Sep
01
Best ways to stay cool while riding?
ByI’m a Michigander and am used to riding in pretty cool weather, even in the summers. I’m very sensitive to heat. However, in about a month I’ll be going to jumping camp in Virginia where it’s usually close to 100 degrees in the sun, and I’m worried about getting too hot to be able to ride well.
So do any of you from warm climates have tips on how to keep cool while riding outside? Thanks!
6 Comments
September 1st, 2010 at 5:47 am
dunk your hair in cold water, wring it out and tie it up before putting your hard hat on.
take plenty of water whenever you ride, you can get bottles that clip to the D’s on your saddle.
put your jods in the freezer overnight and they should be nice and cold the next day (sounds crazy, but it works!)
wear light coloured clothes and stay in the shade where you can. if you ride through rivers etc whilst you’re out, get yourself wet through and the sun will dry you off!
remember plenty of waterproof sunblock, no-one wants sunburn!
Hope this helps : )
September 1st, 2010 at 6:11 am
Plenty of water (hydration) before and after…during, if possible. Wet a small towel or something to put around your neck. They also sell clothes that wick sweat off and are supposed to keep you cooler. Check sporting goods stores on and off line for more ideas. (I live in Texas…it’s hot and humid here!)
September 1st, 2010 at 6:18 am
You are going to roast! Big temperature change. But, Virginia has some beautiful riding and trust me, it will be worth it.
Try to ride early morning and late evening. That way you are missing the hottest part of the day and the horse is getting a break. If you are going to a summer horse camp they probably already do this anyway.
Drink tons of water. Invest $10 in some horn bags and carry bottled water with you while riding. If you take some bottled water, remove the cap and a couple inches of water you can freeze it without breaking the bottle. As it melts you have ice-cold water while riding.
Wear moisture-wicking clothing. I like work-out clothes, particularly the shirts and tank tops. Not very fashionable in the saddle, but who cares as long as you are comfortable. I also ride in yoga pants or dance pants sometimes when it is really hot. I look like an idiot with my western boots dressed like that but it keeps me a lot cooler.
A breathable straw hat is also nice to keep the sun off your face.
I’m sure now you are horrified at the ridiculous picture in your head of my horrible riding attire for hot weather so I’ll stop now.
Have fun in Virginia! It’s beautiful there!
September 1st, 2010 at 6:29 am
I live in Florida and it’s really really hot in the summer. When I’m not in a lesson, sometimes I’ll wear just jean shorts and a bathing suit top when I’m riding, but if I’m in a lesson, I usually stay pretty cool if I wear thin riding pants and a tank top. One thing to always remember is to keep a water bottle handy at all times. Even though you might not think you’re thirsty, drink water regularly while riding and being out at the barn even if it’s just a few gulps every 20 minutes or so. Being around horses is so fun and sometimes I’m so focused on riding or whatever I’m doing that I forget to drink water. Another thing you can do is keep a cooler in the barn (or use a refrigerator if there’s one in your barn’s break room) and put a few gel ice packs in it. It feels really good to put the ice pack on your forehead and the back of your neck after you’re done riding when it’s hot.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:41 am
all i can say is drink ALOT of water.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:43 am
I do highly recommend these products. I have a vest for me, a cap liner, my horse has a vest and a poll cap. We both like them very much; they help keep us cool. For me, it makes me feel about 15 or 20 degrees cooler, and with a breeze, even more. I live in Texas, and find I am much more comfortable using these. Even if you only get a hat liner, or better yet the helmet liner with the neck cover, you will feel much cooler.
https://www.coolmedics.com