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5 things I can’t live without in the winter

I’m yet to find a horse owner that thrives in winter weather conditions, yes we may love our animals- but the weather? Not so much. Regardless, we still power through the grotty winter months, counting the sleeps until the nights get lighter and the mud dries up. For now though, I thought I best share my top 5 items that make me ‘Jump 4 Joy’ and get me through winter.

Hot water bottle 

If you have to travel to see your horse (I’m just under 30miles from Daisy), there’s no way you can run inside your home between riding to keep warm. I think this is a common struggle for people, there’s nowhere to keep warm or dry when you’re away from home and with the horses. To help stay warm, I fill a hot water bottle up before leaving home, so that when I’ve ridden there’s something to warm me up instantly- it’s the closest thing to central heating in a stable! This is also great for warming up numb fingers/hands before driving home. 

When we hack out in the winter, I have previously tucked a hot water bottle into my coat -like a budget heated jacket! Perhaps not something I’ll do when jumping, but it’s great if you’re heading out on a leisurely hack.

A flask (full of coffee!)

If there’s one thing that’s sure to keep you going, it’s probably coffee. I’ll take mine with a double espresso and no sugar, but however you like it- it’s probably one thing very few of us can go without, especially if you have to deal with a chestnut mare like me.

 The best thing I did was invest in a good flask for the colder days, having a warm drink to come back to after riding is now part of my routine, they’re great for keeping you warm from the inside out, and a dose of caffeine is sure to help you power through chores and mucking out. 

Rubber gloves

I wear a pair of rubber gloves under my riding gloves when riding or grooming etc, it’s an easy way to insulate the heat and also keep your hands dry, saving them to getting numb. Rubber gloves are also super handy to keep in your grooming kit for general purpose, dealing with wounds/cuts, or of course dealing with unwanted feed room residents that the cat drags in…the ones that goes ‘squeak’ and have a long tail!

Waterproofs 

Like two peas in a pod, with winter comes rain! A good pair of waterproof trousers are perfect for keeping in your car, tackroom or grooming kit. Although you can’t ride in them, they’re ideal for using as an extra layer whilst mucking out, grooming and facing any rain or wind. Storage wise they take up little space too, so there’s so excuse not to have some with you for emergencies. 

Towels 

Towels are a really versatile bit of equipment, whether its giving your horse a flannel bath, cleaning and drying tack, drying yourself or using to cover the car seat when you’re soaking wet! We tend to keep a few human towels and separate horse towels for using each week and find they’re really useful for keeping things clean and dry when needed. 

I hope this helps a few people who are like me, enjoying the horses but not the low temperatures!  My horse Daisy is probably asking Santa for a woolly hat and extra straw in her bed for the next few months (which she already has!) If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, whether it’s for your horse or an equestrian friend then look no further than a Jump 4 Joy showjump- the ultimate gift that keeps on giving! (also the perfect incentive to keep going through the winter so you can enjoy your new showjump and train at home ready for the 2020 season!)