Fall weather is wonderful! It’s cooler, crisper, and makes for great riding weather. But with this change in temp can come monsoons, wind, and even early snows.
If the weather has you stuck inside, here are a few barn-related tasks that you can complete inside to keep you busy.
Clean it Out
When the weather nips your riding plans in the bud, turn to your tack room. Clean your tack and attire. This one’s a no-brainer. Take the time to meticulously clean all of your tack—leather gear, bits, spurs, and cinches. It’s tedious, but you’ll be happy you did it when better weather arrives. Send any special show clothes to the dry cleaner, and do any mending or altering required.
This is also a great time to organize your tack. Are there things you aren’t using that you can sell or donate? Have busy summer shows turned your trailer tack room inside out? Weather that isn’t conducive to riding is a fantastic time to clean, organize, condition tack, and take inventory of your gear.
Plan and Schedule
Plan your schedule. Map out all of the show, trail rides, or clinics you want to participate in during the coming months, then budget how you’ll get there and plan what you’ll need for each event. Bonus: You’ll have something to look forward to when cabin fever gets you down.
Schedule maintenance vet appointments. Get appointments on the books now, so you get the times and dates that work best for your schedule and you don’t have to settle for what’s available when you call last minute.
Review, Learn, and Reflect
Review your favorite training and philosophy videos for a refresher course and to inspire you to set new goals. Check out Horse&Rider OnDemand for training content from the top trainers in the industry. Dust off those old training books you have, and kick up your feet while listening to your horses munch their hay in the background.
Watch yourself. You probably forgot to view those barrel runs or trail courses you had your friend record. Get them out now, and critique your rides. Use your training library to determine how to correct your mistakes and resolve any training issues.
[RELATED: CHECK OUT HORSE&RIDER ONDEMAND]
