Crushing Winter Blues

I've read a few recent posts from bloggers in Texas and other southern states talking about how they are happy that summer's death heat is over and they can finally enjoy being outside again. Up here in Canada, I'm facing the opposite problem.

We had a lovely summer, and I did a lot of riding outside, but now I'm facing that coming to an end. I live in Southern Alberta, so we get chinooks and other welcome reprieves from cold weather, but the fact is that from October to April, inclusive (yes, more than half the year), any week has the potential to be cold and miserable. We will get some more nice days, and I will try to take advantage of them as much as possible, I just can't count on them. 

Every year I ride through the winter and it's really not that bad. The barn I board at has an indoor arena (a necessity), and I have good boots and and clothes for dealing with the cold temperatures (barn and arena aren't heated). However, most years when the first cold weather hits I go through a period where I just want to huddle at home and not face the elements. This problem is compounded by the fact that for the last couple years, Kachina has been much spookier and anxious inside than outside, so riding and even grooming/tacking up becomes less fun. 

Not quite ready for this yet (photo from last year)

The growing darkness is also depressing. Being at a higher latitude means that we have such long days in the summer, but in another month I will be catching Kachina in darkness even if I go straight out from work.  

This year, I am determined to crush the winter blues and ride as much as possible. It's the kind of thing where once I'm out at the barn it doesn't seem so bad, so I just need to get out there and do it. 

My goal for October is to go out to the barn 5 days a week, rain, snow or shine, whether I feel like it or not. I'm also going to use 2pointober as motivation and try and work on my position as much as possible. Who's with me?!