What Do Horse Riders Wear In The Summer?
Summer is a fantastic season to enjoy horse riding, but wearing the proper clothing and equipment is essential for comfort and safety. Here is our definitive guide for horse riders on what you should wear during the summer months.
Choosing A Summer Riding Helmet
Wearing a helmet is essential for safety, regardless of the season. Wearing a riding helmet in the summer ensures safety while horseback riding. Helmets provide essential protection for the rider's head during a fall or accident. In the summer, choosing a well-ventilated helmet is essential to help prevent overheating. Modern helmets are designed with ventilation systems and breathable materials to promote airflow and cooling.
If you regularly ride in hotter temperatures, selecting a helmet with a light-coloured or reflective outer shell to reduce heat absorption from the sun could be an option. An adequately fitted riding hat is paramount, as a well-fitted helmet will provide better protection and contribute to comfort, especially in warmer temperatures. Lastly, it's essential to regularly inspect the helmet for any signs of wear and tear and follow manufacturer guidelines for helmet care and replacement.
Cool Riding Tops
Horse riders often opt for riding apparel such as technical performance riding tops with excellent mesh ventilation and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep cool in the summer.
Horse riders need to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that provides adequate protection during the summer months. Lightweight and moisture-wicking materials such as cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics are popular choices to help stay cool and dry in warm weather. Quick-drying technical riding tops and summer riding shirts make them comfortable for long trail rides and easy to wash and care for.
Choosing long-sleeved riding tops and UV-protective fabrics will help keep your arms protected from the sun. Choosing light colours that reflect the sun's rays rather than dark colours that absorb heat is essential. We design our white competition shirts to be brilliant for competition days and stylish for everyday training in the hot weather.
What To Look For In Summer Riding Tights & Breeches
Riding tights or breeches, which are a breathable, lightweight summer fabric and are easy to put on and take off, are essential summer riding clothing. Choose designs with phone pockets so you can ride with all your essentials without a jacket.
Choose designs with soft stretch ankle cuffs for easy dressing and comfort under your riding boots. The less bulk around your ankles, the better, especially in the heat when your ankles may swell up and your boots rub against any scratchy ankle fastenings.
Our summer riding tights and breeches are perfect for hot weather, emphasising keeping you cool, comfortable and stylish. Our riding tights, although exceptionally cool, are not made from a thin fabric that becomes see-through when you bend over! We use sports fabric technology in our summer riding clothes so horse riders can enjoy contemporary fabric innovation with award-winning design!
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated while riding in the heat is important, so having a water bottle within reach is a must. You can buy water bottle holders that fix to your saddle for longer rides but don't forget in hot weather, your horse will also require a drink, so reconsider riding out if the weather is sweltering and there are no water sources for your horse to stop and have a drink mid-hack.
Offer your horse a drink before leaving your barn and returning from your ride. Avoid riding out in the heat of the day and choose cooler times to take a stroll away from the stables.
Equestrian Footwear For Summer Rides
As for equestrian footwear, breathable and sturdy riding boots or shoes are recommended to ensure proper foot support and protection while riding in the summer. In the summer, horse riders should opt for footwear that provides comfort, support, and breathability.
Breathable and well-ventilated riding boots or shoes are essential to keep the rider's feet cool and sweat-free during warm weather. Many riders prefer boots made from lightweight and breathable materials such as leather or synthetic fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. Additionally, choosing footwear with padded insoles and proper arch support is important to ensure comfort, especially during long rides.
Selecting footwear with good traction is also essential to maintain stability and grip in the stirrups. For riders who prefer a more casual option, there are also specifically designed ventilated riding shoes which provide the necessary support and comfort for horseback riding in the summer.
Accessories For Summer Riding
Overall, the key is prioritising comfort, breathability, and sun protection when choosing clothing for summer horse riding. Remember, having a good pair of horse riding gloves that offer comfort and protection is essential. Opt for lightweight, breathable gloves with good grip to ensure a secure hold on the reins, even in hot and sweaty conditions.
Look for a pair of riding gloves made from materials that provide ventilation and moisture-wicking properties to keep your hands dry and comfortable. Additionally, consider gloves with UV protection to shield your hands from the sun's rays. Remember, comfort and functionality are essential when selecting the right gloves for summer horse riding.
Wearing the right riding socks can make a big difference in your comfort. Look for lightweight, breathable socks made from moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics. These materials help keep your feet dry and comfortable, even during extended rides in hot weather. Additionally, consider choosing socks with extra padding in the heel and toe areas and those with anti-bacterial properties to provide additional comfort and prevent chafing.
It's also vital to select socks that fit well and offer good arch support to ensure your feet stay comfortable and supported during your summer rides.
And remember, horse riders can suffer from:
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heatstroke
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and try to undertake more physical manual tasks during the cooler times of the day (early morning and late evening).
