Taking winter off?

[Abacus]

Following the ‘riders of more than one horse’ thread made me think about how to handle winter. Most of the time I have just one ‘proper’ horse plus a semi-retired one that hacks at weekends with someone else. I normally give my horse a break, generally in February, just because it’s the month I am least motivated, and I feel like taking it easier. This year I’m riding two and wondered whether to give them both Feb, or stagger it…

Just wondered what others do. By the time I get to March I feel like riding again. But I don't look forward to getting them working well and fitter again.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I tend to give them both a few weeks of in February sometimes a bit longer they don't tend to loose much fitness in a month, I generally take it easy for a week when I start again then just crack on as normal.

I like to have a time where I don't have to ride if I don't want to and I tend to have lost the will by February.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I used to give Dec or Jan or a bit of both off as it’s a busy time and it was easier just to do winter chores. Faran has had from beg of June off since his little break then my injury so chances are he’s going to have 6months or more off this year as trying to bring him back to full fitness will be harder in winter

 

[Barton Bounty]

I dont give any time off , the odd day here and there and obviously being in scotland the weather can be howling for a week solid ? thats really the only time off her gets because hes an arse if he has no routine ?