6 Rider Tips To Keep Your Cool As Temperatures Rise
Struggling to keep your cool as temperatures rise? Read our top tips for keeping your cool in and out of the saddle this summer with these six rider tips!
Early Risers Keep Cool
Whether tackling yard duties, schooling your horse, or having lessons, try to get all your main physical jobs and arena work done for the day before the temperatures rise. Heavy physical duties such as mucking out, filling haynets, water buckets, poo picking and riding are much more pleasant when the temperatures are cooler, so rise early and save the day for less exhaustive manual work around the yard.
Ride Early Or Late
Fit your riding in either earlier or later in the day to beat the heat. Don't forget that after a full day of sun, your arena (dependent on the surface) will take time to reduce the heat it has collected, so it might be better to rise early and ride to keep your cool as temperatures rise or ride much later in the evening.
Choose Technical Rider Clothing
Wear equestrian clothing designed for the job! Choose technical fabrics that wick away sweat and are breathable and comfortable to wear. Choose riding tights with carefully placed seaming like our Signature Luxe Riding Tights or Inspire Riding Tights to ensure they won't rub or chafe you in the saddle if you get hot.
Keep Hydrated
Don't forget to keep yourself hydrated. Putting your cold drink in the freezer in a suitable freezer-friendly bottle will mean you can enjoy a cold drink mid-morning without being near a fridge. It's recommended that you drink at least 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes during hot weather to keep your cool; that's roughly a cup of water every 15 minutes. Avoid sugary drinks or tea and coffee, which can dehydrate you even more.
Machine Washable & Quick Drying
It sounds simple but choosing clothing that dries quickly and is machine washable isn't exclusive to all rider clothing. Our Active Extreme Base Layer is perfect for air-con on the move and dries so quickly that you'll get plenty of wear out of it over summer. Avoid buying clothing that has sequins or rhinestones if you plan to wear them regularly, as these are likely to require specialist cleaning and care.
Competition Cool
If you are competing during a heatwave, your priority is, of course, going to be caring for your horse. However, keeping yourself hydrated is imperative, especially as dehydration can affect your ability to concentrate! Heading over to the burger van at the show? To keep your cool, avoid consuming excessive amounts of tea, coffee, sugary drinks, salt, meat and fried food during a heatwave to say healthy and hydrated!
