It is nothing short of amazing, to take a ride through the glistening powder and the sparkling crisp air, with not a noise around but the beating of hooves.

Both humans and horses thoroughly enjoy our winter outing, but there are a few very important key things to keep in mind when out enjoying the cold winter.

-Keep it easygoing, enjoy the ride and help out your horse by not getting him too winded in the cold air, deep breaths in cold air will be harder on his lungs. Going a little faster is ok, but give him lots of opportunities to walk and catch his breath.

-Next, think of how some peoples joints can get sore in the cold, same goes for horses, so make sure they get in some good stretches and a nice slow warm up, before hitting any hills, deep snow, or faster paces.

-Proper cooling is absolutely critical to keep you horse happy and healthy, putting him away in the cold while he's hot and sweaty, he's at risk of soreness, catching a cold or even getting colic. So you want to ensure that if your horse is hot and even sweating a bit, that you walk him until he cools off (no longer sweating or hot, and normal slow breathing), if you have one, through a cooler on him, or even just rub him down with a towel. Then be sure to give him a good brushing until there is no more wetness or crunchy, sweaty fur, you want his haircoat to be fluffed up nicely (not flattened) so that it can trap a nice layer of air to keep him warm.

It's great to enjoy a nice winter ride, but always keep your horses well being in mind as much as you keep your own warmth in mind. If you get cold easily, try bareback, it will keep your bum warm and there's nice fluffy snow on the ground if you do take a fall.