Necessary equipment for winter competitions

Background source: proequest.com

Are you preparing to the first winter indoor competition? Check out what might be useful, and what would certainly be necessary.

For rider

You have to adjust your equipment to the temperature. Do not hope for the temperature to be much higher in a hall than it is outside. If the centre, where the competition is held, has two halls, probably one of them would be made available as a warm up arena. That means moving a few or more metres outside, which you have to specially consider if rainy weather is predicted.

Jacket, cap and gloves are obvious. However, take a jacket that you have already used for riding, otherwise you might get disappointed - too tight sleeves, or too long back will only cause unnecessary stress. 

Headband will be useful during cold days, you can wear it under a helmet (owners of regulated helmets will discover their additional advantage here) - even if only during a warm up. For the very competition you can get rid of it so you won't spoil the elegant look. You can also buy warm ear protectors. With gloves it is a bit harder, because not everybody likes riding in thick fleece or padded winter models. You can deal with it by buying a gadget, which generates heat and will keep your fingers warm. Some of those warmers are so small that you can easily put them for a minute in a glove. You can also think what will keep your toes warm. You can put isolating insoles to leather rider boots - in such equipped shoes you can ride at least once before the competition, so you can check if it causes any discomfort. Thick woolen high socks may also be useful.

Thermal underwear worn under show outfit is a great idea. In trousers (leggings) without stitches in crutch you will feel more comfortable during riding. If after training you usually leave the arena/paddock soaked with sweat, take a shirt for change with you. It is always better to wait for an overtime or the results in dry clothes, it definitely increases thermal comfort - change, if you have such opportunity. Thin fleece jacket that you can put under or on a show jacket will also be useful during especially cold days. 

During rainy weather, for when you oscillate between halls, you can wear a rain jacket, long enough to cover your breeches. Of course, your horse has to be accustomed to you wearing a weird, swishing coat, otherwise he might present you with an unexpected trip to the neighbourhood or rodeo.

From little, but useful gadgets, I recommend winter cold cream, which to a certain degree protects your face from the cold air and energy bar. Eating something sweet during crisis always helps, and on cold days we tend to lose energy very quickly. You can also take a thermos with hot beverage (sweet tea or hot chocolate). If you do not have the time to go to a bar for a warming drink, you can always help yourself with a sip from the thermos, plus you can always warm your hand just by holding the flask with its hot content (hopefully not on the horse, you can burn both yourself and your horse!).

source: Kingsland

And for horse

Horses do not have cold-blooded fingers or ears, but we have to think about them so they do not fall ill when they come back from competitions.

The very basic equipment is a fleece rug, or even two - when your horse sweats and the rug is soaked, you can change it for the dry one. For the worst weather I recomment rugs with hood and half-rugs useful during warm up. The rest of the horse's equipment is pretty much the same as it is for summer season. Remember that while putting the bridle on, the bit will be freeing cold. For a moment before starting dressing your horse up, you can put it into very warm water.

Surely, many of you have your own ideas for surviving the winter competitions. We await your tips!

If you do not want to forget about any important thing, print our list out: download list (remember that saddle, bridle, and boots will also be necessary ;-)). Also, take a look at our "Winter is closer and closer" article - you will find some advice and a few products that will be useful during cold days.

author: Anna Sierpińska