Winter Training & Managing Mud

This is the season to rest, rebuild and prepare. With the right balance of downtime, structure and variety, winter can lay the foundations for a confident, successful spring – even when daylight is limited and the fields are boggy.

1. To Holiday or Not?

After a long season, most horses benefit from a break – but what that looks like depends on the individual.

Why time off matters

Physically, a break allows muscles and joints to recover. Mentally, it gives horses a chance to decompress after months of training, travel and competition. Many come back fresher, happier and more responsive.

How long should a break be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but as a guide:

• Most horses: 3–6 weeks after their final event

• Younger horses: Often benefit from less downtime and a light routine

• Experienced campaigners: May have up to 2–3 months off after a long season

• Horses with mid-season breaks: May not need time off at all

What does a “holiday” look like?

A holiday doesn’t always mean total rest. While many horses thrive on 24/7 turnout, complete inactivity doesn’t suit everyone — particularly older horses or those who need topline strength.

Some benefit from active downtime, such as:

• Light hacking

• Gentle in-hand work

• Short sessions a few times a week

This helps maintain mobility while still allowing recovery.

If your horse is having complete time off, speak to your farrier about removing shoes. Some horses’ feet benefit from a barefoot period, while others need consistent shoeing. Removing hind shoes can also reduce the risk of injury when horses are turned out together.

How you restart work depends on the length of the break, but patience is key.

• Begin with 2–3 weeks of walking, ideally including hill work

• Focus on hacking in straight lines to rebuild muscle and stamina

• Introduce trot and canter gradually

• Increase intensity slowly to allow muscles time to strengthen

This can also be a good time for a vet MOT, catching small niggles early and planning ahead for the coming season.

Once back in a routine, winter is ideal for building strong foundations without competition pressure — especially if you’re aiming to step up a level next season.

Flatwork focus

Correct flatwork underpins everything. Winter gives you time to revisit the basics:

• Transitions (within and between paces) for connection and suppleness

• Lateral work such as shoulder-in, leg-yield and travers

• Vary exercises to keep horses engaged and thinking

Polework and gridwork

Poles and small grids improve coordination, balance and strength, while keeping training enjoyable.

Try:

• Raised poles for engagement

• Simple grids for rhythm and technique

• Combining poles with transitions

Hacking remains one of the most valuable winter tools. Long, steady work on varied terrain improves fitness and mental wellbeing, while hills build topline with minimal joint strain.

Boredom is the enemy of winter training. Rotate activities to stay motivated.

Sample winter week:

• Monday: Hack (walk/trot, include hills)

• Tuesday: Flatwork

• Wednesday: Polework or grids

• Thursday: Rest or lunge

• Friday: Hack/hill work

• Saturday: Schooling or dressage practice

• Sunday: Rest or groundwork

Winter is about maintenance, not peak fitness. Horses don’t need to be gallop-fit, but they do need a solid base to make spring preparation easier.

Mud is unavoidable, but good management can reduce its impact.

Regular turnout is vital for circulation and mental health. To limit damage:

• Rotate paddocks where possible

• Use temporary fencing to rest areas

• Add hard standing or woodchip near gates

• Place hay and water on rubber mats

Choose breathable, waterproof rugs and rotate them so each can dry properly.

Common winter problems include mud fever, thrush and hoof abscesses.

• Check legs and feet daily

• Avoid over-washing; let mud dry and brush it off

• Dry legs thoroughly if washed

• Trim excess hair around heels

• Use barrier creams only on clean, dry skin

• Pick out feet regularly and monitor frogs closely

Wet ground requires caution:

• Avoid deep or greasy footing

• Stick to firmer tracks or roads when hacking

• Swap schooling for groundwork or long-lining if surfaces are saturated

Winter may be challenging, but it’s one of the most valuable phases of the year. A thoughtful balance of rest, structured training and practical mud management will pay dividends when the season begins again.

The seeds of success are sown quietly, in dark evenings, steady hacks and consistent care. Get winter right, and you’ll head into spring already ahead of the curve.