Seven reminders to help you feel better about your horse time & not overwhelmed by the constant wet weather.
Rain, mud, and endless grey skies can leave even the most dedicated equestrians feeling overwhelmed. When every ride feels like a battle against the elements and stable chores become twice as hard, it’s easy to feel anxious and frustrated. But instead of letting the wet weather drain your energy, here are 7 reminders to help you regulate your mindset, reduce stress, and make the most of your time with your horse – rain or shine.
1. Solve the Small Problems First
When everything feels like a struggle—wet tack, soggy arenas, and a horse that’s extra fresh—try focusing on the little things first. Instead of worrying about the entire season ahead, take small steps to ease the immediate burden. Are your horse’s hooves packed with mud? Clean them and apply a water-repellent dressing. Is your riding gear grubby? Find a quiet spot and settle in for some cleaning. Addressing minor inconveniences can help you feel more in control and reduce anxiety about the bigger challenges ahead.
2. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Horse care is demanding on a good day, and wet weather only adds to the workload. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Share barn chores with fellow riders, arrange a horse care schedule, or consider hiring extra assistance for the season. Accepting support doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it means you’re prioritising your well-being so you can be the best version of yourself for your horse. Remember, tired and stressed riders aren’t as effective, and your horse benefits when you’re feeling regulated and balanced.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t control the weather, but you can control your response to it. Instead of fixating on what’s out of your hands (endless rain, muddy paddocks, or cancelled shows), shift your focus to what you can manage. Adjust your riding schedule, explore groundwork exercises, or find a local indoor for some undercover riding. By choosing to work with the conditions rather than against them, you’ll feel more empowered and less frustrated by circumstances beyond your control.
4. Your Horse Feeds Off Your Energy
Horses are incredibly attuned to our emotions. If you’re feeling anxious or frustrated about the weather, your horse will pick up on that tension. Consider taking a step back and focusing on connection-based activities. Grooming, liberty work, or even a relaxed hand-walk can strengthen your bond without the added stress of poor weather conditions. Regulating your own emotions helps create a sense of calm and reassurance for your horse, making them more relaxed and cooperative.
5. Adjust Expectations and Find Joy in Small Wins
It’s easy to get caught up in feeling “behind” when weather conditions derail your training plans. But progress doesn’t always come in big, obvious steps—sometimes, it’s in the small, daily habits that build trust and consistency. Instead of measuring success by how much you ride or how many shows you get to, celebrate other victories: a well-mannered ground session, improved responsiveness in-hand, or simply keeping your horse comfortable and happy through the wet season. By adjusting your expectations, you’ll find more joy in your daily interactions with your horse.
6. Set Boundaries to Reduce Overwhelm
Feeling pressured to ride even when the conditions aren’t ideal? It’s okay to set boundaries that prioritise both your safety and your mental well-being. If riding in deep mud makes you nervous, give yourself permission to take a break or find alternative exercises. If barn responsibilities are piling up, communicate with your barnmates, parents or trainer to adjust expectations. Boundaries aren’t about avoiding challenges; they’re about recognising when something is becoming detrimental to your well-being and making choices that support long-term sustainability in your equestrian journey.
7. Find a Silver Lining in the Season
While wet weather can feel like an obstacle, it can also be an opportunity. Maybe this is the season to focus on groundwork and develop a deeper understanding of their body language. Perhaps it’s the perfect time to organise your tack room, update your training goals, or simply slow down and enjoy quiet moments with your horse.
By reframing the season as a time for different kinds of progress, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling purposeful and intentional.
Constant wet weather can test even the most patient horse owners, but you don’t have to let it drain your energy or enjoyment. By shifting your mindset, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on what you can control, you can navigate the season with more ease and less stress. Your horse doesn’t care about perfect conditions—they care about the time and connection they share with you. So take a deep breath, embrace the season for what it is, and remember that you’re not alone in this.
With love and blessings,
Hiddyx😘
