Training programs often are affected by cold, rainy weather or deep snow during the winter, but the primary concern when planning a wintertime workout is the footing that your horse will encounter. Although winter weather brings the environmental challenges of wind, cold rain, and cold temperatures, it is not these conditions that often prevent a scheduled workout, but the frozen or icy surface on which you must ride. The use of a covered arena, a high-speed treadmill, or a horse exerciser offers an opportunity to control the exercise environment to some extent and to gain control over the footing, no matter what Mother Nature dishes out. The Covered Arena Those who are fortunate enough to have a covered arena to protect them from winter weather still have concerns about footing.
Sand can be quite dusty and needs to be raked and watered regularly.
If wet spots are created from too much water, areas can be slick. Midway College, Midway, Ky., has two indoor arenas, one with shredded rubber footing and one with a new surface of lake sand. The instructors there have observed that the resilient nature of the shredded rubber makes a very good surface for older horses, especially those with navicular disease. It can get dusty, though, and should be watered regularly. However, riders should use caution right after the surface has been watered as it can be a bit slick.