Dressing for Winter Riding

Dress in Layers

Keeping warm at the barn can be a complicated thing. Exercise, such as riding or mucking stalls, generates enough heat to make you feel like it is 30 degrees warmer than is really is. However, once you slow down, your sweat dries and you can get chilled. The solution is to dress in layers that are easy to remove as you warm up, and to replace as you cool off.

1. Long Sleeve Technical Shirts: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... Your base layers should be a thin fabric made of synthetic material that will draw sweat away from your body. You want to avoid cotton, as it stays wet next to your skin and will cause you to get chilled.

2. Insulating Fleece: http://bit.ly/bCFOMc Your middle layer should be made of fleece, which is a thin, insulating fabric. Fleeces are available as a zip up jacket or a pullover, in a variety of styles and colors. These will keep your core warm without causing you to overheat.

3. Wind and Waterproof Outer layer: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... The stronger the wind, the colder the temperature will feel. Also, getting wet either from rain/snow, or from sweating under a non-breathable out layer will leave you chilled. To avoid getting chilled, top of your outfit with a water/windproof, breathable outer layer. Remove this outer layer either before you ride, or as soon as you start feeling too warm or sweaty. The Mountain Horse Unisex Forest Rider Jacket is the perfect example of a waterproof, windproof, breathable outer layer. http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER90502

4. Down for Extra Insulation: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... For extremely cold weather, or if you are prone to getting cold or are naturally lean, you may need more insulation. A down filled vest or jacket creates excellent extra insulation. Wear this instead of a thin shell if you have trouble staying warm in the barn or in the saddle.

5. Parkas and Layer Systems:http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... If you live in a very cold climate, or at high altitude, you may want to consider a Parka. Many parkas come “pre-layered”, with zip out liners and water proof outer layers so that they can be adjusted as the temperature required.

6. A Fashionable Alternative by Moxie Equestrian! http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=MX00004 Whether you are hanging around the barn or headed out to do some holiday shopping, the Moxie “Hanging Around the Barn” Jacket is just perfect! Made from Cavalero Techno Suede, it has the look, feel, and warmth of a luxurious leather suede coat. However, this coat is machine washable! You can also get the Matching Horse Sheet! http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=MX00001

Choose Riding Pants Wisely

For riders in moderate climates, everyday riding pants or jeans are enough to keep them warm if they are wearing the right apparel on their top half. However, riders in colder climates will find that they need extra warm both in the saddle and in the barn during the winter months. There are two great options for winter riding pants.

1. Winter Riding Breeches are made of thermal fabrics such as fleece to keep your legs warm in cold temperatures. If you don’t want shaving and horse hair sticking to your breeches, choose winter riding breeches with a fleece inside layer and smooth outside layer. These breeches are available in regular and full seat, as well as in a boot cut style. http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=ladi...

2. Cover-alls or Snow Pants for Riding: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... There are multiple styles of water resistant, breathable, and thermal coveralls designed for riding. They are easy to pull on, or zip over breeches, jeans, or whatever you normally wear to the barn. If you prefer the ability to add/remove a layer as your body temperature shifts, these are a great option. Get an insulated pair such as Mountain Horse Polar http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER00037 if you deal with snow and frigid temperatures; or a lighter, waterproof pair such as Outback Oilskin Overpants http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER00037 if heavy rain or slush is more of an issue in your area.

Protect Your Extremities

1. Choose Socks Wisely: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=ladi... Once cotton socks get wet from sweat, water, or snow, they will stay wet and will quickly pull heat away from your feet. So avoid cotton and choose socks made from material that wicks moisture away from your skin. Kerrits Ladies Winter Socks (http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=KE80118) are made of Merino Wool and give you the extra boost of warmth that winter riding calls for. TuffRider Argyle Ladies Winter Socks

( http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=JP80513) are made from an acrylic blend that wicks moisture away from your feet to keep them warm and dry.

2. Winter Riding Boots for Your Feet: It is worth investing in at least one good pair of winter riding boots. Whether you prefer paddock boots or tall boots, winter riding boots will keep you far more comfortable on the ground and in the tack this winter. Try to choose a boot that you can wear all day, whether you are working in the barn or taking a lesson. Equestrian Collections carries a wide selection of Short Winter Riding Boots http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... and Tall Winter Riding Boots http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... to fit every budget. Consider going up half a size to account for thick socks and to increase air flow, which helps keep your feet warm and dry.

3. Cover your head with a Winter Hat : You lose 30 to 40 percent of your body heat through your head. So whether you are working around the barn, or riding with your helmet, it is extremely important to keep you head warm. For working around the barn, choose a hat that covers your entire head and ears. When you are riding, choose a Beanie, Balaclava, or an Ear Band that will fit under your helmet. Each option offers its own level of warmth to suit every rider.

Hats: http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi...

Beanies: http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?ic=TX26287R

Balaclava: http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?ic=ER90075R

Ear Band: http://bit.ly/du8FmS

4. Gloves for your Hands: When your body is cold, heat gets shunted to your body’s core, leaving your hands susceptible to frost bite. Also, dampness due to water or sweat will draw heat away from your hands. Needless to say, it is very important to keep your hands warm and dry in the saddle and around the barn. Choose gloves specifically designed with the rider in mind. If you will be riding outside where you are likely to get cold and damp, chose a pair of insulated, waterproof gloves like theMountain Horse Tridurance Waterproof Glovehttp://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER90229. If you are riding indoors, or tend to get hot while you ride, choose a thinner breathable glove like the RSL Winter Riding Glove. http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER02099 These gloves give you the grip and dexterity of a traditional riding glove while keeping your hands warm and dry. If you plan to show in the winter, and want a more classic looking winter glove, try the Ariat Insulated Pro Grip Leather Glove http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=AT00049. If you want a pair of gloves that are as good around the barn as they are in the saddle, try the waterproof, breathable, Mountain Horse Storm Glove. http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER90505 Weather you are filling water buckets, grooming your horse, or going out for a ride, these gloves will keep your hands warm AND dry all day long.

Still having trouble staying warm??

Check out Techniche International’s extensive line of WarmingProducts! http://www.equestriancollections.com/storeitems.asp?department=Ladi... Air activated heating gloves, vests, hats, ear bands, scarves, and more! Plus, a Battery Activated Heating Vest! These fabulous products can help you enjoy even the coldest days at the barn, no matter where you live!