It’s no secret that the lovely SoCal climate provides nice conditions for equestrians much of the year, but that doesn’t mean EVERY day will be a perfect weather day.

 

Our seasons, though milder than most, still influence horses and our approach to working with them. We strive to educate our students on the “how’s and why’s” of caring for our special companions through all the changing seasons. A lot goes into keeping our horses safe, sound, healthy and happy throughout the year, and our students are an important part of that program!

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 🏖️  Summer 

Summer brings long, warm days that provide so many opportunities for growth and consistency. Long Summer days give students options for more saddle and groundwork time.

 

Calm, hot days are perfect for gaining off-property experiences including trail riding or horse showing. It’s also a great time to reinforce positive training and desensitizing to help our horses stay curious and brave.

 

The quietness of summer provides the best time to refine an abundance of skills both in and out of the saddle that help us manage through the rest of the year.

 

 👉 Gentle reminder - working with horses is physically demanding, especially during a heat wave. It’s so important that students stay properly hydrated and well-nourished so they can keep up with the pony play!

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🍂 Fall

Fall starts to shorten our days and might bring a few changes to the atmosphere. Late afternoon lessons with long shadows or an unusually windy day can produce a shift in energy. Changing weather brings new distractions and challenges for horses and riders to learn how to focus and work through.

 

👉  Some horses may need more energy management like a lunge-line session or a turnout. It’s important for our students to learn how to prepare for and safely execute these activities.

 

Through demonstrations and observation, riders can begin to understand the importance of reading a horse’s energy and body language. They learn how pressure and release are the foundation of all communication, and that communication begins from the ground and translates into our riding practice.

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☃️  Winter

Here comes winter to cool things down! The days are so short, time management and efficiency are crucial. Most horses get shaved for the winter and require blanketing overnight. Body clipping is a unique activity that working students can learn to help keep our hard-working equines happy and healthy.

 

👉  We keep a close eye on the weather every week, preparing for wet or stormy times. All the energy management that was previously discussed really comes in handy when we need to work around a rainy schedule.

 

Horses are groomed and cared for daily during inclement weather. Students learn and practice safe groundwork to care for horses during winter months and to prioritize the horses' physical and mental health. Sometimes the best we can do is a hand-walk around the property.

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Horses truly appreciate stretching their legs and getting out of soggy blankets for a good grooming sesh. This also allows for thorough inspections of legs, hooves, and body, something that should be done every day of the year but may need extra attention in wetter conditions.

 

Most of the time, rain is light or comes in passing showers. Students are usually able to ride or help exercise horses around this weather. Sometimes the arenas need time to dry out, but trail rides are the next best option!

 

Remember all that off property experience we had earlier in the year? Now we get to put it to the test! 

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🌷 Spring

Sweet spring is rounding the corner. We may still work around wet or windy days and cold mornings, and the horses could still be feeling frisky and fresh, but daylight is getting longer and bringing a sense of calm. Spring cleaning includes helping our horses shed out whatever winter coats they held onto.

 

👉  We should also check that tails are trimmed, manes tidy, and bridle paths clipped. Students can help ensure our ponies’ summer coats come in nice and shiny by learning proper bathing techniques and how to spot and treat any lingering skin conditions from the wet season. Bathing practices will carry on through all the warm seasons.

 

Now is also the time that horse show season begins, students can learn how showing works and continue preparing for outings and new experiences.

 

Spring gives everyone a breath of fresh air and a readiness for the rest of the year. We reflect on growth and struggles and start to make a list of what we can improve next.

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Year round

Year round we aim to help students learn how to adapt to challenges and take advantage of opportunities through every passing season. Learning how horses behave in different conditions and what it takes to maintain their health and performance are key points in sculpting a well-rounded equestrian.

 

Horseback riding is more than a sport, it’s a passion and a delicate dance between two teammates that are different species.

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Becoming a better rider requires empathy and understanding, and what better way to get to know your partner than by learning all the different ways we help take care of them? All these little pieces of groundwork and horsemanship help to build a stronger, more confident rider in the saddle.