Winter Horse Riding

 Horse riding in the winter can be just as enjoyable as riding in the warmer months, as long as you are properly prepared.  Here are a few tips that will help you and your horse to get through the cold spell.

Dress appropriately

Make sure you wrap up warm and dress in layers. Select items that are warm and waterproof.

Slow down

Work at a slower pace as horses sometimes need time to adjust to the footing if they aren’t used to walking on frozen ground.

Choose a safe route- avoid hazards

A familiar path or route is best for winter riding, riders and horses are less likely to be surprised by unseen hazards. In winter weather conditions it is also safer to go riding with someone else.

Plan an extra cool down

More time will be needed for the horse to cool down after a ride, before returning to the stall.  Try a horse cooler to prevent chills until their perspiration dries.

Check your equipment

The cold weather can cause problems for riding equipment. The moisture as well as repeated freezing and thawing can harm components especially those made of leather or metal. Make sure you check and condition equipment regularly.

To keep your horse riding equipment in good condition during the winter make sure it is stored away correctly, away from moisture to prevent damage.  For protection from the bad weather and secure storage  Asgard have a secure Tack storage Box perfect for keeping your horse tack and equipment protected. This storage unit is fitted with an integral rain guard to keep strong wind and rain out and a unique ventilation system minuses condensation,  to help stored items stay in great condition.

Horse tack thefts on the rise

As you will know from our Shedforce twitter feed and the blog, we are constantly updating you with theft news. Everyday new stories are published regarding a variety of different thefts from garden, shed, bike, and motorcycle to fishing tackle theft.  However in the last couple of weeks more and more horse equipment and tack thefts have been in the news from different parts of the country.

In Leominster over a £1,000 worth of horse training equipment was stolen from a barn. Thieves gained access into the barn by cutting a padlock off a gate and another padlock off the barn door. It seems that theft was made all too easy for the thieves. Bedfordshire were hit by burglars, with more than £20,000 worth of Jewellery and horse tack being stolen over a series of properties. Derbyshire has also experienced tack theft from stables. Unfortunately break-ins and theft is on the rise and it doesn’t look like it is likely to change anytime soon.

With theft spread all over the country, it is really important that your valuables are locked up securely. As we have seen from the theft in Leominster a padlock isn’t as secure as you might think, they can be easily cut through with the right tools, if you want to keep thieves out, a more sophisticated locking mechanism will be needed. When locks, hinges and screws are exposed on the outside, thieves will find a way to get in.

A great way of keeping your horse tack and other equipment safe is with the Asgard tack storage box. This is a tough, strong secure metal unit and is perfect for keeping your equipment safe.  This is a versatile unit, compact in size making it great for a stable, barn or any area.

The unit has a range of features which keep thieves out, these include:

• A 5 point metal locking system, with a pick resistant lock
• Reinforced doors, hinges, panels and joints to prevent forced entry
• Can be screwed to a concrete base

The Asgard horse tack storage is also approved by the Loss prevention Certification Board, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. See here for the full range of features>

Customers have been very pleased with the unit

"Very heavy unit, very strong.  We have had it 1 month and already our horse has kicked it.  Still standing though"!

"We really like our unit.  It blends in so well with our stable area" 

If you are concerned with protecting your horse tack, the Asgard tack storage box an excellent choice.

Information from  Bedford today,  Hereford Times and Ripley and Heanor News