I see alot of people who don't ride much all winter long (and often stop in the fall and don't start again until the end of spring) and ride all the time during the summer and then wonder why their horse is either not able to keep up, gets sore, or sour, etc. Its important to think about how you would feel if you had sat on your butt all year and then suddenly had someone tell you to run 3-5 times a week. While consistent exercise is best it is important to ease back into an active schedule for your horse as well.

This is a timely thought, and it's a shame that so few will consider this. If you don't plan on riding yourself in the off months then you should consider having someone else ride for you. Otherwise as you said, ease back into it in the same way as you would yourself for an exercise routine.

I'm a little surprised that people don't consider this more. After all, we would feel sore, if we were worked heavily after a long period of inactivity-why do people assume anything different for our animals?

Well, I would imagine part of the problem is that people think of horses as just regular pets. Like cats or dogs. Just there when you need them. Problem is, cats and dogs don't have to carry us around on their back. heh.

Yes, it is best to start slow in the spring and work your way up. And don't forget a good brushing and rub down at the end of the day to relax the horse and easy tension. It's the least you can do for them hauling your booty around all day.:p

You know, even a none working pet like a cat or a dog would be pretty peeved at you if it was ignored (or treated hugely differently) for six months of the year. It wouldn't want to know you when you suddenly came round to it at the end of its winter period of minimal care.

What I do is in the winter I put a few pounds in the saddle bags and once, sometimes twice a day when I'm doing the farm work I saddle my horse with the saddle bags and let her out for about half an hour. I find it keeps her muscles in shape on the days thet it's just too cold to ride. I don't put as much as my weight, though, since the cold air makes you breathe harder. I still have to ease her into it but it doesn't take as long.

I actually ride year round, and I would advise most folks to do the same.

Even if you only ride a little bit in the winter, I still consider it a very important thing to do.

Both for yourself and your horse, I think it's a good idea to get some winter riding in.

I've always been lucky to be at a barn with an indoor arena. It can get a bit cold, but technology in warm clothing has come along way. Some thin ski thermals and a thick jacket and riding gloves can make it worthwhile. I can see where many backyard boarders aren't able to ride, but so long as they don't rush into things it would be ok.

I too ride throughout the year, though I don't own the horse. The weighted saddlebags are not a bad idea, though honestly I don' think that they will do anything to help your relationship ;)