Keeping your reining cowhorse in shape for the winter

So, I've not been riding my horses as much this winter with school and all, and the weather isn't helping. I try to get out as much as possible but I'm not keeping them in well enough condition, and they haven't been worked in a few weeks.

I'm afraid that once show season starts, they won't be ready to hit hard and really give it their all, and we have a select few show opportunities.

As the title states, they are a reining cowhorses. I'd love to take them out to the flag and cattle as often as possible but I just can't anymore.

Is there something else I can do to keep them fit? Someone suggested extended periods of trotting. Woul that work? I've never really had this problem before.

Hill work would be good. Doesn't have to be very steep to get a good work out. Do a work out like an athlete runner would. Trot sprints, walk, trot, jog, walk, fast trot, etc. and keep repeating.

With reiners loping if possible is the best. In the beginning I do a lot of trotting. However keep in mind that with reiners you do not trot so in the end this will not really accomplish want you need in the end. I also do a lot of backing as this really works the rear end and simulates stopping. This time if year when I do ride. I work more on bending flexing and moving the horse around. That way when I do start to really ride in the spring when the weather gets better. Also if I can I like to go to different inside arenas in the area.

For me getting the horses on cattle is not that important. A good well trained reiner will do very well in reined cow horse with out a lot of cattle work in the winter.

Thanks guys. :)

And nrhareiner, you're right. A good cow horse should be like a border collie, and never lose is sense. We took an old gelding from a ranchers place that hadn't been worked in ten years, and DAMN once we showed him a cow he went BERSERK and cut, stopped hard, and really got off his haunches. I was so impressed :)