As the colder months settle in, many horse owners reduce or even pause training, but winter can actually be a critical time to work with your horse. Winter maintenance training ensures that horses stay in peak physical and mental condition, and it prevents setbacks that often come with seasonal downtime. At Rocking Speer Ranch, we know that consistent training makes all the difference in the longevity, fitness, and responsiveness of your horse—whether they’re an experienced performer or a young colt just starting out. As Central Missouri's only Josh Lyons Certified and Accredited Trainer, we’re here to help you make the most of winter training.
Why Winter Maintenance Training Matters
Winter can slow things down naturally, as colder weather and shorter days limit time in the saddle. Yet, a horse’s skills, fitness, and mental sharpness can dull if they’re out of consistent work for months at a time. Maintenance training helps prevent these setbacks by reinforcing your horse’s responsiveness, physical conditioning, and readiness for the active season ahead. With regular training, your horse will be better prepared to take on spring and summer activities without needing a major adjustment period.
What Does Winter Maintenance Training Include?
Our winter maintenance training covers everything from groundwork to advanced under-saddle skills. Below is a breakdown of what we focus on to keep your horse conditioned and mentally engaged:
Groundwork
Groundwork remains the foundation of our program, and winter is an ideal time to revisit these fundamentals:
Responding to Pressure: We reinforce cues for moving the front end, disengaging the hind end, backing up, and moving forward—all essential skills for control and respect.
Lunging with Cues: Ensuring your horse lunges consistently in both directions, stops on cue, and respects personal space during handling.
Saddling Practice: Routine saddling practice keeps your horse comfortable and prevents bad habits or resistance from developing over time.
Under-Saddle Work
Winter maintenance also involves keeping your horse “tuned up” under saddle. This includes:
Reinforcement of Basic Commands: Regular practice of walk, trot, and canter cues helps keep your horse responsive, balanced, and attentive to their rider.
Stop and Back Commands: Working on clean stops and backing ensures that your horse maintains sensitivity and control, even after periods of lower activity.
Tailored Training for Your Horse's Needs
Winter is also an excellent time to work on any specialized skills or areas where your horse may need additional reinforcement. Whether it’s colt starting, finishing work, or specific techniques for barrel and pole training, we’ll create a tailored plan that keeps your horse engaged and progressing throughout the season. At Rocking Speer Ranch, we use a reining foundation in all our training, giving your horse a versatile and reliable base for any discipline.
Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down
Winter training at Rocking Speer Ranch isn’t just about preventing regression; it’s about building a stronger foundation that will make your horse more confident and responsive when spring arrives. Our maintenance programs ensure that your horse stays in prime condition, both physically and mentally, throughout the colder months.
Book a winter training session today, and let us help keep your horse’s skills, fitness, and focus intact all year long. Whether your goal is competition readiness or simply maintaining a steady partnership, we’re here to keep your horse at their best.
Comments