Winter Essentials part 3 with guest blogger, Cassie Fraser
O&TE Ambassador Cassie here!
You would think that growing up and living in Northern Vermont would have hardened me to the brutal winters by now, but alas, I am still an absolute baby about the cold! Don’t get me wrong, I still go to the barn to do all the horsey things with and for my mare Annie who lives out 24/7, but I start wishing for spring the moment it dips below freezing. If it weren’t for my winter essentials, I have no idea how I’d make it through.
Without question, my number one winter essential is the insulated winter jumpsuit by Redingote. It’s warm as heck, waterproof, durable, and way less bulky than other traditional bibs. With all of its bells and whistles like the oversized zip-off hood, backpack straps, and multiple pockets to name a few, you can tell this jumpsuit is made by equestrians, for equestrians. It is a bit pricier than non-equestrian bibs, but I promise it is well worth the money!
Next up is Red Horse’s Artimud Antifungal Hoof Clay. With the constant changes between mud, snow, and ice, it is no wonder that horses battle thrush in the winter. This is my go-to product for treating thrush because, unlike most thrush treatments that are liquid or even powder, Artimud is a clay that spreads cream cheese so it stays in all of those nooks and crannies, is made of all naturally occurring ingredients, and straight up works.
Whether I am at the barn or not, there is a pretty good chance I will be wearing The Jade by Everyday Equestrian at some point during the day! It’s so freaking cozy with the quarter-zip + hood combo and zippered pockets to make sure you don’t lose anything. It also somehow resists getting hay stuck to it - truly an equestrian miracle. And make sure to use code “ANNIE10” at checkout for 10% off your order! (Does not apply to pre-orders.)
My next winter essential that both Annie and I love is the RevitaVet Poll Cap. Full transparency - this one is a year-round essential but I use it most consistently during the winter months! The Poll Cap is a wearable, hands-free, AA battery-operated red light therapy device that targets the horse’s TMJs, frontal sinuses, and first and second vertebra. It has a built-in, automatic timer that runs the cap for 30 minutes - the perfect amount of time to groom and tack up your horse! Annie has a history of discomfort in her TMJs and regular use of the Poll Cap has absolutely helped to relieve and prevent that discomfort. You can save 15% off all of RevitaVet’s red light therapy products including the Poll Cap by using code “Positive Pony”.
I would not survive winter without my Dryshod Arctic Storm winter boots! Over the years I’ve been through a few different brands of muck boots and now that I have tried Dryshod, there is no way in heck I’d wear anything else. The Arctic winter boots are durable as heck (I’m on year three of heavy use and they still look nearly new), have amazing tread, and my feet literally steam when they come out of them no matter how cold it is outside. They also don’t rub the back of your heel or calf like so many other muck boot brands do.
Last but absolutely not least, my OM & The Equestrian yoga membership! I love that there are a variety of classes in the online library that allow me to get my daily movement in no matter how cold and dark it is outside. From shorter bite-sized classes that I can squeeze in on my lunch break to the pilates-inspired classes to work up a sweat to the night check flows to stretch out at the end of the day, there is something for everyone. And memberships include access to the live classes which have become a staple in my weekly routine! Be sure to use code “OMANNIE15” at checkout to save 10% off your membership!
After years of trial and error (okay, and a lot of money, too!) I guarantee that my winter essential picks won’t just help you survive the cold weather, they will help both you and your horse thrive! And if you want to follow my equestrian journey, feel free to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, or check out my website!