Here's the problem I have. I don't like to be cold. And I have a really hard time staying warm. I will tolerate the cold for short periods of time if I have to. I also don't really like driving in snowy weather. It was not such a big deal when I had a car that I trusted in the snow. So my preference is to enjoy the cold weather and snow from inside, next to a fire and a Christmas tree.
However, many of you also know that currently, my job involves me teaching horseback riding lessons. Yes, I teach in an indoor arena. No, it is not climate controlled. The only thing it saves me from is snow (although sometimes it does snow in the indoor....) and wind. It's still cold. As I mentioned, I don't like to be cold. This is a problem.
This time of year, I get all these emails from companies and stores telling me how to keep warm and keep my horse warm. As someone who spends a lot of time outside and who also gets very cold, I thought I'd share my picks and reviews. Even those these are equine-influenced, non-riders will appreciate them too.
1. Silk Long Underwear
My number one pick is silk underwear. LL Bean makes some good ones. It's really easy to layer on top, but layering under pants is hard. These long underwear fit well enough to wear under breeches for the riders out there, or under jeans. When it's really cold, I can wear these, plus a pair of tights or leggings under my jeans. Also a plus, they come in three colors, not just white!
My second pick is glove liners. I have some great gloves that I love. But sometimes they're not warm enough. I need to be able to use my hands and those little warming packets get in the way. I can't do mittens either. So I found these glove liners by Under Armour. They really help cut the cold and they're super thin. I am looking forward to trying the rest of their Cold Gear too.
I was unsure where to put this next pick on my list. I was a life-long Carhartt-avoider. However, I moved to Michigan and got a job working outside. I sucked up my pride and started wearing a Carhartt jacket. I love this thing. I wish mine had a hood like this one. I like the quilted lining. My outdoor job is ending, but I did have plans to buy the matching overalls. I suggest avoiding the light brown/tan-ish color. That way you don't look like a complete hick.
4. Cooler
Centaur makes this awesome cooler. A wool cooler is a staple that every horse owner should have. A cooler helps dry a wet horse faster and keeps him warm at the same time. It also helps a sweaty horse dry off in the winter without getting a chill. Centaur makes great coolers in lots of great patterns.
5. Dublin River Boots
These are one of my favorite purchases of all time. Dublin River Boots were created to mimic the more expensive Dubarry boots. They were originally marketed to the equestrian community, but I've been seeing them in other catalogs as well. One company toted them as a "great dog walking boot". They're waterproof and pretty warm. These are three season boots. I bought mine a little big so I can layer some socks. I suggest wearing tall socks with these boots, even if you wear them over jeans, so they slip on easily. For the riders, I don't suggest wearing them to ride on a regular basis. The seams will wear and they slide down while riding. They're very comfortable while riding though, so check out Dublin's paddock boots.
I mentioned in #4 that I suggest wearing tall socks under tall boots. These are the best tall socks I've found yet! The picture shows the brown series, but they have lots of different colors. They are thin enough to fit under all my boots, but they still keep me warm. I can also layer a thin trouser sock underneath if it's really cold. They have also held up to lots of washing as well, which is really important to me!
If you're a rider in a cold climate and you haven't discovered a quarter sheet yet, for the love of God, get one! This one is the Newmarket quarter sheet, just because I love the colors. It's shown under the saddle, but the best thing about a quarter sheet is that you can keep both you and your horse warm by wrapping it over your legs.
8. Rhino Blankets
My horse has multiple Rhino blankets. All 8-10 years old, these blankets are tough. They look great and they hold up to all the rough playing he can throw at them. They also clean really well. I love the way these blankets fasten as well. It's a little thing, but not having to buckle a chest closure when your fingers are freezing is a great help. I also love that they have tail straps and crossing surcingles, rather than leg straps and a single surcingle.
9. Dog Blanket
Centaur makes another appearance on my list. My dog has been spending a lot of time outside this fall and winter. He's got a nice thick coat, but I worry that he'll be too cold when the temperatures dip below freezing and he's out there for extended periods of time. This is a great looking coat that actually comes in size chubby!
10. Beanie
I love all beanies. As I mentioned, I look cute in hats. So I wear lots of beanies. I love a beanie with a brim on it. Coal makes these crocheted hats. If you must wear lots of layers, at least you'll look good!
