Horseback Riding in Summer Heat:
Apparel & Accessory Guide

Summer is a great time to be outdoors and enjoy the warm weather with our equine and non-equine friends. However, too much sun exposure over time has harmful effects on the skin. We're sure you've asked yourself, "What am I going to wear horseback riding in hot weather?" because coming up with an outfit that is fashion-forward and functional is a tricky feat. To help you stay protected from intense UV rays, the RW Crew has put together this guide on the best sun protection gear every rider needs.

Before we dive into shopping mode, it is imperative for us to first understand the health risks of heat and sun exposure. We will be addressing some precautions you can follow, as well as a few product considerations to keep in mind. We will also dish out additional details on sun gear essentials to help you stay safe and healthy during the warmer days ahead!

As equestrians, it is important to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun while out riding in high temperatures. Failure to do so can lead to a range of health risks, including dehydration, skin damage, and heat exhaustion. These issues can not only impact our overall well-being but also our ability to ride and care for our horses.

Hydration

Just like with every sport, especially outdoor sports, we naturally lose body fluids through sweat when we are working hard and exposed to the sun and heat for long periods of time. This can lead to dehydration, meaning it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your ride. Equally as important is keeping your horse hydrated with added electrolytes! With easy-to-use supplements and even treats that do the job, there's no excuse for not being properly hydrated this season!

Skin Health

Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your skin with sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. Equestrians need to be mindful of wearing proper protection to help reduce the risks of skin damage caused by the sun, so we can continue to offer our horses our best for years to come! Tackling sun damage can involve UPF clothing, sunscreen, and mindful exposure time. This applies to both horses and humans since anyone can get sunburnt!

Heat Illness

Heat exhaustion can be a scary situation for horseback riders. Imagine being miles from home on a long trail ride, feeling dizzy and disoriented from the heat, then suddenly fainting from exhaustion... Falling from your horse could lead to serious injuries, putting both you and your horse in danger. Even if you're not out on a trail ride, heat exhaustion can still be a risk when riding or working around horses in high temperatures. Aside from fainting, you may not be able to make quick and safe decisions if you become too fatigued by the heat, which can put you and your horse in harm's way. It is important to take the necessary precautions and protect yourself from heat exhaustion, such as taking regular breaks in the shade. By doing so, you'll reduce the risk of fainting or becoming disoriented—ensuring the safety of both you and your equine partner!

Material

When looking for equestrian apparel and accessories to protect you from the heat and sun, there are a few key product considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the material of the clothing is essential. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties that allow air to circulate. Materials like polyester, spandex, and mesh are great options for summer horseback riding because they help keep you cool and dry.

Color

In addition to the material, you'll also want to consider the clothing color. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, keeping you cooler compared to darker clothing that absorbs heat. Keep this in mind when you're shopping for your summer riding tops and pants!

Technology

Design and technology are also major factors in hot-weather riding clothing. Keep an eye out for moisture-wicking and cooling technologies that allow you to more effectively dry off in the summer heat. Some apparel even offers UPF/UV protection that better protects your skin against the sun by blocking a certain percentage of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Consider clothing with features like vented panels, mesh inserts, and zippered vents to allow air circulation.

Accessories!

Accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can provide additional protection from the sun's harmful rays. Overall, choosing the right equestrian apparel and accessories for heat and sun protection can help keep you comfortable and safe while riding or working around horses in high temperatures.

Items To Consider

Equestrian UPF/UV Protective Clothing

Equestrian clothing with a UPF or UV rating is designed with built-in sun protection to help shield you from a range of UVA and UVB rays during lessons, trail rides, or time spent around the barn. Typically made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, apparel with a UPF/UV rating may even work to lower your skin temperature for cooling comfort. Another advantage of UPF/UV clothing is having to apply less sunscreen less often, as the technology is integrated into the apparel itself; you will be better protected no matter how many horses you ride! To see our top picks for some of the best UPF/UV apparel and cooling clothing in general, check out our Best Equestrian Sun Shirts and Best Cooling Breeches & Tights.

Hats & Headwear

Hats can provide shade to your scalp, face, ears, and neck for protection under the sun. The style of hat you choose to wear will decide how much protection each area receives. Ball caps typically provide shade to your scalp and face but leave the ears and neck exposed to the sun. These hats are great to have around the barn or in your car for a quick way to keep the sun off your face (or even hide some helmet hair)!

Straw and lifestyle hats are a popular choice for the summer months and provide more protection than a baseball cap. The holes in a straw hat allow air to pass through, while the larger brim offers more coverage from the sun. Depending on size, the wider brim can protect the front, back, and sides of the wearer's head. Many riders will opt for a gaiter or bandana to protect their lower face from the sun, or to use around their necks for cooling comfort.

Helmet Visors

Helmet visors attach to your helmet to offer further protection from the sun as you ride. Visors can differ in material, amount of coverage, UV protection rating, security, and even appearance; however, all visors work to protect you from the elements. With so many visor options, use our helpful How to Choose a Riding Helmet Visor Guide to help you pick the perfect one! We are fans of the "cowboy-hat" style of the Helmet Brims Horseback Riding Sun Visor, which dresses up your helmet while providing sun protection.

Becoming even more popular are wide-brim helmets. These helmets have a built-in sun visor, making every ride that much more protected. They are not as large as an auxiliary visor, so supplementing your rides might still be a good idea if you are concerned about increased sun exposure.

Sunglasses

Riding sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes in and out of the saddle. Not only do they block harmful UV rays that can lead to health problems, but they also offer coverage from dirt and dust kicked up around the barn or ranch. Riding sunglasses typically have a lightweight design and contour to your head for a comfortable, stay-put fit. We carry Bex sunglasses because they are incredibly comfortable to wear, with their lightweight frames and soft nose pads. We love their style varieties that cater to different fashion preferences but are still practical for riding, thanks to clear and crisp lenses.

Summer Riding Gloves

We can commonly forget about our hands when it comes to protecting ourselves during the summer, and gloves are an easy solution to help prevent any skin-related issues caused by sun exposure. If you do not prefer to wear gloves while riding, at the very least put sunscreen on your hands! Trust us—sunburnt hands are the worst, even if you are wearing a UV sun shirt that has thumb holes or some sort of coverage your hands are susceptible to damage. Mesh gloves are a great way to stay cool and protected, as well as make holding onto sweaty reins a little bit easier. We have picked out our Best Equestrian Gloves for Summer to help you find your perfect match!

Protective UV Sleeves

Protective UV sleeves allow you to wear your favorite short sleeve or sleeveless summer riding top while still deflecting the sun's harmful rays. These cooling arm sleeves block 98% of UVA and UVB rays with stretchy, moisture-wicking material that is smooth against your skin. Specifically designed to keep you cool in hot weather, most are made with an elastic grip around the top to ensure a no-slip fit. Some UV sleeves are even designed with thumbholes for additional hand coverage.

Q: How can I stay cool and avoid overheating while riding my horse in the summer?

A: Wearing protective riding gear such as a helmet, safety vest, or boots can be hot and uncomfortable in the summer heat. Choose apparel and gear made from lightweight, breathable materials that wick away moisture and dry quickly (think mesh or technical fabrics). Look for pieces that allow air to flow through in order to help regulate your body temperature.

Q: How should I care for my horse in hot weather?

A: Always allow access to fresh and clean water as well as shade or shelter. This will help to keep your horse cool while they are not being worked. While riding remember that if you are hot so are they so take lots of walk breaks and go for less intense rides. For additional insight on how to take care of your horse in the summertime, check out our Summer Horse Care Tips!

Q: What should I wear for shows or competitions in the summer?

A: Competing in the summer requires apparel that is both functional and stylish. Show coats and show shirts made from lightweight fabrics really help keep you cool in the show ring during the summer heat. Stick with white or light-colored show shirts made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry. White or beige breeches made from stretchy, comfortable fabrics provide ease of movement while allowing for airflow. Always consult the rule book of your discipline to make sure you are following regulations!

Q: What should I wear for trail riding in the summer?

A: Trail riding requires apparel that is comfortable and practical for long hours in the saddle. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt made from breathable materials, preferably with integrated UPF protection, will help block out the sun. Riding tights or leggings made from stretchy, thin fabrics will offer the flexibility you need while keeping you cool. Keep a hat on hand while you are out and about, and consider adding sunglasses and a helmet visor to your ensemble.

Closing Thoughts

You have to maintain your health in order to keep up with your equestrian lifestyle, and the right protection throughout the warmer months is key. Hot summers increase the risk of issues for you and your horses, and good sun protection gear will help you stay cool and healthy during this season. We highly encourage you to check out our "best-of" articles below to see our top summer picks! Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!