Winter with the animals | Hannah Russell

Winter is one of my favourite times of year to live and work alongside my animals. Although the past few months has been a challenge with all the wet weather we have experienced in Yorkshire.

Slower Mornings, Stronger Routines

Winter mornings start earlier and take a little longer. Before anything else, I head outside layered up against the cold to begin the animal rounds. There are water buckets to defrost, feeds to prepare, rugs to check, and beds to refresh. Everyone gets a little extra attention in winter extra forage, thicker bedding, closer checks.

It's important that we check the horses under the rugs and as the sheep get wooly make sure they have enough feed!

It’s not very glamorous having animals in winter frozen taps and muddy boots are very real, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

There’s something special about seeing the animals settled and comfortable while the world is still waking up.

How Winter Changes the Animals

Each of my animals reacts to winter differently, and I love seeing their personalities shine through the season.

Some grow enormous fluffy coats and look very pleased with themselves. Some are extra energetic in the cold air. Others prefer the warmest corner they can find and a slower day. I adapt routines for each one — adjusting feed, shelter, turnout time, and enrichment because good care is never one-size-fits-all.

So many of my book ideas come from these real winter moments a cheeky stable face appearing through the steam of warm breath, dogs charging through a frosty field, or a quiet, calm check at dusk when everything feels still.

Winter Is My Writing Season....

Winter gives me precious creative space. With fewer events and more indoor evenings, I spend more time writing, editing, and planning new stories. I often write after evening checks, still in my yard clothes, with a warm drink beside me and notes from the day fresh in my mind.

The best scenes are usually inspired by real life:

• Frosty gates at sunrise

• Snow settled on stable roofs

• Quiet animal moments that feel almost magical

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Those details find their way into my stories because they’re genuine and they’re lived.

The Cosy Side of Country Life

There is a cosy side to winter animal life that I treasure warm feeds, content animals, golden low sunsets, and that feeling of closing the yard for the night knowing everyone is safe and settled.

It’s not perfect or polished it’s real, practical, and sometimes messy but it’s full of heart.

That’s exactly the feeling I always try to capture in my books and online, honest countryside life, strong animal friendships, and small moments of joy.

Why Winter Matters to Me, and My Stories

Looking after animals through winter teaches patience, responsibility, kindness, and consistency. You show up no matter the weather. You put their needs first. You learn to notice the little changes.

Those lessons naturally shape the messages in my books care, compassion, resilience, and friendship.

Winter reminds me that stories don’t just come from big adventures they grow from daily care, quiet routines, and the bond we build with animals every single day.

Although I find moments to enjoy in winter, I can't wait for the warmer, dryer spring days ahead...