Preparing and Warming Up Your Horse in Winter ❄️💪
Let's face it: temperatures are dropping, winter is settling in, and the same question comes up every year in the yard: how do you properly prepare your horse in cold weather and help him relax before a training session?
As riders, we know just how essential this step is to ensure our partner's comfort, performance and wellbeing.
Here are our OHLALA tips for a thorough, effective grooming session that keeps your horse's wellbeing at heart 😉
1. Grooming: an essential step for a horse ready to work
Before getting on your horse, it's essential to make sure they're feeling their best 🔥 Many non-riders are still surprised by how much time we spend grooming before even putting a foot in the stirrup… and yet, grooming is so much more than just cleaning ✨
It's a special moment — a gentle transition between rest and work, and above all an opportunity to:
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check for any injuries or sensitive areas,
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stimulate the muscles after a night in the stable or time at pasture,
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improve blood circulation,
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strengthen the horse–rider connection.
So let's roll up our sleeves, get out the grooming kit and enjoy this moment — just the two of you 🥰
2. The essentials for a great grooming session
For a complete and effective grooming session, here are our essential picks:
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Hoof pick – shop it
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A curry comb — preferably an American-style one this time of year – I'm getting one
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A multi-function brush - your new everyday essential
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Detangler – I need some
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A body brush - the essential
- Stain remover for greys or white markings - discover them
These products let you clean, massage, stimulate and smooth the coat while respecting your horse's skin.
3. How to properly prepare the back and topline?
During the preparatory grooming session, pay particular attention to:
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the back,
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the withers,
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the loins.
Use large, slow, circular movements: these gestures help to warm the muscles, release tension and prepare the entire topline for work.
🔥 Wellbeing bonus
If your yard has a solarium: a grooming session under the solarium for 15 minutes offers unbeatable relaxation — gentle warmth, supple muscles, improved circulation… a real winter bonus.
You can also opt for our Back on Track back warmers 🤩 or the Equilibrium massage pad 🥰
Psst, you can also give them a massage with a warming product 🔥 and if you'd like to learn the basics of massage, it's right here 👈
4. Don't skip the warm-up: walk before you work
Make sure to let your horse relax at walk before starting your session. Ideally, walk for at least 10 minutes — first in hand if possible, then finishing on horseback 😉
5. And now… time to ride!
Once grooming is done, muscles warmed up and mind at ease — all that's left is to enjoy your ride 🤩
Your horse is ready, relaxed, focused… and don't forget to warm yourself up too 😉
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