Don’t get bogged down, here we have 12 Top Tips to make this winter feel like a breeze!
1. Preparation is Key
Preparing feeds and haynets in advance can shave minutes off your evening or morning routines. This can mean there is no need to hang around waiting for feeds to soak or the need to get covered in hay. (for a second time in one day!)
Feed covers allow for you to prepare your feeds in advance and will help to reduce the risk of your feed freezing when left overnight, as well as helping to prevent rodents and pests from easily getting in and contaminating your feed.
Treat youself to a fresh set of buckets – we stock lots of different colours which can also help to distinguish between morning and night feeds!
Pre-prepared haynets mean that your outfit can remain as hay free as possible, before or after work and reduce the amount of time you spend at the yard.
No need for pre or post work dashes to Redpost when you run out of feed if you stock up for winter! We also have bulk order discounts to make it really worth it. (Only available for Click & Collect)
2. Invest in the Horseware Liner System
The Horseware Rug Liner System is perfect to create a rug that meets your horses individual needs. It is a simple and versatile system which gives superior insulation properties without the need for two rugs.
This makes it easier to be able to keep your rugs clean as Horseware liners fit easily into the domestic washing machine for frequent washing. This can also reduce the number of rugs you will have to store or swap in and out when the temperatures change.
3. Prevent mudfever before it starts
Mud fever is a non-contagious (which means it doesn’t spread from one horse to another, or to people) skin condition that causes irritation, soreness, matted areas of hair, and scabs that form on the horse’s lower legs. Once they have it it can be difficuly to manage and keep dry especially in the winter.
Turnout boots can provide a protective barrier against mudfever, overreaching and knocks. They can also reduce the time it takes you to tack up as there is no need to wash and dry your horses legs in order to put boots on them.
Crafted using a waterproof and breathable fabric around the cannon bone to prevent overheating, the close fitting ‘Submarine’ hoof capsule with Kevlar reinforced heel protection, Woof Wear mudfever boots offer the ultimate protection.
Cavalor MudDoc Mud Ointment is a 100% natural and doping-free product. Because MudDoc stops bacteria from attaching to the foot, it not only treats current mud fever but helps prevent future breakouts as well.
This product works on different levels to heal mud fever. The antiseptic properties make the pastern cavities inhospitable for the bacteria that cause mud fever, while wound healing and analgesic properties support the welfare of the horse
4. Keep out the wet with Equetech
The Equetech Reversible Waterproof Riding Skirt is a unique riding skirt, developed for riders to keep you dry throughout wear without restriction. Features include a quick release waterproof zip to the front for ease of use, a comfortable waistband with reversible fastenings and leg straps to keep the skirt in place in all weathers.
The benefits of long riding coats are endless! The best ones will keep you dry and warm while still allowing you to ride! A good waterproof jacket will can transform your ride from damp and miserable to enjoyable while also looking stylish!
The Equetech Utopia Ladies Waterproof Long Riding Coat is a new season favourite to keep you warm and dry this winter. Investing in a new waterproof means you are best equipped for the elements.
This coat is perfect for doing your jobs around the yard, walking the dogs or for riding in alongside protecting your clothes, be it work or riding clothes, from the inevitable mud and dirt associated with winter.
5. Avoid the Soggy Socks with a New Set of boots!
Nobody likes wet feet, so get prepared for winter with some new boots.
The Le Chameau Giverny Wellington Boots are a fantastic design that offer supreme comfort, performance and style throughout wear. Designed with a natural rubber providing waterproof and durable qualities the boots are lined with a soft Jersey Cotton providing you with a comfortable fit throughout wear and can be worn all year round.
These are an extremely versatile design, ideal for wearing around the yard or when walking the dogs. Water-resistant, they feature a great grip sole and a cosy fleece lining. The engineered galosh is flexible and surprisingly light making them boots ideal for all-day wear. Finished with long laces on each boot, these Woof Wear boots are easy to slip on and off, yet can be adjusted to suit each wearer’s foot. The longer length provides extra support around the ankles.
These are engineered to deliver performance in the saddle and on the ground, crafted from a waterproof, full-grain leather upper and featuring 4LR™ technology for the ultimate in comfort and support. A superb Waterproof Pro™ membrane construction helps to provide protection from the elements and ensure that your feet are kept warm and cosy throughout wear.
Wellington Boots Care kits
Looking after your riding, yard or wellington boots is essential to ensuring your boots lasting throughout winter!
6. Room for a Groom
Keeping on top of your horses grooming routine makes it easier in the long run to keep your horses clean and doesn’t leave a big job the day before a show or if they’re particularly muddy.
This will help to prevent muddy knots or tangles without the need for a bath! They can also reduce the amount of time it takes to fully groom.
This set contains all of the brushes you could need to get your horse sparkling clean!
This is a compact design and lightweight clipper. If your horse is in frequent work it can be easier to clip their coats instead of waiting for them to cool down after exercise. It can also stop mud from getting stuck in their coats as deep and shorten the time it takes to groom them.
7. Brush up on your schooling
When the weather is too awful to travel or you can’t get out training as much due to the darker nights, invest in the equipment you would need to keep you and your horse ticking over at home in the meantime!
Ideal for marking out your schooling area, these can transform your field or arena into the perfect schooling space
Due to the versatile nature of these jumps blocks, they will help to provide both you and your horse with plenty of jumping experience!
8. Cover up for Clipping
Love it or hate it, clipping season is upon us. Get prepared and avoid the itchy clothes with clipping overalls!
Designed to keep your clothes free from clipping oils and horse hairs, the Equetech Pro-Clip Unisex Coveralls are a must-have if you’re clipping this winter (or any season) to keep you comfortable when clipping.
It is essential to keep your clippers running smoothly in order to avoid the blades heating up
Perfect for lifting dirt and grease to ensure your clippers can glide easily through the coat, meaning your blades are unlikely to dull as quickly.
It is always handy to have spare blades on hand so you can continue to use your clippers if a pair of blades are away being sharpened or if the blades dull mid-clip.
9. R & R with Equilibrium Massage Products
In the winter months, keeping your horse feeling its best and avoiding them feeling stiff or stuffy can be hard, especially with limited turnout. Equilibrium Massage Products have shown to help reduce back stiffness, increase stride length and improve relaxation. They do this by increasing the blood supply to the affected muscles and removing the build-up of toxins. Tension is often one of the most common reasons for poor performance and by increasing relaxation and improving back flexibility; the negative effects of tension can be reduced. Relaxed muscles will assist with flexibility and movement!
The Equilibrium Massage Pad is the perfect addition to any yard. It promotes blood circulation and can be used before exercise as a warm up. This can be great in the colder weather as it helps relax the muscles across their back which could be tense from long stints in the stable or the colder weather.
This has been tested to increase skin temperature by 8.7°C on average. Using the heat-only option can provide a gentler session to increase circulation. Using heat is a great way to help sensitive horses who may find massage too much. Heat is non-invasive, gentle and well accepted with many associated benefits
The Equilibrium Massage Mitt helps to promote relaxation whilst improving flexibility and muscle condition. The Massage Mitt can be easily incorporated into your warming up and cooling down routine. The medium setting can be used to help warm muscles up prior to exercise. The low setting can then be used to cool down the muscles.
10. In a Rush to Rug up?
Waiting for your horse to dry after a good ride can be tedious. These rugs ensure that your horse is kept comfortable if you are wanting to rug up quickly or don’t have time to wait around.
Perfect for when you have limited time but still want to ride with a smart hide-away hood, the Rambo Supreme Dry Rug dries your horse and prevents your stable rugs from becoming damp and wet if you don’t have the time to wait for your horses to dry before rugging them up. They absorb moisture to leave a high gloss and smooth finish.
This rug is a stylish yet practical solution to drying your horse after a tough workout or getting wet in the rain. Created with an inner teddy fleece for optimum moisture wicking, and a pull-resistant outer shell for durability, this rug is a smart addition to your horse’s wardrobe.
The Bucas Power Turnout Extra Classic is a fantastic innovation from Bucas, creating the ultimate comfort for your horse. The lining is an anti bacterial super wicking material, making sure that your horse stays incredibly dry at all time, and this lining means the Power Turnout can even be put on a wet horse like a sweat rug or cooler.
11. Be Safe, Be Seen
If you’re bored of the school it can always be nice to get out hacking. To do this safely it is best to wear HiViz so you can be seen by motorists easily! Here at Redpost, we have everything you could need to ensure you are visible on the roads.
The WeatherBeeta Reflective Lightweight Waterproof Jacket is a great choice for wearing out riding, running or cycling to keep you protected from the rain while increasing your visibility on the roads.
Stay Seen with Shires
FLECTOR Waterproof Exercise Sheet is a great way to keep your horse cosy and dry in wet weather and also increase your visibility to other road users, crafted with a waterproof fluorescent outer and fleeced lined inner.
The Shires EQUI-FLECTOR® Breastplate helps you to improve road presence, keeping you and your horse safe when riding. Designed with a high visibility fabric and featuring reflective detailing it helps you and your horse be seen when road riding or riding in low light.
The Shires Equi-Flector® Wraps are suitable for both rider and horse whether being worn on the arms or legs these are a must have item that will ensure you and your horse are seen when riding!
12. Boredom Breakers
If your horse has to have prolonged periods in the stable due to poor weather, boredom toys for the stable can be useful to keep their busy minds occupied!
The QHP Horse Toy is a great way to keep your horse or pony entertained, whether they are in their stable or out in the field. It is a 3D design made from suede with a jute filling, which gives a range of textures to keep your horse interested
The Likit Boredom Breaker is a superb item to be hung in your horses stable containing a tasty treat helping to alleviate boredom. Designed with a tough Likit holder and a robust ball with inserts for two Little Likits. This brilliant toy is a multi-directional item that offers challenging food motivated fun for your horse helping to alleviate boredom and stress, swinging and spinning making your horse work for their reward.
A great boredom and stress relief toy for using in the stable or field and is a great alternative to food based boredom breaker.
The Horsemen’s Pride Jolly Ball needs no air to inflate, and resists deflation from biting, punches or kicking, designed with a revolutionary hard wearing material.
Have you got any winter tips? You can let us know by tagging us #RideWithRedpost on Facebook and Instagram!
