Every winter, we splash out on top of the range thick, warm, well insulated rugs. We fret over mud fever, rain scald and cracked heels- pouring untold amounts of time and money into preventing and treating these and other winter related conditions.
However, many horse owners forget that it is not just their equine friends that require a bit of TLC when the seasons start to change. Even though most horse lovers enjoy being outside (well, most of the time), spending as much time as we do out in the elements, especially when weather conditions are extreme, can start to take its toll. During winter, the skin on your hands can become stripped of moisture, cheeks can get chapped and lips can become cracked and sore. Not keeping warm or dry enough can also result in colds, snuffles and sneezes, as well as more serious illnesses.
The following tips will help you look after yourself over the next few wet and chilly months.
Winter Skincare
Paying attention to your skincare regime is vital over the winter months, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in all types of weather. If you don’t look after your skin, it can become dry, red and uncomfortable. Cold, wet weather can also aggravate unpleasant skin conditions such as eczema.
There is an overwhelming amount of skin care products on the market but it is best to go for something that has been specially formulated to protect you from the harsh climate conditions that can be found here in New Zealand.
The Oasis Beauty range (www.oasisbeauty.co.nz), which is manufactured in North Canterbury on the South Island and can be ordered online, is especially good for horse riders and anyone else who often finds themselves in extreme environmental settings (e.g.rock climbers, gardeners, chefs, mountaineers and kayakers etc)
Don’t forget to keep applying sunscreen over winter. It is still possible for your skin to get sun damaged over winter, especially if you live at a higher altitude or you enjoy heading off for the odd weekend skiing.
Keeping Warm and Dry
No one likes to be damp and chilly. It causes many horse owners to spend less time with their four legged friends over the winter months and more seriously, depending on where you live in New Zealand, it can actually be life threatening. If you live in a cold climate and you allow yourself to get wet while out riding, you run the risk of developing hypothermia. This is because the rain water will conduct away your body heat extremely quickly and its evaporation will cool you further.
The best way to combat the cold and wet is to make sure you have gathered a suitable collection of clothing before winter hits. Your wardrobe should, at the very least, include: a riding jacket, gloves, winter footwear and a warm, waterproof hat.
Riding Jackets
A good riding jacket is vital. Check that the one you choose has moisture and wind protection as well as the ability to keep you nice and warm. Coats manufactured from Thinsulate® and Polartec® will provide high-level insulation properties in a very lightweight fabric. In natural fibres, duck and goose down are known for their lightweight and excellent thermal insulation properties.
It is also useful to have plenty of pockets. You can use these to store important items such as your mobile phone and a small flash light (very handy for when you are caught out by the shorter, darker days)
For those of us in Auckland, where the rain is our biggest enemy, a fully waterproof rain suit (including jacket and trousers) can be a godsend. These can be picked up at places like Saddlery Warehouse (www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz), and they also pop up on online auction sites from time to time.
Gloves
A pair of warm comfortable gloves will go a long way towards preventing the dry, sore skin on your hands that was mentioned earlier. Having cold, stiff hands also affects your ability to communicate with your horse when riding or leading. Colder joints will result in you having less feeling in your hands, meaning that you are less sensitive in your aids.
There is a huge array of gloves available- many of which can be bought online from most New Zealand saddleries as well as from online trade sites such as the one found on Equine Trader.
My personal favourite is the Good Hands range of gloves. They are waterproof and very warm but are not bulky so you can still feel the reins when you ride. They are also extremely stylish and come in a wide range of attractive designs, which never hurts. You can find them at Stirrups (www.stirrups.co.nz) and Clarkes Saddlery (www.clarkessaddlery.co.nz) among other places.
Footwear
Cladding your feet with the right boots is incredibly important. Cold, soggy feet are not only uncomfortable but they can make you very ill. Frostbite is one of the dangers in colder climates. Boots should be effective at keeping water out and keeping your feet warm and snug. Long boots are often a good idea as they make struggling through mud and puddles much easier.
Dublin River Tall Boots (available at Forbes & Co Saddlery, Clareville Saddlery and Stirrups) are a good option. They are made from high quality leather and are excellent at keeping the cold and wet out. Cheaper alternatives are also available if you are on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to ride and spend time with your horses over winter. If you put a little thought into your wellbeing and clothing, you will keep yourself snug, dry and in the best of health, meaning that both you and your horse can enjoy as much time as possible together...whatever the season.