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Monday, June 6, 2016

How To Choose The Right Cold Weather Riding Gear For Your Needs

By Rebecca Miller


Riding a horse can be a very freeing and wonderful experience. You may think that you are only able to engage in this activity when it is nice but that is not the case. If you know that the temperature is going to drop, finding cold weather riding gear to wear is a good idea. Here is what you need to consider when you go shopping.

One of your first considerations when choosing clothing is the age of the rider. Individuals who are very young, who are older or who may be dealing with certain medical conditions may need more protection from the cold than others. You should make sure that not only is the rider's core protected but their extremities also have items of clothing that will keep them warm and comfortable.

You should pay attention to the kind of weather that will be accompanying the cold as well. Some areas may have a lot of precipitation even in cooler weather. If you or another rider will be out in the ring or on a trail when snow or rain are expected you need to ensure your gear is also water proof. Wet gear can allow you to get cold much more quickly and can lead to hypothermia which is often life threatening.

While you may be focusing on how warm your core is, you need to also think about other areas of your body. Feet can cool down quite quickly and hands can as well. While you may think it is simply a matter of comfort it is actually a safety issue as well. Individuals have lost toes to frost bite or had serious accidents if cold hands were no longer able to hang on to the reins. If you are researching a new pair of gloves or boots make sure you check how warm they are at the temperatures you expect to be riding in.

Riding is much like other sports and dressing in layers is always a good idea. Riders often sweat quite a bit especially if their horse is moving quickly or they are navigating different obstacles while they are on the trail. If you dress in synthetic layers that pull sweat and moisture away from your skin you will stay warm and comfortable even if the temperature is chilly.

If you normally wear a helmet when you ride you may not think that you need something else to keep you warm. Some helmets may be very good at keeping you warm but others that are designed for ventilation may not. A toque or other soft hat or scarf underneath may help prevent heat loss.

Boots are important for a rider's comfort and safety. Some are meant only for warm weather and may be too cold in the fall and winter. You may need to look at models that have built in insulation or which are big enough to accommodate a liner or extra pair of socks. Remember to make sure that your toes and feet are not tightly confined in your boots since this can make them feel cold much more quickly. Loss of circulation can be dangerous in cold weather.

Speaking with staff at an experienced riding supply store can be very helpful. They may be able to direct you to different products that will meet your needs and keep you nice and toasty warm while you are outside and astride your favorite horse.




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