isn't that bad, just what you make it.