Happy January everyone... ( kinda!) I hope you're all surviving, we are pretty much halfway through UK's winter months. I have embraced winter with both arms, and have decided to list my 5 top tips for getting through this second half. A big thank you also goes to Beth from Beth's Animals Care Services, whose images from her business shoot will be keeping us smiling through this blog. Beth covers areas surrounding Perth and Kinross, so if you're needing a helping hand with some animal jobs, pop her a message.

My Top Tips


1. EMBRACE YOUR INNER HAYNET WARRIOR.

Let’s start with a simple truth, haynets are not my favourite job. Whether you feed hay or hay ledge, and in nets, haybars, or on the floor , I will always bulk prepare my hay for the week. While I shuffle around the yard in the dark, in minus temperatures, there is no part of me that wats to deal with a hay sneeze attack and itchy fingers. I always bulk stuff my haynets for the week and I couldn't do it any other way now.


2. THE IDOLISED STABLE LIFE: YOU’RE BASICALLY LIVING THE DREAM

Let’s talk about the yard for a second. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it smells like hay and maybe a little bit of… eau de horse. But there’s something magical about being at the horses, first thing, on a crisp, winter morning. The sun is rising over the hills( if you're lucky) your horse’s warm breath is fogging up the air, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting things done while the rest of the world is still asleep.



3. Frozen Water Troughs: A Battle of Frozen Fingers

Water in winter is the bane of our existence. It is essential for our horse's, however we either get it in humongous amounts, or we get nice, thick ice to stat our mornings off.

Motivation Tip: - Always have an ice weapon nearby, when it's too thick to kick without an aching foot, I use my trusty rock.


4. WINTER RIDING: IT’S ACTUALLY PRETTY MAGICAL WHEN YOU MANAGE IT

Okay, let’s be honest here—riding in winter can be a bit of a challenge. The cold wind, the frozen ground, and your horse acting like they’re auditioning for a role in Artic Adventures , ( or The little Mermaid depending on the weeks weather) But winter rides can also be incredibly magical. I love frosty morning rides. Top Tip - Packing your horse's shoes with vaseline can help prevent snow packing in there if we ever get some!

Motivation Tip: There's no flies - enjoy it while you can.





5. Find what bedding works for your horses

Let’s not pretend bedding is cheap. It all adds up if you have your horse stabled at all over the winter months. Shavings, straw, pellets, sawdust, and probably much more. Every option as a different price point, and a different pros and cons. Don't be afraid to change things up to figure out what bedding makes your life easier!



6.hot drinks, WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH

Let’s not pretend coffee, tea, or hot chocolate isn’t a major part of your winter survival strategy. Take a minute (or five) to indulge. You earned it.

Motivation Tip: Invest in a good Thermos. Don't let the disappointment of a lukewarm tea ruin your morning.


Last but not least...


7. Spring Is Coming… (Eventually)

Let’s face it: winter feels endless sometimes. The dark mornings—it can seem like it’ll never end. But, spoiler alert: Spring is coming. Slowly, but surely. And every chilly or soggy day is one day closer to that moment when you can ride in a t-shirt again and not worry about having a slip n slide in from the field.