Is it so bad not riding because it's cold ??

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Notimetoride

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I feel like a lightweight, but it's just too cold to ride 😖. I'm a very amateur dressage rider competing BD prelim looking at novice this year. Work full time, have a husband and home life etc etc. I dearly want to move up the levels and have a very promising (though slightly naughty) pony. I tend to school about 2 to 3 times a week and hack 1 - 2 times a week. But I can't bear the cold and am now losing the will to live with this wintery weather and my pony being a handful too. I was competing this week in minus 3 and that just took the biscuit! It wasn't much fun. I know that I won't achieve success with this lightweight attitude but i just want to hide indoors until Easter with the telly and skip load of cake ! How on earth do others manage to stick with it through the winter or does my very amateur status mean I can wimp out until I feel more motivated ?
 
I love riding in the cold and snow...much better than when it is hot. Took the ginger one out yesterday and today for 90 mins of trot and canter round the tracks.....loved it. Downside is I will have a very weather beaten red face at work tomorrow!
 
No, your pony, your choice but I find if I make arrangements to do something with someone else, it keeps me on track. I don't know where you live but I guess if you live in Scotland like FW you need to be tough, their weather has been much worse than where I live although it was snowing a bit in my lesson on Friday!
 
Once you get going you are fine, and then the cold is quite a blessing ! You warm up quickly in your layers. I have to wear thermal legs and top, thermal jumpers, a thermal balaclava under my helmet and very warm gloves... plus a thick coat and thick socks! I am a huge wimp in the cold. Having said that, I didn't ride today because it was cold and wet, and I never compete or hunt if it's grim outside! I'd rather sit by the heater with a hot chocolate haha.
 
Nope, I vow every year not to kill myself trying to juggle a full time (with over time at no notice!) demanding job and shifts between 8am and 10pm, working 2 horses that are turned out every other day and sleeping.
This year one of them has been off and rehabbing from lots of issues so I figured I have done the most important bits of rehab, she can take it easy over the winter and continue healing, the other one is 23yrs and as long as she has a leg stretch she is a happy bunny.

As someone else say, its supposed to be fun!!
If you can do a few sessions a week then that will do, assuming your horse is getting turn out on days he/she isn't worked?
 
If its not enjoyable for you don't ride it's supposed to be fun at the end of the day, I don't normally mind the cold but this week has not been much above 4 degrees very damp and gloomy so I have not ridden much, my back has not been great the hacking ground is trashed the school is flooded it's not nice and I have usually had enough of winter by the time February hits, roll on spring:)
 
Never go out and wish I hadn't but there you go. Keeps me sane and happy and there's a great sense of achievement in being that tough ;)

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I go through spates where I just haven't got the mojo to ride, (I am only hacking though) I try not to let it get me down. I've not ridden since last Saturday, the only thing that I find (for me) is that the more days pass some of my confidence issues re-emerge whereas if I keep riding I am less anxious about it
 
Made myself take the carriage out today. If you think it's cold riding, you should try a spell on the box seat. BIG down coat, 3 pairs of glove and socks, thermal hat etc. etc.

As our Norwegian friends say; 'there is no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing'
 
Its your choice and it is meant to be fun but you will warm up once on the pony. I had times this week where I was like 'ugh it's too cold can't be bothered' and then thought 'how are you going to get better if you don't ride? Man up!'. So I do and have fun for it.
 
Was trying to convince myself that it was too cold to hack today, then it was too windy, but kids are on half term next week so will have zero chance of riding , not that pony minds, he is very much pick up put down, I wrapped up warm and had a lovely solo hack, it has increased my energy levels no end and I feel much happier:) but I did chicken out last weds because it was evil cold so just do what feels right for you, weather is supposed to be warmer next week ( down south ) so it's not going to last forever :)
 
Yes sorry I feel regardless of the weather - they need exercise even if it is going into the schools, your choice yes but horses are a commitment

Speaking for my self, and having to ride in ALL weathers in training - I do find some are fair weather riders and in riding schools you only see them in the summer months, which is fair enough but owning a horse is commitment regardless of weather. To me as long as my horse has waterproofs and warm rugs to hack out and knee boots too then I ride.

The only way I don't ride out inc sponsored rides is thick snow and bad ice and only then because the roads are dangerous. Otherwise I end up being the only one who rides as to me if I have a horse then I ride.

I am lucky since my cancer my body cannot regulate my temperature well and I get warm easily so even in this weather I have one t shirt one jumper and a jacket that is it. Even when livery owners have 4 plus layers. I hate being restricted by loads of layers
 
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Hi, I haven't had any motivation since Christmas, I have managed a couple of rides out which I have enjoyed but the last two weeks have been awful very cold and wet, by the time all the jobs have been done it just doesn't inspire me to ride. I think if you have horses at home it easier but when you are at a livery yard with no facilities it can be a bit demoralising. Hopefully next week the weather is going to pick up and hopefully my mojo will come back. Horse not in heavy work and we have finished with hunting as too wet and muddy so a couple of weeks off will do no harm, there is no benefit to horse and rider if your not enjoying it. This is when I envy folk with indoor schools all I can do is hack so that makes it a bit harder to make the effort hey hoe not long now till into summer paddocks and Easter holiday time. I am just so grateful we didn't get this wet weather before Christmas that would have certainly been horrendous we are just about coping with the muddy paddocks.give yourself a break and only go if you really need to.
 
I am another one who cannot regulate body temperature due to cancer treatment and I can get so cold it reduces me to tears regardless of how I dress. Also having horses that are in front of the leg at all times it is very much a case of sitting there, even a strong trot up hill won't get me warm. In hot weather I boil and can't cool down. Frustrating to say the least.

Yesterday I didn't ride and was so cold after doing them I went back to bed with the electric blanket on and stayed put most of the day, plenty of racing to watch. Today I rode and am still cold, despite the log burner roaring away now. Soon be spring !
 
I'll ride if it's cold and bright but this vile greyness that just chills to the bone is for me utterly demotivating, in all activities not just riding. I'm always worse in Feb too as lighter evenings and better weather are just around the corner.
 
I had a fair weather couldn't be bothered too blinking cold itis today , so I watched Doctor Who, Carl Hester, went to the tack shop and spent money, chatted to friends, watched showing show , with tea and wasted my whole Sunday.....bliss
 
I have injured my arm and have had three weeks off, doctors orders are no riding for 4/5 weeks so I've booked two lessons a week from beginning of March, taking it slowly and probably have 1/2 hour ones to start with to get back up to speed, and do you know, it has took the pressure off. We have been competing pretty much fortnightly over the winter and doing well, but I look on this as a bit of a holiday for them and hopefully we will come back refreshed and ready to start again. Don't beat yourself up OP.x
 
l normally ride whatever the weather but my oh has a stinking cold what with it raining & sleeting everything seemed to take a lot longer to do. They normally live out 24/7 but have brought them what with the fields being so wet. Even the two ponies seemed pleased to come in. l just couldn't keep warm even after mucking out which isn't me so think l've caught my oh's cold. I also couldn't ride around the fields as they were soggy & wasn't going to risk riding on the road as l'd forgot my hi-vis so thought sod it they can have a weekend off! Luckily l've got a fortnight off work so hope to spend some time with them.
 
Haven't felt warm all weekend - the wind is bitter. Horse and I came to an agreement - she would come in early and have a nice deep bed and lots of hay, and I would go down the road and snuggle down with tea and choccy biscuits. We were both happy with this arrangement. :)
 
I ride once last year!! Horse is happy and healthy and I love looking after him but lost the will to ride. So no taking the winter off doesn't seem so bad to me.
 
I'm paying someone to work mine 3 times a week now (crazy long work hours). Takes the pressure right off doing the boring bits and I've been enjoying them much more since! My younger pony is still getting established and the old one is a pro so no pressure for much this season!
 
Each to their own, isn't it. No crime in choosing not to ride, but you need recognise that you only get back what you put in. So if you really want to progress, that will come a lot more slowly if you don't make the effort all year round ;)

Personally I prefer to wrap up warm and crack on, my younger horse has made a big training leap this winter so its paying off. but I do understand the temptation to stay indoors.
 
I haven't ridden for at least 3 weeks. Every time I thought about it there was frost, fog or rain. I don't have a goal to reach, I daresay if I had a competition coming up I would make myself get out and ride, but just haven't had the will lateley.

The weather is supposed to improve next week, thank goodness.

I suppose it is different if you are a professional and have to have the horses fit and ready to go, plus having the right facilities too. Lots of horses don't like being out in the rain and don't want to co-operate.
 
I'm lucky enough not to have the health issues that some forum members have, and working full time with very limited facilities and two horses, I get very frustrated if the weather puts me off! I draw the line at seriously gale force winds (live near the coast and it can really blow!) and ice, but otherwise I try to get out both weekend days and a couple of times in the week during the winter. This weekend I wrapped up in six (yes SIX) layers and took both horses on long rides to the beach, one each day including my young mare for her first beach trip (okay, being honest, we had a hip flask too!!). It was cold, but 'bracing' and I feel better knowing that I've made the most of the weekend. I know everyone has their own challenges, and no-one should feel guilty for making their own choices to suit them :)
 
I've just written a similar post. I have zero motivation at all, this weather is just pants.

I have to keep reminding myself of all of the lovely warm hacks I had last summer, cantering up the hills in a strappy top!

Still seems like a million miles away. I feel your pain OP, but you are not alone!
 
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