Posted: 9th September 2025 | Back to news feed
Preparing for Winter: Jelka’s Top Tips for Tackling the Season Head-On
As every seasoned equestrian knows, a successful winter begins long before the first rainy day. It’s all about early preparation. Tasks like laying mud mats or freeze-proofing pipes are significantly easier to complete while the days are still long, the ground relatively dry, and the temperatures bearable. By the time winter rolls in with its familiar mix of rain, wind and frozen mornings, it's often too late. That’s why Jelka recommends September as the golden window for winter yard prep, before the mud sets in.
Planning for the Mud Before It Arrives
British winters are not for the faint-hearted, especially in the equestrian world. Whether it's wheeling a barrow through a flooded gateway or rescuing a soggy overreach boot from the depths of a muddy paddock, we’ve all been there.
Jelka’s solution? Complete ground maintenance early, before the ground becomes a bog! Products such as the Top Clean and the Step Mat are designed to create clean, dry standing areas. They're ideal for gateways, feeding areas and other high-traffic spots. These mats are designed to sit on top of the ground, not to be buried within it, preventing poaching before it begins.
Trying to lay these mats after the mud has arrived often leads to uneven surfaces, poor drainage and reduced effectiveness. That’s why the key is to get ahead of the game and lay them down while the ground is still firm and accessible.
To encourage early action, Jelka has an exciting offer planned for later this month. For a limited time, you’ll be able to save on their equestrian mud matting, presenting the perfect opportunity to prep your paddocks for the wet months ahead.
Keep The Water Flowing
Another common winter challenge is keeping fresh water flowing. Frozen pipes and solid troughs are a routine winter frustration, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Jelka recommends several steps to ensure horses have constant access to water, no matter how low the temperature drops:
● Wrap your pipes with durable, quality insulation that offer protection in sub-zero conditions.
To be published on the 9th September, ahead of Jelka’s winter-prep sale
● Upgrade your troughs to insulated models that resist both freezing and bacterial build-up.
While cheaper, metal troughs are more common, they often underperform in winter, providing no thermal protection. Jelka’s range of German-engineered insulated troughs are specifically designed for harsh winters, remaining functional at temperatures as low as -15°C. Built to last, these troughs represent a long-term investment in both your horses’ health and your peace of mind.
Future You Will Thank You
Winter doesn’t need to mean wet socks, frozen hoses, and treacherous gateways. With a bit of forethought and the right tools in place, your yard can stay functional, efficient and, most importantly, safe. By preparing in advance, you’re not only protecting your facilities and your horses, but you’re also giving yourself the gift of a much smoother season.
To browse Jelka’s full range of mud mats, insulated troughs and yard essentials, visit jelka.co.uk
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