Wearing warm, weatherproof, breathable riding clothes is paramount to remaining comfortable and dry while riding during the cold months. Local tack shops are a great place to start building a winter riding wardrobe. However, outdoor stores that carry clothing for skiers, mountain climbers, and snowmobilers may offer similar, more affordable options as well. Below are few of my suggestions for keeping you toasty and warm, while riding during the colder months.
Before Ride
Check weather reports and find out the wind chill factor. Wind chill makes your body lose heat faster and makes you feel colder than the actual temperature reading on your thermometer would lead you to believe. Though the sun is farther away in your winter riding season, it still has the potential for damaging effects. Continue to wear sunscreen as you do in summer and remember sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and snow glare when you’re riding outside.
Upper Body
Layering high quality garments is the key to winter riding comfort. Your base layer should wick away sweat, the middle layer provides insulation, and the outer layer should be waterproof to protect you from the elements. In terms of jacket design, a hood, high neck, vents, and fasteners at the wrist are all excellent features. Specialty riding jackets often include a double-vented back, back zipper, or vertical gusset that spreads open when you’re seated in the saddle. These are far more comfortable than a jacket that bunches up at your hips. Make sure to choose garments that button or zip up in the front. This way you can peel the layers off easily if you become overheated while riding.
Lower Body
It’s important to keep the legs warm. Thermal underwear in a synthetic, merino wool, or silk can form the base layer for your lower body underneath your regular riding breeches. You can also try a pair of thermal or fleece-lined breeches. Some riders wear regular breeches as a base layer underneath the insulated, thermal riding pants. Never ride in ski pants or any other pants made of a slippery material.
Winter Footwear
Fine leather boots can stretch, warp, or crack with repeated exposure to harsh winter conditions. Instead, choose one of the many specialty winter boots, which boast waterproof membranes, thick, moisture resistant soles, increased tread to prevent slips and absorb shock, and plush lining for warmth. Make sure before purchasing your winter riding boots that they’ll fit comfortably and safely in your stirrup with room to spare. You need to keep your feet dry inside the boots. The key is to wear wool socks. Yet, wool can be very itchy, but you can wear sock liners under wool socks to get the best of the wool without the discomfort.
Hands
Look for gloves with an insulating lining with an outer layer in a durable, weatherproof material that offers good grip. The wrist is a zone of high heat loss, so choose a glove with snug cuffs that are long enough to keep your wrists covered when you extend your arms. There are also chemical hand and foot warmers that can be placed inside the gloves or in the boots to keep your appendages comfortable. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a pack a bit bigger than the size of a teabag. When you open the packaging, it activates and begins heating up.
Winter Headgear
A scarf, neck warmer, or turtleneck can protect your neck and you can pull it up to cover your chin, mouth, and nose as needed. Additionally, a double-bonded fleece headband or balaclava worn underneath your helmet can serve to wick away sweat, protect your ears, and provide extra warmth. Some equestrian apparel companies have also designed fleece helmet covers that extend down and wrap around to cover the ears and neck.
Inner Warmth
Having a thermos of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa handy to sip on before, during, and after your ride can help keep your core temperature up.
With a little creativity, the help of a few key pieces of winter riding apparel, and by following some basic guidelines, you and your horse can enjoy the winter riding season together. In fact, you can take advantage of the quieter season to foster your bond with your horse through grooming sessions, groundwork, and lots of hacking out at the walk. What are your must-have items for winter horse riding? How do you stay warm in the saddle?
