Staying Motivated during Chicago's deep freezes

Winter weather has hit Chicago hard and fast this year! The Old Farmers Almanac is predicting a colder than average winter this year. As if it doesn't get cold enough in Chicago land!

Depending on your stabling situation this deep cold may mean lots of time out of the saddle and when you do get time to ride nice long warm-up and cool down sessions with lots of walk breaks. The icy cold weather can be quite hard on our beloved horses.

Keeping up rider motivation during these cold months can be difficult, sometimes the lure of a hot cup of tea and a good book can be very tempting. Well, why not make that good book one that can enhance your riding knowledge? We all know that during show season we are incredibly busy and have little down time. So take advantage of this cold weather and cuddle up with that hot tea and a good training book or video. There is always more to learn in this sport!

Here are a couple of my well read favorites:

• Hunter Seat Equitation by George Morris
• Reflections on Riding and Jumping: Winning Techniques for Serious Riders by William Steinkraus
• Judging Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation by Anna Jane- White Mullin
• Training the Modern Jumper (book and DVD) by Elmar Pollman- Schweckhorst
• Riding Through by Debbie McDonald

 If you need some great ideas for some simple and well thought out exercises for the days that you do get in the saddle there is 101 Jumping Exercises for Horse and Rider and don't forget 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider. Both have excellent exercises that can be used by any discipline for a variety of fun and different exercises.

There are also a variety of websites with great videos to choose from:

• Equestrian Coach.com
• Showjumper Clinic.com

Those are 2 of my favorites and I have never been disappointed!  So, if you did not get to attend the George Morris clinic this November you can do your own private video clinic with George Morris. A great way to spend a chilly winter afternoon with your riding buddies and planning for the upcoming show season!

Don't forget to check our website, Chicago Equestrian, for the great articles on Chicago area riders and all the up to date news and show calendars. Oh, and some great links on the side bar for shopping too!


Stay warm!