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Looking for tips for wet winter weather? When the yard turns into a mud bath, your gear needs to be as tough as it is stylish.
1. The Golden Rule of Drying
Never be tempted to dry wet boots in front of a fire or next to a radiator. This can cause the leather to shrink and crack. Instead, let them dry naturally in a room with a consistent temperature. Stuffing them with newspaper will help maintain their shape and absorb internal moisture.
2. Clean Before You Condition
To keep your boots looking good even in the deepest mud, you must remove grease, dirt, and sweat, which cause leather to split.
Step 1: Brush off as much dry mud as possible.
Step 2: Use a damp cloth for stubborn dirt. Saddle soap and warm water work perfectly here.
Step 3: Once cleaned, let them dry completely before applying a conditioner to replace the leather`s natural oils.
3. The Perfect Finish
Leave your boots for as long as possible—ideally 24 hours—to allow the conditioner to fully soak in. Finish by polishing them with a good-quality wax shoe polish. This creates a gleaming gloss and provides a protective layer against future scratches and moisture.
4. Don’t Forget the Zips!
Mud and grit are the enemies of a smooth zip. Use a soft brush to remove debris from the teeth (use a little water if they are really stuck) and finish with a small application of zip lubricant to keep them gliding easily.
And remember:
To ensure you’re getting the best professional advice and high-quality products for the season, always shop where you see the BETA sign.
#BetaStrong #shopwhereyouseethissign
As temperatures drop, ensuring your horse has adequate access to water is crucial. Here are a few tips to help maintain optimal hydration:
1. Check your horse’s troughs and buckets. Thick sheets of ice over your horse’s bucket will of course restrict their water access and so it is important to remove them on a daily basis.
2. Offer warm water where possible. Research has found that horses drink up to 40% more when warm water is offered alone.
3. Adding water to the feed is a useful way of helping to maintain water intake. Using soaked fibre products such will entice even the fussiest of drinkers, as well as providing an additional source of fibre to the ration.
4. Provide salt on a daily basis to feed to help to maintain a normal thirst response.
5. Soaking hay or offering haylage when appropriate can also help. Haylage has a higher moisture content than hay, and soaked or even steamed hay will increase the water content from around 9-20% depending on the type and quality of the forage.
Thanks to BETA member @saracen_horse_feeds for sharing thisvaluable tip with us!
Charging into the New Year with strength and a spirit of freedom.
Just as this cute white pony that featured in the BETA 2026 Calendar, may you find your own stride and pace as we begin this fresh chapter!
Happy New Year from the Beta Team! ✨ photo credit: Ellie Hudges
The BETA office is officially signing off for the festive break! We will be closed from 24th December and will return on 5th January 2026.
The members of the BETA team will be busy enjoying family dinners, catching up with friends, and giving our horses some well-deserved extra pampering (and plenty of carrots). Our dogs are also looking forward to those extra-long winter walks to burn off the Christmas treats! 🥕🐶
Wishing you, your loved ones, and your four-legged companions a wonderful festive season and a very Happy New Year. 🥂🐕
#BETA #EquestrianLife #FamilyTime #HomeForChristmas #HorseandDog #ReadyFor2026 #NewYearHolidays
Stress-Free Stabling 🎄 The holiday season often means a change in routine. Whether it`s less riding time or more time in the stable, a little planning goes a long way for your horse`s well-being! ❄️
Quick Holiday Management Checklist:
⚖️ Adjust Feed: If workload decreases, reduce concentrate (hard feed) to prevent weight gain or "fizzy" behaviour.
🧩 Beat Boredom: Use small-holed hay nets, salt licks slow feeders, or stable toys to keep them occupied during longer stabling hours.
📦 Stock Up: Ensure you have enough hay, feed, and bedding before shops close for the bank holidays.
📝 Leave a Note: If you’re away, leave clear written instructions and emergency contact info for your yard manager or horse-sitter.
Preparation is the best gift you can give your horse this year! 🎁
