Jane Brindley from Horse Riding with Confidence Scotland shares her thoughts on how we can put a positive spin on Winter.
In my opinion we have a choice about how we view the season of Winter. We can either spend the next few months moaning about it being too dark, too cold, too wet, too muddy or we can embrace this time of year and think of it as an opportunity. So here are my tips for some Winter Motivation.
1. Accept that we live in the UK
Winter days are short and, let’s face it, it rains a lot! There is nothing we can do to change that. So, as always have a think about what you are saying to yourself eg ‘This is awful’, ‘The weather is ****’!
If you’re constantly telling yourself that something is awful then that is what you believe.
So, change it round into seeing it as an opportunity eg ‘At least there are no flies!’
Find ways to save time to make the most of the daylight you do have. Read our blog – Keeping your mojo through the seasons.
2. Have a look at your goals
How did you get on during the Summer months? Is there anything that you need to work on? Once again, look at it as an OPPORTUNITY. The EquiTeam Goal setting download is ideal to set three, six and twelve month goals and plan how best to achieve them.
3. Are there any situations which you are avoiding?
For example, riding on windy days or avoiding the shadowy corners in the arena?
Yet another OPPORTUNITY to do some de-sensitisation work.
4. Nowhere safe to ride?
Group together with some friends and hire an indoor arena. Make plans to ride out with other people. (You’re much more likely to do it if it’s in the diary). Why not choose a pole or jumping exercise from the extensive EquiTeam download library that you can all join in with, whatever level you are riding at.
5. Be nice to yourself
- Dress warmly.
- Use plenty of moisturiser and lip balm.
- Wear bright colours.
- Drink hot chocolate.
- Go for a sauna.
- Think warming thoughts.
6. Missing events?
You’ve got it! Another OPPORTUNITY!
Investigate Winter leagues and arena events. Sign up and make a commitment.
Check back on your goals and measure your progress. If your horse is having some time off, try volunteering – stewarding is a great way to give back to the competition community, or try your hand at dressage writing which is a great way to learn.
7. Work on your fitness
Use the OPPORTUNITY to sign up find a type of exercise you enjoy, work on your cardio fitness and strength. EquiTeam members can access the entire fitness library full of workouts designed specifically for horse riders. The four or five week plans are perfect to keep you motivated and focussed on getting fit and strong.
Go for brisk walks with the dog.
Set yourself up for the Spring.
8. Pamper your horse
If the weather is too bad to ride spend time with your horse instead. Give him a good groom and thorough check over. The winter is an ideal time to practice your turn out and perhaps perfect your plaiting skills. – find top tips from super groom Alan Davies.
Don’t forget to adjust your horse’s feed if you can’t ride as much as you had planned to.
9. And if you really can't ride...
Don’t feel guilty, your horse won’t mind having time off.
Enjoy the extra time with family or non-horsey friends.
Read a book by the fire, catch up on the EquiTeam podcasts and blogs.
Make plans and set goals for the coming year.
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY!
So, I hope you enjoy the Winter Season and do let me know how you intend to make the most of the opportunities which come your way.
Jane x
If you would like to work on your confidence off your horse you can work with Jane both in person and virtually.
www.horseridingwithconfidencescotland.co.uk
Follow Horse Riding with Confidence Scotland on Facebook.
If you’d like to connect with other likeminded equestrians in a safe space and gain access to a huge library of resources designed specifically for riders like you, come and join EquiTeam for just £15 per month..
