Cold Weather Warm-Up Tips for Horses

Winter riding brings its own set of challenges—chief among them is keeping your horse’s muscles warm and ready for activity. In cold temperatures, muscles contract more easily and can be prone to stiffness or strain. Warming up your horse properly is essential to protecting their mobility, comfort, and performance.

Why Cold Weather Affects Muscles

Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict and muscles to tighten. If a horse begins working with cold, tight muscles, it increases the risk of strain or soreness. A proper warm-up boosts circulation and prepares the body for movement.

Effective Cold-Weather Warm-Up Strategies

1. Start with Hand-Walking

Begin with 5–10 minutes of hand-walking or light movement to gradually elevate the heart rate and increase circulation before tacking up.

2. Apply Draw It Out® Liniment

Use Draw It Out® Liniment before a ride to help loosen stiff muscles and stimulate blood flow. It’s ideal for cold conditions and safe to use under saddle pads and leg wraps.

3. Stretching and Lunging

Incorporate slow, controlled movements—like stretches and gentle lunging—to further loosen muscles. Focus on flexibility over intensity in the cold.

4. Dress Warm, but Don't Overheat

Keep your horse’s body warm with a quarter sheet during warm-up rides. However, be mindful not to overheat, as sweating in freezing temps can chill your horse quickly.

5. Extend the Warm-Up Period

Allow more time for warm-ups in winter than you would in warm weather. This protects your horse’s joints and muscles from injury and discomfort.

Cold weather shouldn’t sideline your riding goals. By taking extra care with warm-ups and using supportive products like Draw It Out®, you can help your horse stay strong, sound, and ready to ride all season long.