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Winter Motivation: Keep Your Horse Engaged
Smart documentation tips for winter training success
Hello Equestrian Enthusiasts,
This is Martin from Equus Note journaling app & Equilingo translation app.
First, my apologies - due to technical issues, I wasn't able to send out last week's newsletter. And yes, I know it's already Friday this week, but we're back to normal operations now and future newsletters will arrive on Thursdays as usual! And since it's Valentine's Day today - sending some extra love to all horse lovers out there!
Every Thursday, I send 3 short journaling tips for horse owners who want to document their equestrian journey.
Let's dive in? 🐴
Tracking Your Horse's Winter Motivation
Indoor arena work can become monotonous. For you and your horse. That's why winter is the perfect time to try new approaches and document what works.
Keep track of:
Responsiveness to different exercises
Interest in new activities
Reaction to other horses
Favorite and least favorite tasks
Signs of mental fatigue vs physical tiredness
Some horses love routine, others need variety to stay engaged. By documenting your horse's responses, you'll discover the perfect balance. Mix it up, write it down - tomorrow's engagement starts with today's observations.
Document Arena Footing Conditions
Indoor footing changes more than we think. Small changes can affect your horse's performance. What feels perfect in the morning might be completely different by afternoon.
Daily notes on:
Moisture levels in different spots
Areas that get deeper or harder
Temperature effects on footing
Maintenance schedule results
Your horse's movement changes
Your documentation helps identify patterns in footing conditions.
This knowledge isn't just for you - it helps everyone in the barn maintain better footing. Safe footing creates confident horses, and your observations help maintain consistent conditions.
Stable Info Basics: Horse Personality Guide
Every horse has quirks and preferences. Share this knowledge with everyone who handles your horse. These details matter most when you're not there.
Essential notes:
Approach and handling preferences
Social dynamics with other horses
Known triggers or concerns
Special treats or rewards
Unique calming techniques
Think of this as your horse's personality resume. A well-documented personality guide helps prevent misunderstandings and creates confidence in handlers. Post it clearly at the stall - because understanding leads to better care.
That's it!
Thank you for reading my newsletter.
I hope it inspires you to document your equestrian journey next week.
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Martin and the Equus Note team