Cold Weather Riding Essentials
It is a balmy 39 degrees as I sit and write this today. We just received almost 3 inches of rain and gray clouds have refused to budge. Needless to say I won’t be riding until the pond currently taking up residence in my outdoor arena dries up. But I thought I would share with you my favorite cold weather riding essentials since we have a fair amount of winter left. I learned awhile ago that they key to staying warm is lightweight, stretchy, comfy layers that allow you to ride and move but block the icy wind and insulate the heat you give off.
Without further ado:
Cold Weather Riding Must Haves
Ready for a cold weather ride
LL Bean Hi-Pile Fleece Pullover
The perfect cozy layer!
LL Bean Hi-Pile Fleece Pullover:
I discovered this super fuzzy, cozy gem this winter and I love it! It is made from ultra plush heat-trapping highloft fleece that is lightweight and super warm. It is my go-to layer to wear under my coat. It holds your heat in while your coat blocks the wind.
Winter Riding Tights
Kerrits Sit Tight Wind Pro Knee Patch Tight
Kerrits Sit Tight Wind Pro Knee Patch Tight:
These breeches are amazing and a must-have for winter riding! The wind and water resistant exterior blocks out the weather while the cozy, soft fleece interior retains body heat, chasing away the chill. They are super durable but very comfy and will keep you warm in and out of the saddle.
Down Filled Coat
Eddie Bauer Downlight Coat
I invested in this down filled coat a few years ago and it is one of my all-time faves. I wear it to the barn everyday. It is super lightweight but extremely warm. It’s exterior is wind and water resistant and it’s super high-loft 800 fill Premium Down delivers ultimate warmth and compressibility in a matter of ounces. It allows for good movement in the saddle while also keeping you warm. It’s slick outside fabric allows dust, shavings and hay to brush off easily. It also washes well too.
Heated Gloves
Venture Battery Powered Heated Glove Liners
Venture Battery Powered Heated Glove Liners:
My husband got these for me for Christmas and I can’t believe how many winters I have gone without them! They are amazing! Just charge the batteries prior to use, pop them in and turn them on and enjoy soothing heat for at least 5 hours. I have the liner version which are thin and stretchy which is a must when you want to use them to ride or lunge horses. If you need extra warmth just layer a pair of stretchy gloves over them but so far I have not needed to do that, they do more than enough to keep my hands warm. They are a splurge but hey, having warm hands all winter is the way to go!
