Saturday, July 16, 2016

A Horse Lover's Guide To Choosing Cold Weather Riding Gear

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.

Your age is going to affect the gear you need to buy. Children and elderly riders will often become cold more quickly than adults. If you know that you have a health condition that may affect your circulation or your ability to handle cold temperatures you also need to ensure that you are dressing properly. You may be amazed at how quickly your core temperature can drop and how fast you become uncomfortable.

Keep in mind that lower air temperature may not be the only issue you have to contend with. You may also have to deal with precipitation as well. Using gear that repels water is a good idea. If you get wet, it becomes very easy for you to develop hypothermia and this can be potentially life threatening.

You need to think as much about your extremities as you do your upper and lower body. Some riding boots are not insulated and may not keep your feet warm. Your hands may also quickly get stiff and lose feeling when they get cold as well. As this can make it difficult for you to hold on to reins, it can also mean that you are unsafe if riding conditions become tricky.

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.

Helmets can be fantastic for safety purposes but some are very bad at keeping your head warm. This is especially true of models that are designed to have increased air flow. Putting a toque or hat under your helmet may help you avoid heat loss through your head. Just make sure that your helmet still fits properly if put on over other head coverings.

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.

There are many places to find gear that will keep you warm. You can look at local tack and riding supply stores. If you have questions, being able to speak with a salesperson will be very helpful. You can also look online as well at one of the many sites that offer riding gear.




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