Once again, I am posting my winter riding tips! As someone who is ALWAYS cold (think sweatshirts in the summer), it's taken me many years to learn how to dress for winter riding. Here are all of my best tips!
Nikki
- Dress in layers and make sure your base layers are moisture-wicking. Thermal long underwear designed for skiing is ideal! Once you are riding, you will warm up quickly, so be sure your top layers have zippers that can be easily undone while mounted.
- Staying warm while tacking up is key! Head, hands, and feet lose body heat quickly. Wear winter boots with ski socks, warm gloves or mittens, and a hat when tacking up. Snow pants or sweatpants over your riding pants are also a good idea for chilly days. You can remove the extra layers and switch to riding boots and gloves right before you get on.
- When riding, a thin fleece headband can fit under a helmet to keep your ears warm! A cozy helmet cover is also a great option.
- Winter-specific boots will work as riding boots so long as they have a ½”–1 ½” heel, a not-too-chunky sole, and a narrow enough fit to fit into the stirrup. Ask your instructor to check if you are unsure.
- Winter riding gloves or mittens really help, too, but even non-riding specific gloves are fine, as long as they have some grip.
- Long Johns under your riding pants are a great option. You can also layer sweatpants or snow pants on top, too, if it's really chilly.
- For those really cold days, hot packs (www.littlehottieswarmers.com) are sold at Costco and many other places!) Gloves and boots are a great way to stay warm
- This is a luxury item, but many riders have added a heated vest to their winter apparel arsenal in the past couple of years, and it's been a game-changer! You are unlikely to need it while riding, but it's great while tacking up and untacking. They can be purchased on Amazon.
Nikki
