SmartPaker Katrina's Top Winter Must Haves

Winter Weather, No Thanks!

Winter is my least favorite season, simply because of the cold weather. Some winters we never see the snow and those are winters are great. It’s not even the snow that I don’t like, I do love sledding, but it’s the bitter cold that often comes with a snowy winter.

Admittedly, I go to the barn way less in the winter, again because of the cold. However, when I do go, I am overly bundled. Cue my favorite products for winter, which is a combination of keeping myself and horse bundled, and my horse well cared for.

When Temps Drop, Layer Up

I can tell you that if it is less than 40 degrees, I am not going to the barn without many layers. First and foremost, a toasty pair of socks is a must have! I survive with the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks, they fit perfectly under my regular all-season Justin boots. Oddly enough, for someone who doesn’t love the cold, I cannot wear winter riding boots because they just don’t work for me. Instead, these socks are perfect to pair with my regular riding boots while keeping me warm in the winter.

On top of my winter layers, my outer layer is the Ariat Zonal Jacket. I have had several Ariat winter jackets, and Ariat is my go-to brand for a winter riding coat. I love this coat because it is warm but not heavy – it’s prefect for riding.

Don't Forget Finn!

My horse Finn, isn't too much of an outdoorsman when it snows. After about 30 minutes he stands at the gate to come in, so I don’t have to worry too much about what he is wearing in turnout as far as durability goes. Finn is pretty thin skinned, though, and doesn’t get a very thick winter coat, so I have a wide range of blankets for him to ensure he's warm.

For the majority of the winter he wears the Rhino® SmartPak Collection Wug Turnout Blanket. I love this blanket because it fits him well – he is a broad shouldered and has a long back. I usually buy an 82 for the length and sometimes that means that the blanket is too big through the chest. Not the Rhino® SmartPak Collection Wug Turnout Blanket, it fits perfectly through the chest because of the closure and fit around the neck. On the coldest days, Finn has the Rambo® Supreme 1680D Turnout Blanket which I would put on my bed if it wasn’t weird to do that. It is so incredibly warm, you’ll want to curl up in it and read a book. Luckily we haven’t had to use it too much in the past few years, but it is great quality and durable.

Skin and Coat Solutions

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite topical products for winter (and summer!). For topical products during the winter I have the Effol® Regrowth Serum which I use on Finn’s very thin forelock. After being braided many times throughout the show season, I find his forelock to be even more sparse in the winter and in need of some rehab. It works wonders! I also use the EQyss® Avocado Mist for Finn’s tail in the winter to keep it from drying out.

For winter hoof care, I have been a long time fan of the Farriers' Fix Hoof Oil that my farrier recommended many years ago, I use on the outside of his hooves as a conditioner and protectant. For the frog of his foot I use the Stubben 3-in-1 Frog Care Spray to treat and prevent thrush which Finn is prone to, especially in the winter.

Sharing my top products for Winter makes me feel the need to start a countdown until Spring! I miss riding in the warm and sunny weather – the smell of bug spray, shampoo and show sheen. While it feels like we’re in the thick of winter right now, Spring is just around the corner! Hang in there my fellow winter riders.