Dress to Ride this Winter

It can be difficult to find gloves that keep your hands warm without adding so much bulk that you lose much of your manual dexterity. Look for gloves with an insulating lining with an outer layer in a durable, weatherproof material that offers good grip. Leather gloves with Thinsulate™ lining are a solid option. 

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. 

Don’t Forget the Details

A few thoughtful extra details can also help keep you from rushing back to the house too quickly – like the small, chemical heat packs commonly found in hardware or drug stores. Some companies even manufacture these heat packs in glove and sock form. “I use them for my hands and in my boots,” says Nelson.

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.

Safety First

When hacking out, remember to wear brightly coloured clothing or a safety vest so you’re highly visible to game hunters and vehicle traffic on short, dark winter days. Low visibility due to precipitation and reduced daylight hours can put you and your mount at risk. Several tack companies and speciality retailers manufacture reflective gear for horses as well, including quarter sheets, saddle pads, and brushing boots. 

HORSE CLOTHING & GEAR

Your priority in the winter should be keeping your horse as dry as possible to keep him warm. A wet horse in cold temperatures will quickly become chilled. Other winter riding health hazards for your horse include icy ground which can cause slips and falls. By considering your horse’s comfort and safety before, during, and after a workout, you can succeed in keeping him mentally and physically fit throughout the winter.

Quarter Sheets

If you’ll be riding outdoors, Liz Ashton, of EQSport Enterprises in Victoria, BC, recommends riding with a high quality quarter sheet to keep your horse’s back and hindquarters warm and dry. Look for one that is quilted and wool or fleece-lined, for warmth, with a waterproof exterior. Some quarter sheets are meant to be worn between the saddle pad and saddle, others fit over your saddle, protecting it from precipitation. If your quarter sheet is of the former type, Ashton suggests that you think about purchasing “a really good rain cover for the saddle,” preferably in a durable, non-slip waterproof material.