Stay Warm While Riding the Way Olympic Athletes Do
Here are five must-have items to stay warm while riding outdoors or in unheated arenas in winter.
If you're like millions of Americans, you've been avidly watching the 2018 winter Olympics. And you may be wondering "How do these athletes and spectators stay warm in sub-freezing temperatures?" The answer: Technology. Very cool technology that equestrians can wear, too!
  Bosch Heated
Women's Jacket |
  Bosch Heated
Men's Jacket |
1. Cordless Electronically Heated Jackets: During the opening ceremonies, the athletes strode into the icy arena feeling toasty warm in their specially designed Ralph Lauren self-warming jackets. The athletes simply pushed a button on a slim lithium-ion battery pack, and--presto!--the jackets generated their own heat. While Lauren's jackets cost several thousands of dollars, more affordable versions are available for purchase at Amazon.com. The highest rates is the Bosch heated jacket, which is not only warm but stylish.
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  Under Armour
Women's Jacket |
  Under Armour
Men's Jacket |
2. ColdGear Infrared Lined Active Wear: ColdGear uses a unique ceramic coating that absorbs and retains body heat to keep you warmer longer. This technology can be found in jackets, leggings, tops, socks, hoodies, and vests. Under Armour carries a wide selection of these enhanced technology sports wear. The socks are perfect for keeping your legs and feet warm in your boots.
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  Noble Outfitters Unisex Outrider Arctic Glove
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3. Insulated Riding Gloves: The ever popular Noble Outfitters™ Outrider Arctic Glove is perfect for winter riding. Features double-layer reinforced synthetic suede palm, forefinger, pinky, and fingertips for added grip on the reins in icy or wet weather. This is an extremely durable and hard-wearing glove. The stretch soft shell back of hand provides warmth without bulk
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  Sprenger Duo-Bit
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4. Non-Metal Bit: Metal bits can be uncomfortably cold for horses in the winter. Sprenger Duo Bits are very gentle on the horse’s mouth. The mouthpiece is made of soft, flexible plastic which adapts to the horse’s mouth in an ideal way. The material is food-safe, solvent-free and does not contain any plasticisers. The mouthpiece is reinforced with a steel cable to make it stable and to provide more security. This bit can be used on both sides, either as a straight edged flexible bar or with a low port that leaves space for the tongue.
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  B Vertigo Kensington Exercise Blanket |
5. Quarter Sheet: Riding in winter can be uncomfortably cold for horses as well, especially if you body clip your horse. The solution is a warm quarter sheet that fits behind the saddle and over the horse's haunches. The B Vertigo Kensington Thermo Tex Exercise Blanket is one of the nicest and most affordable ones on the market. The unique 3-layer fabric of this impeccable quarter sheet is bonded to one layer and weaved together to create air pockets for warmth. The thermal, breathable blanket keeps the horse warm during exercise while allowing moisture to escape. A simple tail strap and Velcro girth attachment keep this blanket in place while you ride.
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With the right equipment and riding apparel, you and your horse can enjoy riding all winter long.
Happy Riding!
Copyright February 12, 2018 Denise Cummins, PhD
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