Being an equestrian in winter can be tough, and it’s important to make sure we look after ourselves as well as our horses. Looking for some inspiration? Then look no further! I have come up with 10 things you can do to boost your wellbeing, as well as ideas for how you can squeeze them into your busy life!

1. Practice yoga

Yoga has improved my life so much that it had to be my first wellness tip for equestrians. But don’t just take my word for it. The World Health Organization’s regional director for South East Asia says “yoga is a powerful tool… to improve not only physical but also mental health, and to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases”. The NHS also acknowledges the benefits, saying there’s evidence that “regular yoga practice helps people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains (including lower back pain), depression and stress.”

Tip: Remember that anyone can do yoga, and you don’t need to wait for friends or rely on expensive equipment. You can practice online, at a studio, or by yourself. Try to find a time that works for you on a regular basis so you stick at it. (And in winter make sure to warm up properly).

2. Ride in the rain

It may not be for everyone, but I really enjoy riding in the rain: it’s refreshing, therapeutic and liberating, and if you’re wearing the appropriate clothes, not at all cold or miserable. And it seems I’m not entirely crazy. While many of us reportedly enjoy the smell of rain or “petrichor”, research from the University of Arizona has suggested the smell of desert rain may be good for our health and happiness because of the oils and chemicals released by plants. An MIT study in 2015 also said rain may be effective in cleaning the atmosphere. Plus, there are usually fewer people out and about (at least in England), so you can enjoy some quiet time with your horse.

Tip: Make sure you wear a good rain coat and lots of layers so you stay warm and dry.

Research in 2013 showed that those who read books regularly are on average happier and more satisfied with life.

3. Read

As busy equestrians we might feel like we have very little time and energy to read, but trust me, it’s really worth trying to squeeze in. I find that reading boosts my general knowledge and helps me to feel independent, while it also allows me to switch off, relax and indulge in some quiet escapism (curling up with a book when it’s raining or cold outside is even better). Reportedly a 2009 study found that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress by up to 68%. Research commissioned by UK reading charity BookTrust in 2013 also found that those who read books regularly are on average happier and more satisfied with life.

Tip: If you’re too tired, don’t force yourself to read before bed. Perhaps you could read with breakfast or over lunch? Or by a cosy fire in the evenings? And if you must, read a book about horses!

4. Try forest bathing

If you haven’t heard of it already, “forest bathing” is a concept from Japan. It’s believed to help boost our wellbeing and basically involves mindfully spending time in nature — taking it all in through your senses. As horse people, we have plenty of opportunities to do this. In winter, you could try spending an extra few minutes noticing things like the freshness in the air; the smell of the plants (or mud); the changing colours of the leaves/brightness of the snow, and the sounds of the birds or nearby water. It’s also the perfect time of year for seeing the sunrise or sunset (we might as well make the most of the shorter days).

Tip: Why not try forest bathing when turning the horses out or bringing them in, when walking the dog (if you have one) or simply when hacking out?

5. Be creative

I’ve recently found myself in a peaceful and positive frame of mind while cooking different recipes in the kitchen or drawing magical lands with my nieces. Well, it turns out that being creative is actually very beneficial for our wellbeing. Not only is it said to be a basis of human life, but creative activities are reported to reduce stress and anxiety and lessen the negative feelings felt by people who’ve experienced trauma.

Tip: Try to be creative in everyday life so you don’t need to take extra time out of your busy schedule. Maybe bake or paint with your children? Dance around the kitchen? Do your horse’s mane and tail in some new plaits?

Creative activities are said to reduce stress and anxiety.

6. Ride with friends

We all love to spend time with our closest friends, but did you know that friendships are actually important to your health and wellbeing? According to the Mayo Clinic, not only do they increase our sense of belonging, raise happiness and reduce stress, but they also improve feelings of self-confidence, help us deal with trauma and discourage us from having unhealthy habits. And although I enjoy being alone, I can’t deny there is something special about riding with friends; be it on a Saturday morning hack, when riding a youngster, going to a camp, or even in a lesson.

Tip: Keep your friends close and your riding friends just as close! Especially in winter, they might have a spare pair of gloves or offer some moral support on a windy competition day.

7. Listen to podcasts

Much like reading, I really enjoy listening to podcasts because I get to learn, switch off from my life and feel inspired at the same time. What’s also cool about podcasts is that they’re much shorter than a book and you can listen while you’re doing other things. There are tons out there to choose from, but I like some of the BBC podcasts like Woman’s Hour (topical conversations with a female focus) and Life Changing (stories about people who’ve lived through extraordinary events). There are also plenty of horsey shows featuring trainers, riders and other equine experts.

Tip: Put a podcast on while you’re cooking, tidying up, walking or even mucking out. Just don’t drop your phone in the horse’s water or on the floor where they can stand on it (both have happened to me).

8. Go for a massage

I would strongly recommend spoiling yourself with a massage or two this winter. Massage therapy has been used throughout history to relieve pain, and according to the Mayo Clinic, it can also reduce stress, increase relaxation, ease tension, improve circulation and and boost immune function. In winter, massages might be more beneficial, since they’re said to help lift your mood and hydrate your skin.

Tip: If you go to a health club for your massage, you could even add a bit of spa or swim time? Keep your eyes peeled for winter spa offers.

9. Stop rushing

Reportedly, some people these days can actually experience “hurry sickness”, not a medical condition, but a tendency to be constantly in a rush and feel anxious to get things done. For busy equestrians it can be easy to fall into the trap of rushing around our horses, maybe because we work with them and have so many to ride/train or because we are trying to balance our hobby with family, work and house chores. And so, another wellness tip is to stop rushing, relax around your horse(s) and maybe even take an extra five minutes to groom them, watch with them in the field or do some groundwork. My bet is that you’ll feel happier and get more out of your horse too.

Tip: Aim to leave the house 10 earlier!

10. Book yourself a holiday

Research shows booking and planning a holiday can boost our happiness.

Lastly, I would recommend booking yourself a holiday for 2023 and giving yourself something to look forward to! According to research from Booking.com, some of us think of planning and going away on holiday as more important for our happiness than big life events such as our wedding day, landing a new job and even having a baby! And with the colder weather and shorter days, it’s the perfect time for a happiness injection. Not only might we be vulnerable to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at this time of year — known as “the winter depression” — but women are apparently three times more likely to be affected by this than men.

Tip: Make a bucket list of places you’d really like to see, and try to go to one of those.

So, there you have it – all the proof you need that the things we love and find relaxing are important to our wellbeing, especially in winter. Need advice on finding and preparing for a riding adventure? Click here for my five-step guide.

10 Winter Wellness Tips For Busy Equestrians