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Even though I am native to New England, the cold temperatures for winter riding are annoyingly apparent, and quite honestly inescapable at times. After a while, I suppose you simply get used to the idea ofnumbing extremities and permanent ice cream headaches. Just as Floridians acclimate to the extreme heat in the summers, Vermonters and neighboring states simply deal with the trying weather forecast. Perhaps not always with a smile, but we cope!
New England Riding Life
As a rider in New England, we face obvious challenges as well. The terrifying ice layers are everywhere, both visible and even worse, invisible. Riders deal with frozen water buckets, frozen shavings piles, and exuberant horses with more energy than you can often manage. We often worry about our horses slipping and falling down, or worse. The sun sets super early which is not exactly motivating for evening riding, though we deal and we keep trucking along. You often can’t start your cars and trucks, and even if you want to trailer somewhere, the driving conditions are hit or miss in the winter. The list is infinitely long, but I won’t bore everyone!
Riding Clothes for Sub-zero Weather
One of my LEAST favorite parts about winter riding is the excess amount of clothing. Seriously people, can many articles of clothing can one person wear? Have you ever stopped and counted the number of things on your body in the winter? It’s ridiculous.
Just this morning, I woke up, eyes half open. After putting on my slippers, I turned on the coffee machine, let the dogs outside, and went back upstairs to grab my usual attire for the day. I lay my clothes out on my bed, knowing that most of my day will inevitably involve horses and a barn – outdoors. Standing back, I looked at all the stuff I needed to put on.
Don’t Forget Winter Outerwear!
Of course this pile does not factor in winter boots, gloves, and probably two more coats. There sat this daunting pile of clothing. Sometimes I wonder why it takes me such a ridiculous amount of time to get ready in the morning. It was then that I saw the reason why.
I wear long underwear, Darn Tough thick and high socks, winter breeches, Under Armour, and a thin coat that I can shed when I get warmed up. The list goes on! Plus, this ridiculous amount of clothing literally weighs and drags you down. It’s heavy, tiring, and EXHAUSTING!
For many of us, we don’t have the opportunity to head south with our horses to warmer climates and less clothing! Instead, we deal with our obstacles up north. I can handle almost anything up in the frozen tundra, but the amount of clothing needed truly makes me cringe. But I’ll keep puttering away!
Author: Lila Gendal
