Winter Mobility: Keep Your Horse Looser, Happier, and Healthier Through the Cold Months

When the temperature drops, many horses move less — they stand in their stable more, stand at the field gate waiting to come in, and so their muscles can tighten, and joints can feel a little creaky.
But winter doesn’t have to mean losing strength, suppleness, or progress.

With a few intentional daily habits, you can help your horse stay loose, comfortable, and happy all season long 🌿

Why Mobility Matters More in Winter

When your horse moves less, circulation slows down, muscles cool quicker, and stiffness creeps in — across the whole body and limbs.
It’s not just about comfort levels either.

Good mobility supports:

• Healthy joints and tendons

• Efficient digestion

• Better posture and balance

• Emotional calm and connection

Movement is medicine — and a little goes a long way.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Horse Moving

You don’t need perfect weather or a long arena session to keep your horse supple this winter. Try adding in:

💡 In-hand walks — around the yard, up gentle slopes, or over poles for 5–10 minutes.
💡 Core activation before turnout or grooming — small stretches and gentle bends wake up the body.
💡 Mini stable routines — backing up a few steps, shifting weight, or gentle belly lifts to engage the core.
💡 Polework on dry days — a few raised poles to lift through the back and improve coordination.

Even short sessions — done regularly — make a big difference.

Who This Helps Most

This “keep everything moving” approach is ideal for any horse, but especially valuable for:

🐴 Senior horses – gentle daily movement supports joint lubrication, helps maintain muscle tone, and keeps stiffness at bay.

🩹 Horses in rehab – consistent, low-intensity movement aids circulation, supports tissue healing, and prevents compensatory tension.

🏠 Horses stabled more than usual – stable-based and in-hand exercises break up long periods of standing still, helping digestion, circulation, and mental wellbeing.

Each of these situations benefits from thoughtful, steady movement that keeps the whole body — and mind — engaged.

Tune In and Notice Changes

Winter is also a great time to sharpen your eye.
Notice how your horse moves before and after these short sessions:

• Are they stepping under more freely?

• Do they soften their topline quicker?

• Does their back feel warmer and looser to the touch?

These are small signs of a healthy, mobile body — and proof your efforts are paying off.

Ready to Keep Progressing?

If you’d like structured support to keep your horse strong and supple this winter:

• 🟢 Core Exercises Course — foundational daily exercises to build strength and posture - CLICK HERE

• 🟣 Exercise Bundle — Polework + Lunging Courses to keep things varied and fun - CLICK HERE

• 🔵 In-Hand Exercises Course — full step-by-step system to develop lateral suppleness and balance from the ground - CLICK HERE

📖 Read ALL full course details here: CLICK FOR COURSES PAGE