How To Stay Warm When You Ride

Brrrr……. It’s cold outside! Sometimes I wish No Stirrups November happened in July. It can be so cold during November where I live! And I do not like the cold weather. After visiting Hawaii in May, and seeing how perfectly temperate it is there, I wish I lived somewhere more like that. But I don’t think I am ready to move to Hawaii, so I have to figure out ways to stay warm while I ride here in Colorado. In November, as well as all winter long.

And every November, I switch out my lighter breeches for heavier riding tights and my tall boots for heavy duty winter riding boots. I may not look like an Instagram worthy equestrian, but I’m warm – and that is all that matters!

So far for the month, every day I have been starting my blog posts with a company, or product that I love, but today, all of the products I am sharing with you are from Riding Warehouse. I love Riding Warehouse. This online equestrian retailer is one of the first I go visit when I am looking for my riding clothing. Not only do they have a huge selection, but they also have affordable equestrian riding gear. And they ship really fast too!

They have also been kind enough to sponsor a couple of prizes for my No Stirrups November drawing that will happen after the challenge! Isn’t that awesome?!?!? If you didn’t know, at the end of the challenge, everyone who submits their calendar by December 6^th will be put into a drawing for prizes! Some are things I have bought myself, and some of the prizes were donated by incredible equestrian companies like Riding Warehouse – which is why you should join all of us for no stirrups November! Not only do you get the benefit of the work, but you get rewards too!

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How To Stay Warm When Your Ride

Ok, but back to staying war when the temperature drops. And I should start by saying if you are too cold to ride, how about your horse? Is it too cold to ride him? Think about this before you go tack up. If you are shivering, and you can see your own breath, it might be too cold to ride. Check the temperature, and put the health of your horse first. But once you have determined it is ok to ride, let’s figure out an outfit to keep you warm!

AriatTEK Prevail Insulated Reflective Full Seat Tights

Stay warm in style with the AriatTEK Prevail Insulated Full Seat Tights! (I totally copied that from the description page)

“These sporty tights are part of Ariat’s Cold Series, utilizing compression material and soft fleece to keep you cozy and supported while providing a flattering fit. Moisture Movement Technology ensures dry comfort while the hex grip silicone full seat gives you extra security in the saddle. Complete with dual hip pockets and reflective paneling, these tights are functional and boast an attractive look that’s sure to be loved this season.”

Ok, so that is the description from Riding Warehouse But I just got mine, and I LOVE them! They are warm – which is what I am going for, I like to stay warm, but I don’t like the added bulk that comes with that warmth. I want to be able to feel still, you know?

And these riding tights are warm, but not bulky. And they have large pockets that make it easier for me to keep my phone with me at all times. This may not be a deal breaker for most, but for me, if there aren’t big enough pockets to accommodate my phone – it’s a deal breaker. I use my phone when I ride so I can activate my EquiLab app to track my ride. So I have to have a pocket to keep my phone safe. And even though these tights may not look like they could keep you warm – they really do! I was impressed at how my legs stayed warm even when it was 41 degrees when I was riding. So they work!

SSG Digital Winter Fleece Lined Riding Gloves

My hands always get cold, especially when the temperature drops. So I have gotten into the habit over the past several years of wearing winter riding gloves during the winter. But the problem I have found with winter gloves is that they are really bulky. So I have been on the hunt year after year for a glove that is warm, but not bulky.

Ok, I was very excited when I saw these SSG Winter Fleece lined gloves. They do keep your hands warm and toasty! Well, they have for me so far. They truly are warm and they have nice grip. I still have control over finer movements and I can still feel the reins. These gloves offer a clean, technical look with digital grip pattern and so far so good for the durability and breathability that make an ideal riding glove.

They are a little stiff at first. But after using them a few days they softened right up and now fit like a second skin. I am very happy that I decided to get them.

Smartwool 100% Merino 250 Patterned Reversible Headband

Ever since I found this headband I was hooked. The SmartWool Patterned Reversible Headband is made from 100% Merino Wool and finished with clean seams for a bulk-free fit.  It helps keep my hair out of the way, but more importantly it keeps my ears warm under my riding helmet.

And THIS is one of the items that Riding Warehouse sent me to use in the drawing! So if you are participating in my No stirrups November challenge, you just might be getting one for yourself!

Riding Warehouse Ladies’ Lightweight Logo Hoodie

The one thing I have learned about winter or cold weather riding is to dress in layers! So I like to have a lighter weight bottom layer, and then put something heavier over the top. And this Riding Warehouse hoodie is the perfect base layer. It is comfy and it has a hood, just in case I need a little extra warmth under my helmet.

And then I layer my vest over that. And years back, Riding Warehouse had a really warm puffer style vest which I still wear for my cold riding. Sadly, they don’t make it anymore. But they do have a lot of other vests to choose from.

In fact right now they have an Ariat vest that’s on clearance for around $65.00. Not too bad for an Ariat product!

Tall Winter Riding Boots

Having tall boot, in a winter version have been such a wonderful addition to my winter riding gear. Again, a few years ago I bought a pair from Riding Warehouse. And while the name may change, the idea is the same.

These are tall boots, that are made for cold weather riding. Not only are the great for riding, but when the snow gets deep, I pull out my boots to go out and feed, and do barn chores. They are very comfortable to wear around the barn and keep my feet warm AND dry. They also protect my legs from getting wet from all the snow.

And this year Riding Warehouse has the Ovation Ladies’ Highlander Side Zip Tall Winter Boots available for less than $100.00. If you are looking for one piece of winter riding gear this year, this is what I would buy. I have had mine for 2 years now, and they look like new. Granted I olny wear them in the winter. But they have held up well to my roughness.

Heated Blanket

Ok, I know, this isn’t something you wear. But, even with all of my winter riding gear, sometime when I come in, I am still cold. So there are a couple of heated blankets that I actually have to help me get toasty warm.

The first is a heated throw blanket. I found this on Amazon, and it is AWESOME! I have this on my couch. And once I come in and change out of my barn clothes, I snuggle up with this cozy heated throw blanket.

It helps me warm up fast after being outside for several hours. I can keep it on the warm setting and this is perfect to warm up. I wish I would have bought this years ago!

And then when I go to bed, I have a full size heated blanket on my bed. I should say it is a ‘my side of the bed size’. My husband doesn’t like being too hot when he sleeps. So I bought a twin size heated blanket. It works perfectly to keep MY side of the bed warm at night.

How To Stay Warm When You Ride

Well there are my winter riding essentials that I wear during almost every November ride. I find that these products help me to stay warm so I can get outside and enjoy the time that I have with my horses, without getting chilled to the bone!

Do you have a must have winter weather wear item that you won’t go outside without?