For the most part, there are two types of riders in the world: those who polish their tall boots even when riding at home alone, and those who occasionally let their old Garth Brooks tour t-shirt double as both pajamas and riding gear when they think no one is watching (we’ll let you guess into which category we fall). However, weather is the great equalizer, because when it’s ninety-five degrees and humid, there’s only one type of rider: a red-faced, sweaty one with soggy feet.
The scorching temps this week had us schvitzing through our Equiline breeches, cursing wide leather belts, and folding our Fabbri’s down while standing in front of the aisle fans. We’ve all been there, and we figured there had to be a better way. Thus, we took to the interwebs in search of some sporty riding garb that might not be entirely horse show or lesson appropriate, but is techier than a tour t-shirt for those casual, hack-at-home days when it’s pushing eighty-five at sunrise.
With a multicolored print to hide an array of equine-themed stains, and built-in air conditioning, this mesh t-shirt checks all the boxes. Zhuzh it up with a brightly colored sports bra. Not lesson appropriate, but cool in so many ways.
Breathable, but with a bit of protection from the sun, this Stella McCartney tech top is less predictable than many of the mesh paneled riding shirts to which we’re all accustomed.
The ability to quickly remove half chaps when grooming, teaching, or commuting to and from the barn makes them a must on hot days. We love this inexpensive and fully customizable option from Millbrook Leathers. Last time we looked into custom half chaps they were coming in at much closer to $1000 than $100!
Kerrits’ riding tights come in a wide range of colors, and the Ice Fil technology is purported to transform sweat into refrigerant, lowering skin temperature up to five degrees. If that’s not enough, these washable tights have a convenient cell phone pocket (you areriding alone, after all), a full seat for stickability, and UPF 50+ protection.
Le Fash’s Paulo Alto shirt is techie, and technically has sleeves, so feel free to sport this one at your lessons. It is made of environmentally friendly materials, allows maximum mobility, provides UPF 50+, and is basically a tank top…only not. Rules were made to be broken.
For us, gloves are non-negotiable. But why should our hands get as balmy and soggy as our feet? For breathable gloves with protection in all the right places, this Ariat option is our top pick.
The ability to quickly remove half chaps when grooming, teaching, or commuting to and from the barn makes them a must on hot days. We love this inexpensive and fully customizable option from Millbrook Leathers. Last time we looked into custom half chaps they were coming in at much closer to $1000 than $100!
Hands down, this is the best sunscreen ever created. Zinc provides a literal physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. And this clear, non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula is water and sweat-resistant, which makes it perfect for equestrians.
