Cold Shoulder

Spring is notoriously unpredictable, winter seems to linger in the background like a persistent mosquito, waiting for an opening to dive in. Mornings start chilly and by afternoon the sun has warmed things so your trusty winter coat and horse’s thick blanket are too much. What is a girl and horse to do to keep the chill away but not overheat?

That answer comes in the form of blazer for me/you and a mid-weight blanket for your horse. Blazers are light weight jackets that provide enough warmth to keep the chill away but can easily be ditched if it warms up. Or roll the sleeves up on those days when it can’t decide if it is going to warm or cold. Blazers are all the rage this spring and come in a wide variety of colors and shapes (from loose and baggy to fitted). They can be worn with everything from jeans and a tee and sneakers or thrown over a dress. They also instantly add polish and style to any outfit. I suggest buying one in a neutral color (black, navy or white) so it can go with everything. JCrew has a great collection to choose from in classic styles and cuts that will transcend time and trends.

This one is utterly timeless and goes with everything and this one in white is a fun, on-trend choice. Next time you need a jacket opt for a blazer to up your chic quotient and leave the sweatshirt in the closet.

Here I have paired my favorite JCrew navy blazer with a white tank, skinny jeans and boots.

Horses battle this same conundrum every spring too. They need a blanket in the morning but are sweating in it by afternoon. My solution is to switch them to Schneider’s Adjusta Fit Tekno-Fleece Lightweight 3 Season Stable Blanket. It is a hybrid sheet/blanket combo that easily wards off the chill but is light and breathable so they won’t sweat when the sun comes out. The nylon outer is similar to a sheet and repels dust and shavings and will provide a little waterproofing if there is a very light sprinkle or shower. If your weather is like ours (50 one day, 80 the next) then I highly recommend trying one. They are also great to take to early season horse shows where the barns may be too heated for a heavy blanket but they still need something. Available at sstack.com.

Shooter wearing his mid-weight blanket from Schneiders. They are lightweight enough to allow for monogramming.