Equestrians, How Do We Beat Those January Blues?

Well it’s a day I didn’t think we’d ever get to…the last day of January! Hasn’t this just been the longest month ever? Any other horse owners out there had a touch of the January Blues?

We’re in Hertfordshire and I know we’ve had it easy with the weather in comparison to lots of people. However the endless rain has felt pretty relentless, the skies are constantly grey, the month has involved several high wind storms as well as a week of heavy frosts and freezing temperatures which left us without water. Always extra fun when you have a horse that has to have soaked hay. Don’t even get me started on the mud in my horse’s field. I can barely get through one of his gateways which appears to have completely sunk this winter and I have no idea why or how to fix it but I do know that’ll have to wait until summer. Is it any wonder that us equestrian’s are feeling a tad fed up. When others are at home enjoying a hot drink and bacon sandwich on a weekend morning we are up and out breaking the ice, mucking out and all whilst it’s still dark. How have you found this January – has anything caused you extra stress with the horses this month?

But whilst its good to moan there is also still plenty to be grateful for. Here are a few glimmers of hope I have clung on to…

• The evenings are getting a tiny bit lighter. That means to I don’t have to struggle to soak my haynets in the dark as we don’t have any lighting that side of the yard. On a good day I can get to the yard after work and its still daylight.
• I’ve had a good sort out and sold some of my horsey gear I no longer need which has helped with how poor i’ve been in January after paying off all those Christmas bills.
• I have booked a trainer to come and help me with my youngster. When he returned from backing he was proving a bit tricky so I turned him away to give his brain and body a break. After some research I have found someone new to help us so we can are going to give that a go and see how he responds. It’s this weekend so I am nervous but you can only try!
• I’ve spent some nice time inside the stables with my horses out of the rain giving them a good pamper session and everyone has seemed to enjoy themselves. Lovely bonding time without any pressure. Especially needed with the baby pony.
• My Equidry has been a life saver. Whilst i’m sad to say we don’t stock them here at The Horse Diva, it really has kept me both warm and dry and I would be crying daily without it. Its longer length also means I can pop out of the office to go and grab the horses in without worrying about my work attire getting trashed or covered in mud. I know they are expensive but its well worth saving up for if you suffer in the cold like I do.
• I love my Woof Wear Winter Yard Gloves. These have saved my hands during the coldest temperatures. They have grippy palms which help you get hold of those blocks of ice on the water buts! The thermal lining has kept my hands warm even when its been minus 6 and the waterproof coating really does work. What’s more is they are a total bargain as so many equestrian waterproof gloves are mega bucks. Its no surprise we have sold out but keep an eye on the site because we have more stock arriving very soon. You can always message us to pre order a pair.
• I have been especially grateful for the two (maybe 2 and a half) sunny days we have actually had this month. I’ve been sure to spend time outside with the horses and dogs and it reminded me how lovely it is to be living this lifestyle during the warmer months!