Winter-Proofing Your Outdoor Riding Pen

Practical footing, drainage, lighting, and horse-care moves that keep you riding when temps drop.

1) Know Your Winter Risks

• Freeze–thaw swings: Can create hard spots and slick patches—walk the pen daily and mark trouble zones.
• Snow & hidden ice: Compaction turns to ice; remove early and often.
• Short daylight: Add lighting to extend safe, visible hours.
• Horse comfort: Adjust warm-up/cool-down, consider quarter sheets, and keep shelter accessible.

2) Site & Surface That Work in Winter

• Location: Favor natural fall and wind protection if you have it.
• Footing recipe: Prioritize drainage and grip. Many barns rely on well-graded sand blends; avoid adding salts to footing (corrosion, hoof/skin concerns).

3) Drainage That Doesn’t Quit

• Design: Crown or gentle slope to get water off the track line.
• Maintenance: Clear edges, swales, and drains after every storm; keep water moving.

4) Snow & Ice Management

• Removal: Push snow off in lifts to avoid compacting layers into ice; use equipment that won’t tear your base.
• De-icers: If absolutely needed on approaches only, choose horse- and hardware-friendly options; keep chemical use off riding lines.

5) Covers & Lighting

• Temporary covers: Windbreaks/tarps can reduce drift but must not trap water; never block drainage.
• LED layout: Even, glare-free light from multiple angles to avoid spooking shadows.

6) Surface Care in the Cold

• Groom more, not deeper: Light passes to level; don’t churn a frozen base.
• Ride plan: If the pen sets up like concrete, switch to groundwork or conditioning days.

7) Horse Management

• Warm-up & cool-down: Extend both; add hand-walking and easy bending before you ask for work.
• Health checks: Watch for shivering, tight gaits, or reluctance—adjust workload accordingly.

8) Be Ready for Weather Swings

• Storm plan: Staging areas, grit for walkways, and charged lights.
• First-aid: Stock horse & human kits; align staff/riders on emergency steps.