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HI Spy: What is Your Favorite Thing about Winter

Horse owners and riders don’t typically look forward to winter. For most of the United States, winter is inhospitable to riding and working in the barn.



But enough negativity! Even if you don’t have a heated indoor arena or a ticket to the winter show circuit in Florida, surely there’s something you look forward to in winter. Your horse looks cute when his fuzzy winter coat grows in. The trails are peaceful and free of flies. When the ground is frozen, your horse can’t get himself caked in mud every day. You just bought a new, bright pink blanket and you can’t wait to see how it looks on your horse against a snowy backdrop. Or maybe you just enjoy spending a long, chilly morning working at the barn followed by a cozy afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate and the latest issue of Horse Illustrated.



Let’s think positive this year. As you pack away your show clothes, fly spray and lightweight riding clothes, what are you looking forward to this winter? Share your response by clicking “Submit a Comment” below. Some of the best responses may appear in a future issue of Horse Illustrated.

See all HI Spy Questions >>

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  • I love seeing horses out in the snow.It's so beautiful! Plus I love to run my fingers through my horse's fluffy winter coat. He's like a giant teddy bear!

  • The thing I'm most looking forward to about this winter is having a healthy horse! Our horse Jack had a horrible winter last year battling various joint and hoof ailments. Although his navicular disease and arthritis are still there, his shoes and supplements are helping him so he's very comfortable now. If he stays healthy this year, you better believe that the cold won't phase us a bit.
    Jack came from the south, so he is always amazed to watch snow fall. I also love how adorable he is in his blankets and how toasty warm he gets. A good roll in the snow is always fun to watch too, and so is snuggling in the barn on cold winter nights!

  • Despite the bitter cold of winter, I look forward to riding my horse through the snowy trails. I love listening to the crunch her hooves make as she steps down onto the snow and watching the icy trees go by as we tread through a winter wonderland.

  • This is going to be mine and my horse's 1st winter in snow! I am originally from Southern California and I have moved up to Utah for college. I am excited to see what my horse will do in the snow, because I don't know if she has ever seen snow!!

  • I love winter because I can ride without the horses getting so sweaty! It is also a good time to try some more daring stunts that might hurt more when falling off....Snow is an excellent cushion for the behind..granted it is cold, and wet!!

  • I LOVE WINTER!!!! My horse is always a fuzzy woolly mammoth, the horses are always more spirited and willing to work. The farm looking like a winter wonderland after a fresh snow. Most of all BAREBACK!!! I love winter.

  • After the initial shock of the change in temperature, I tend to like ol' man winter. Especially after we get a heavy snowfall and get a snow day, or in other words, an entire day to spend with my horse in the freshly fallen snow.

  • i love winter anyways but the one thing that i absolutley enjoy about winter is the snow. the is something that makes winter fun! like when i was a kid i would love going outside and just laying in the snow and letting it fall into my jacket, and on my face. or like riding through the snow. thats like the awesomest thing too because the snow under the horses hooves looks so majical! =)

  • I am not a big fan of winter, but I do love the fuzzy horse coats, riding in the snow, taking it easy, getting ready for the next show season. I also love riding in the Christmas parade with my barn buddies. This will be my first winter while boarding my horse so I am really excited for it!

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