Stay Cool This Summer with the Right Horseback Riding Attire
Choosing the right clothing and using the right equipment can make a big impact on your comfort and safety while horseback riding. Whether you are riding in freezing cold winter temperatures or very hot summer temperatures, you should select the appropriate clothing to keep you comfortable during your ride.
In general when you choose summer riding attire, you want to watch for key features - moisture-wicking, ventilated, breathable, and lightweight. This will tell you if this piece of clothing will keep you cool during the summer heat. You are more prone to sweating during summer riding and these features will help move sweat away from your skin.
With these features in mind, here are some things to consider when searching for or researching new summer riding attire.
Ventilated Riding Helmets
Summer riding can be safe and cool with a properly ventilated helmet. Pick a helmet with lots of ventilation panels, a sun visor, and a mesh liner. The ventilation panels will increase airflow around your head and make you more comfortable.
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Riding Shirts
When you look at riding shirts, there are a few variables. If you are looking for a cool shirt for working out the horses your needs will be different compared to showing. However, moisture-wicking fabric is something you should look for regardless of the style of shirt. Many shirts designed for summer riding will have built in SPF protection, too!
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Riding Pants
As tempting as it is to go riding in shorts on a hot summer day, shorts won’t protect your legs from the saddle or the sun. Selecting summer riding pants with moisture-wicking fabric and breathable material can help.
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- Horsewear Riding Tights
- Kerrits Affinity Ice Fil Breeches
- Montar Pull On Tights
- ToughRider Equicool Tights
Summer Riding Socks
Sweaty, wet feet feel terrible and make you more prone to issues like athlete’s foot. Avoid these issues with ventilated socks. There are many sock options for riders made from lightweight materials.
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Riding Gloves
There are lots of fun summer riding glove options! Look for gloves with ventilated fabric on the back of your hands where it won’t interfere with your reins. For your palms, you want breathable, but textured materials to help maintain your grip on the reins.
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Summer Riding Boots
Tall boots and half chaps are not your friend during the summer heat. Rather, search for a paddock boot or a ventilated riding sneaker. If you are considering a riding sneaker, make sure to look for ones specifically designed for riding. A regular sneaker without a heel is not safe for horseback riding.