10 Tips for Riding in Winter

Winter riding brings its own kind of magic—crisp morning air, clouds of breath rising from your horse's nostrils, soft snow muffling each hoofbeat, and the peaceful silence of a frost-covered barn before the world wakes up. There’s a quiet beauty to riding in the colder months that every equestrian comes to appreciate. It’s a season of connection, reflection, and resilience.

But with that beauty comes its share of challenges: cold fingers gripping reins, stiff joints, slick or frozen footing, and the never-ending balancing act between staying warm and maintaining the flexibility needed to ride effectively. For both horse and rider, winter can test comfort, patience, and preparation.

At HorseHub, we believe that winter should never be a reason to dismount your dreams. With the right gear, thoughtful prep, and a little seasonal savvy, your winter rides can be just as rewarding, invigorating, and stylish—if not more so—than those golden summer hacks. Whether you’re schooling in the arena, hacking out through snowy trails, or simply enjoying time in the barn, our guide is here to help you do it all with warmth, safety, and refined confidence.

Here are our top 10 expert tips for riding in winter—the HorseHub way.

1. Dress in Warm, Breathable Layers

Cold-weather comfort starts with strategic layering. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, even during active rides. This is essential—moisture trapped against your body can quickly cool you down and leave you chilled. Next, add an insulating mid-layer to trap heat (think fleece, wool blends, or lightweight down), followed by a wind-resistant or waterproof outer shell to protect against the elements.

Avoid cotton at all costs—it absorbs moisture and dries slowly, which can leave you cold and uncomfortable within minutes.

Choose technical fabrics that offer stretch, breathability, and temperature regulation, so you can ride without feeling bulky or restricted. The goal is warmth without weight—mobility without compromise.

HorseHub Tip: Our upcoming Winter Capsule Collection features thermoregulating layers designed for riders who want warmth, elegance, and performance in one seamless look. Crafted for movement, tailored for style.

2. Don’t Forget Your Extremities

When temperatures drop, your hands, feet, and ears are often the first areas to feel the bite of winter. And once you're cold in these zones, it’s difficult to focus, ride effectively, or enjoy the moment.

• Choose insulated, grippy gloves that offer both warmth and tactile sensitivity—ideal for maintaining rein contact in chilly weather.
• Opt for fleece-lined or thermal riding boots, and don’t hesitate to use foot warmers on especially frigid days (just ensure they don’t compromise boot fit or stirrup safety).
• For head warmth, use a helmet liner, winter riding hat, or fleece headband that fits comfortably under your helmet without disrupting fit or safety standards.

These simple adjustments can transform a freezing ride into a focused and enjoyable session.Riding in winter is a test of your gear as much as your grit—choose accessories that perform without compromising your look.

3. Use Quarter Sheets or Exercise Rugs

Just like you layer for warmth, your horse needs protection too—especially over their lumbar region and major back muscles, which are particularly vulnerable to cold. A quarter sheet or ride-on exercise rug helps maintain core warmth during warm-up, cool-down, or casual hacking.

This is especially important for clipped horses, seniors, or those prone to stiffness, as cold muscles can lead to shortened strides, reduced suppleness, or even strain injuries.

Look for rugs that are:

• Waterproof and breathable for outdoor use
• Fleece-lined for extra insulation
• Cut to allow full shoulder movement so as not to impede your horse's motion

Pro Tip: HorseHub’s winter tack line will soon feature coordinating quarter sheets designed to keep your horse warm without compromising your style in the saddle.

4. Warm Up and Cool Down Slowly

In colder temperatures, muscles are less elastic and slower to respond—both for horse and rider. Begin each session with 10–15 minutes of walking on a loose rein, allowing your horse time to stretch, flex, and mentally settle. This gentle approach encourages safe, relaxed muscle engagement before more demanding work.

After riding, resist the urge to dismount and rug up immediately. Allow for an equally slow cool-down period, followed by a fleece or wool cooler to wick moisture and prevent post-exercise chills as your horse's body temperature returns to normal.

This mindful warm-up and cool-down routine isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving performance and preventing injury.

5. Maintain a Proper Grooming Routine

Thick winter coats and blankets can easily hide the early signs of skin irritation, sore spots, or sweat buildup. A thorough grooming session—yes, even on cold mornings—is vital to your horse’s circulation, coat condition, and overall health.

Be sure to:

• Check under the blanket lines for rubs or heat rash
• Remove ice balls or packed snow from hooves to prevent bruising or slipping
• Look for dry or flaking skin, especially under tack areas
• Use a rubber curry or grooming mitt to stimulate blood flow on colder days

Beyond function, grooming is a bonding moment—an opportunity to connect with your horse before stepping into the winter chill together.

6. Protect Tack from Cold Damage

Winter doesn’t just take a toll on riders and horses—it can also quietly damage your most valuable tack investments. Leather exposed to low temperatures becomes more brittle, prone to drying, and at risk of cracking over time.

To protect your gear:

• Store tack in a temperature-controlled tack room or use insulated covers when possible
• After every ride, wipe down leather surfaces to remove sweat, arena dust, or salt residue
• Apply a quality leather conditioner weekly to maintain suppleness and flexibility

Pay extra attention to areas like reins, girths, and stirrup leathers, which experience constant flex and strain. Think of winter tack care as part of your long-term luxury preservation strategy.

7. Check Arena and Trail Conditions

Frozen or icy footing is a serious hazard that can result in slips, strains, or injuries for your horse. Always take time to inspect your arena or trail route before mounting up.

Look for:

• Frozen ruts or uneven patches beneath the surface
• Shady areas where ice lingers even after sun exposure
• Soft, consistent ground that offers traction without risk

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. It’s better to skip the ride and focus on groundwork, lunging, or indoor pole work than to push forward in risky conditions.

HorseHub Reminder: Safety isn’t seasonal—it’s essential year-round.

8. Hydration Still Matters

It’s easy to forget about hydration when temperatures drop, but winter brings its own risks. Horses often drink less in cold weather, especially if the water is icy or unpalatable, leading to an increased risk of impaction colic or dehydration.

Help your horse stay hydrated by:

• Offering lukewarm water to encourage regular drinking
• Monitoring intake throughout the day
• Feeding water-rich feeds like soaked hay pellets or beet pulp if needed

Even in the cold, your horse will sweat during work, and those fluids must be replaced. Hydration is as crucial in January as it is in July.

9. Adjust Your Ride Expectations

Cold weather affects energy levels, lung capacity, and muscle flexibility for both horse and rider. It’s completely normal for your horse to feel tighter or less motivated on colder days—and you may feel the same.

This is the season to focus on:

• Connection over intensity
• Correctness over complexity
• Softness over speed

Work on transitions, lateral work, or simple patterns that promote responsiveness and mental engagement without putting strain on cold muscles. Winter is not the time to chase personal bests—it’s a time to preserve confidence, trust, and fitness.

10. Embrace the Season with Style

Just because the temperatures drop doesn’t mean your style has to. Winter riding gear can be as luxurious as it is functional—think fleece-lined breeches that contour elegantly, quilted jackets that offer warmth without bulk, and rich textures like wool and sherpa that feel as beautiful as they look.

This is the season to layer thoughtfully and coordinate boldly. Saddle pads in jewel tones, ear bonnets with subtle shimmer, and matching accessories for you and your horse add sophistication to every ride—even on the frostiest days.

Final Thoughts: Ride Through Winter with Confidence

Winter riding may challenge your endurance, but it also strengthens your connection—to your horse, your discipline, and your love of the sport. The frosty mornings, the crisp rhythm of hooves in snow, the steam rising from a warm horse after a well-earned cool down—these moments are where equestrian memories are made.

At HorseHub, we design for riders who ride year-round—those who see winter not as a pause, but as a powerful part of the journey. From insulating layers to weather-conscious tack and apparel, we’re here to help you ride beautifully, bravely, and with unmatched style—no matter the season.