Sunday 29 May 2016

A Beginner's Guide To Choosing Cold Weather Riding Gear

By Rebecca Miller


If you love to ride you likely want to do so every chance you get. Unless you are fortunate to live where the climate is very warm all year long, you know that there are times where you will be out on your horse when the temperature drops. In this case, the right cold weather riding gear is essential to making sure you are safe and comfortable no matter what kind of weather you will be working in.

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.

As with any other outdoor activity, doing some research into anticipated weather conditions can help you avoid discomfort or danger. If you know whether it is going to rain or snow while you are out riding you can plan accordingly and choose gear that is waterproof as well as warm. If you prepare for the worst you will be nice and comfortable if your concerns end up being unfounded.

While most people only think about what they wear on their bodies, arms and legs, your preparations should not end there. You need to make sure that your footwear will keep you safe in the saddle and also keep your feet warm and dry. Gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm and your fingers capable of holding on to the reins while you ride.

As with other sports, layered clothing can be a great way to keep comfortable. Choosing fibers that will pull sweat away from your skin is a good idea. You can always adjust the amount of clothing you have on in order to respond to different temperature conditions or the amount of activity you are engaging in while you ride.

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.

If you want to keep your legs and feet warm when you are in the saddle you may want to look for boots that have a cold-weather rating on them. Often these will be insulated so that they keep you comfortable even when you are in the saddle for extended periods. If you cannot afford boots like this, consider putting liners in your footwear and even consider a heated insert.

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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