The Winter Q&A Series gives Eventing Nation readers a forum to ask their most burning winter-training questions. Panelists Katie Murphy, Doug Payne, Denny Emerson and Jennie Brannigan will answer reader-submitted questions through March, with their answers appearing each week on the blog. Have a question for our panelists? Submit it to [email protected]. Katie Murphy is answering today’s questions.
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What I'd like to have in the barn to warm up on cold winter days. Photo via Horsetrader.
Do you give your competing event horses time off in the winter? If so, how long? (From EN reader Linda)
Katie: My horses always get time off. Most of their vacation falls over the holiday period. By then, their competition season is finished, and the reduced daylight hours make it difficult to ride after my office job. My four-year-old Novice horse will enjoy about six weeks off, then I will pick back up with some fun rides through the snow and on the dirt roads (footing permitting — we get ice up here — and temperatures). When I was preparing to move up to Intermediate with a previous partner, Fitty had four weeks off during the holidays, then picked back up with a more relaxed schedule with lots of hacking about four times a week through January. Quite often, I give them a few days off here and there during the warm months, depending on our competition schedule and their fitness for their level of competition.
The indoor arena at my barn is pretty small, so I really can’t jump full courses during the winter. What is your favorite grid exercise to set up in a small space? (Submitted by EN reader Jenna)
Katie: I set up simple trot poles to a crossrail, a 9-foot pole on landing with a one stride to a vertical with another landing pole. You can then build the crossrail to a small oxer and the vertical to an oxer. You can also include bounces in this same line: trot in over poles either to a bounce combination, or turn the vertical into a bounce combination with the 9-foot pole on landing at the end of the grid. Winter is a fantastic time to sharpen your eye for distance and striding. I place ground poles throughout the ring, often on a serpentine and a few along the long side. Then I work at the canter to sharpen my eye to the distance (focus on having your horse’s leading front hoof land directly before the rail) and to then vary the striding while maintaining the rhythm, balance and engagement. You can do this over fences too — smaller jumps if you’re limited on space. I use Swedish oxers (you can jump them from either direction) so you have more versatility with the fences and the small space. The “circle of death” exercise is great for limited space and can be difficult to conquer. Use caution, as it is very tiring. I also play with my stirrup length, shortening them to build strength and balance. While my horse flats, I will sustain my galloping position — you’ll feel the burn quickly and it’s a nice way to focus on yourself while your horse is able to work freely.
How much snow is too much snow to ride in? It doesn’t snow that much where I live, but during the big snow storms I wonder if I should just give my horse time off. (Submitted by EN reader Brad)
Katie: I prefer to not ride in snow once it starts to approach the knee. If the snow is much higher than the fetlock, I walk and occasionally trot. My biggest concern is any ice or slippery, packed snow beneath that could cause injury. Sometimes we get a thick layer of ice on top of the snow. I skip those days, as it can cut their legs. Another concern is if the snow is balling up in their shoes; this can cause them to slip or trip. Keep in mind that riding in snow can be a far more isolated workout then schooling on traditional footing — think snowshoeing without the snowshoes. Listen to your horse; be aware of fatigue. If in doubt, if does not hurt to take a day off.
