Like many sports, equestrian is one that is spent outdoors, mostly in the sun. Being one of the more challenging sports with a high level of competitiveness, chances are you may be spending each and every day out in the heat, regardless of the season. Your exposure to harsh light will be magnified during training, competitions, horse shows, and even when conducting simple yard work and maintenance.
We all know the dangers of the the sun, despite it giving us wonderful days with good weather. We may think that some days are safe enough to go out without skin protection, but the truth is that UV rays are extremely powerful and can even penetrate clouds. For those with light complexions, this can be damaging to the skin and cause harsh sunburns that hurt.
So what can we do to protect ourselves from the deadly nature of the sun? Here are a few tips to keep safe out in the heat:
Invest in the Right Sunscreen or Makeup
The importance of sunblock lotions or sprays is extremely high in preventing skin damage. These products will block out UV light from your skin and help in avoiding sunburns and skin illnesses. Having a proper sunscreen for your face will help because they normally have fewer chemicals that may cause breakouts, while a stronger body lotion will keep your arms and legs safe.
Higher-end sunscreens are also less sticky, which will leave you feeling less hot as having a thick layer of lotion is bound to trap body heat from expelling. It would be best to choose sweat-proof, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic products for maximum comfort while riding.
For women going into competitions, there is no doubt that you would like to look your best despite being out in the sun and sweating it out. This is why you should invest in a good makeup brand that offers SPF protection, as well as being easy on the skin to avoid pimples and blemishes forming after use. Newer makeup products already include some level of SPF guarding, and there are multiple choices and colours on the market.
Another thing that people sometimes miss out is lip protection – lips are still part of our skin and may also get burned. Choosing an SPF inclusive lip balm should do the trick and make your ride a lot better.
Use Outdoor Shirts that Contain SPF Protection
Modern outdoor shirt technology is essential for surviving hot days. Not only do they offer protection from UV rays, but they also consist of cooling fabrics that turn sweat into cooling energy. They come in a variety of styles and designs, so there is sure to be one that matches whatever it is you are looking for in terms of fashion. Having a good quality shirt that wicks away sweat and expels heat more efficiently is a good way of keeping comfortable during long rides that could potentially cause heatstrokes.
Add a Shade to your Riding Helmet
It is an absolute no-go to hop on a horse and train or compete at full speed without a helmet. Helmets keep our heads safe in case of falls because brain trauma is often deadly and irreversible. Riding a horse can go wrong in a matter of seconds, and you want to be protected from falling on the ground as much as possible.
Most helmets do not include proper shades against heat. This can be fixed by purchasing a helmet visor to shield your eyes and face from the overhead sun. Offering 360-degree head protection from heat, a lightweight brim will make riding on hot and sunny days more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Equestrian is still a physically demanding sport, which requires lots of skill and practice to master. There is no doubt that the heat plays a big role in sports endurance, as it drains athletes’ energy extremely quickly. Fortunately, there are many proven ways and innovations to help equestrian riders survive competitions and shows regardless of the weather.
At Sun Brims New Zealand, we offer high-quality helmet sun visor products, as well as other clothing items that can help with your horse riding and outdoor needs. Check out our catalogue to see our products!
