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It is just fun to have a horse in the summer, don't you think? So let us take a quick moment to enjoy and appreciate this special time of the year. When the darkness and cold is gone and it is time for t-shirts, sweaty training, no horse blankets and a lot less rain - hopefully. These are just a few of the many great things about spending time with horses in the summer.
Are you also one of those who feel that in the winter it takes at least 30 minutes longer to do anything horse related? Simply because it takes so much longer to groom the horse? Then you can rejoice that summer is here. One of the best things about having a horse in the summer is that you can clean it in no time.
The light! You no longer have to look at the time to consider whether you can make a lightning-fast ride before dark. When you have a horse in the summer, you no longer have the feeling like you are visiting your horse at night. And not to forget – you can let go of any kind of reflexes for yourself and the four-legged. As supposed to all the gear you have to wear in the winter to just walk 20 minutes to the nearest indoor arena.
With lots of field time and a full summer-belly, the horse is usually a lot calmer to deal with in the summer than it is in the winter. Something you are often reminded when you mount your frost-fresh horse in -5 degrees celcius. So, you should proberbly enjoy it while it lasts – in a few months he will be totally perky again.
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Let us just be honest: it is sooo expensive to have a horse. Which is why it is liberating that you can save a little money on feed during the summer. Most horses are out 24/7 in the summer and do well with grass and possibly a little supplementary feed for large parts of the summer. Then you can save up in order to spoil your horse a little extra in the winter.
Another huge advantage is that if your horse is in the field that much, you will not have to muck out. The downside is that it will feel really hard to get started again in September-October. But let us not go there now. When your horse comes back inside you will just have to think of it as psysical training to tone your muscles. They have more than likely evaporated, and your arms have become completely relaxed. So, do yourself a favor and enjoy the summer break for as long as it lasts!
Thick jackets and a double layer of riding socks are fortunately a thing of the past with summer all around us. In other words, it is pretty amazing that for the most part – you can ride in a t-shirt without freezing. Plus, you do not need any outerwear other than maybe a thin sweater or a light jacket on the windy days.
When summer is here, fortunately you do not have to worry about a dusty indoor arena. And think about the horse being a little too fresh when ride outdoors. The summer season means that you are already used to training outside. In fact, you would proberbly very much like to stay outside if you can. Unless it starts pouring down. For all of us who are used to riding outside all year round, the big advantage is of course that it is now also a pleasure to be there.
Another wonderful thing is that even for just a few months we do not have to worry about mud. Of course, it might rain a bit, but for sure it is more fun to go get your horse form the paddock in the summer than it is in 20-40 cm of mud in the winter. The reduced amount of mud usually also means fewer lost shoes, fewer mucus attacks and less ruined frog in the summer.
The absolute cutest thing in the summer is the many dear foals you see running around in the green fields. There is nothing more life-affirming than a little cop struggling to get to terms with his four long legs, right?
If we take the corona out of the equation, then there is also nothing better than all the lovely outdoor events that take place when you have a horse in the summer. Riding camps, riding holidays and outdoor competitions are just the best. Getting excited? Let us cross our fingers that the summer of 2021 will enable us to enjoy as many wonderful things with our horses as possible.
Of course, summer also has its downsides. But seriously – let us not worry about that now. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the sun, the light and the time you get to spend with your horse.
