Horse riding in winter can be glorious. Those crisp days with gorgeous golden light are a rider’s idea of a winter wonderland, but the elements can throw wet, icy and muddy curveballs in the way.

Owners who compete, trail hunt, have an equine rehab programme to follow or simply aren’t prepared to hang up their boots for a season, will be showing their dedication in order to continue riding through the winter. Continuing to exercise your horse daily may be key to their wellbeing if their turnout time has been reduced.

However, all too often horse riding in winter presents additional challenges. Many of these – shorter daylight hours, boggy ground and ice – represent an inconvenience at best. But when do wintry conditions transform into risk?

Risks of riding in winter

“Reduced daylight,

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