Even in cold seasons, horseback riding mostly takes place outdoors. If you’re riding in winter, what kind of clothing is suitable? In this article, we introduce clothing ideas and tips for choosing riding wear during the winter!
Warm & Flexible Clothing
Since most riding lessons are outdoors, clothing is essential for comfortable riding even in winter. However, dressing too warmly can restrict movement. How can you balance warmth and ease of movement?
First, regardless of the season, boots, riding pants, and shirts don’t change much, so the key is choosing the right jacket. Generally, both inner and outer layers should be lightweight and not bulky. Overly thick clothing can hinder movement and make it difficult to wear protective gear for safety, right?
Even if selecting a down jacket for insulation, opt for a thin, short-length jacket rather than puffy, parka-like outerwear.
However, since riding can cause the knees and thighs to get cold, some might prefer a longer jacket. In such cases, choose materials or designs that don’t flutter or spin excessively, to avoid startling the horse or getting caught on the saddle’s backstrap.
Why? Because wind-blown fabrics or noisy flapping can scare the horse. Additionally, wide, flowing hems can snag on the saddle or girth, posing safety risks.
To keep the body warm, it is said that warming the neck is effective. A high-neck collar helps retain heat even if the outer layers are the same thickness. If dress codes permit, wearing a high-neck underneath a shirt or polo can prevent neck chill. For accessories, BUFF-type neck warmers are convenient, as scarves can come loose or fall off during activity.
Clothing for Easy Temperature Regulation
You might have experienced feeling hot after initially feeling cold during riding. This illustrates that winter clothing should not only insulate but also allow for easy temperature adjustments.
Layering is effective—wearing a lightweight vest over a long-sleeve shirt, for example, makes adjusting easier. If it feels too cold, having an extra jacket for warming up during rest or cool-down phases is very helpful.
Another often overlooked aspect of winter clothing is managing sweat. While dry air in winter might seem less problematic, sweating can make clothes damp and uncomfortable, potentially leading to sudden cooling and health issues. Use breathable inner and outer layers to prevent this. If changing clothes immediately after riding is possible, wearing moisture-wicking undershirts underneath can help you stay dry and comfortable.
Versatile & Easy-to-Match Clothing Designs
Changing outfits weekly can be troublesome if they don’t match the current season or weather. Safety and insulation are priorities, but the final point to consider is how easy it is to mix and match outfits for different seasons.
For example, a thin jacket is handy as it can serve as an outer layer on chilly days and be layered under a winter coat during coldest days. Some jackets come with zippers for waterproofing and breathability, allowing for flexible use.
Choosing neutral colors like black or gray simplifies coordination and prevents mismatch. Picking colors that match your boots or riding pants can also be effective. If you buy items in a variety of shades, such as brown or gray, you can switch up your wardrobe easily.
Trusted by Riding Gear Brands?
Riding outerwear doesn’t have to be specially designed for horseback riding. If you find practical and comfortable outerwear, it can work just fine in daily use! However, if you’re purchasing new gear, it’s recommended to buy from a riding gear brand. While general clothing brands offer more design options, finding products suited for riding with the right shape and functionality can be challenging.
Riding gear brands save you the hassle of checking if the clothing can be used for riding. Many products are developed with input from experienced riders, with features like pocket placement and material choices that are incredibly convenient once you try them.
If you’re unsure how to choose riding outerwear, consider looking at trusted rankings from specialty stores like popular rankings of riding gear stores for reliable options.
Summary
To enjoy comfortable and safe riding in winter, choose warm yet flexible clothing. When selecting outerwear, consider temperature regulation, versatility, and breathability. When in doubt, opting for popular and trusted products from riding gear brands or online shops is a good strategy.