Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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It’s dark by the time you leave the barn — or before you get there, in my case — and it’s time to break out the clipper blades. Winter is coming, and not all of us are fortunate enough to migrate south for the colder months. For those of us stuck in a winter wonderland until spring, it’s important to develop a winter training regiment to keep both you and your horse fit. But how do you do that? Eventing Nation will be running a Winter Q&A Series all winter long to answer your most pressing questions regarding winter training. We have an all-star lineup of expert panelists who have been there and know what it’s like to battle harsh winter conditions.
The Winter Q&A Series Panelists
Denny Emerson — Hailing from Strafford, Vt., Denny has seen more snow than most of us will in a lifetime. Denny didn’t have access to an indoor arena — or even a roof on his trailer — during the early days of his career.
Doug Payne — Doug, based in Pottersville, N.J., grew up without an indoor arena, starting off each eventing season at a very chilly Southern Pines in March; he said he’s done his fair share of cold weather riding.
Katie Murphy — Katie has never had access to an indoor arena. In recent years, she rode every day after her full-time job in the dark, snow-covered fields in Hopkinton, N.H., with flashlights strapped to her helmet.
Jennie Brannigan — Jennie saw plenty of snow growing up in Illinois. While her career has taken her to California and Georgia, she’s been based out of Phillip Dutton’s True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pa., since 2008.
Many thanks to our panelists for graciously offering to answer questions from EN readers. Do you have questions about winter riding for our panelists? Post your question in the comments, or email your question to [email protected].
Go winter riding!
