Sunburn In Winter? Why Riders Are Still at Risk (And How to Stop It)

As an equestrian in Australia, you're used to the sun. It's a constant companion, whether you're out for a leisurely hack or tackling a serious training session. But what happens when the mercury drops and winter arrives? Do you pack away the sunscreen and ditch the wide-brimmed hats? You might think you're safe, but the harsh reality is that riders can, and do, get sunburnt even in the cooler months.

This isn't about scaring you; it's about informing you. Understanding why this happens, and what you can do about it, is crucial for your long-term skin health. Let's get straight to it.

The Winter Sun: A Silent Threat

Australia is notorious for its high UV levels, and even during winter, these levels can be dangerously high. While we might not feel the 'heat' in the same way as summer, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the real culprit behind sunburn and skin damage. UV rays are invisible, so a cool winter's day doesn't necessarily mean a safe day.

Why is this particularly bad for riders?

Reflection: The ground, especially sand or light-coloured arenas, can reflect UV rays back up at you, doubling your exposure. You're not just getting it from above; you're getting it from below too.

Longer Days: Even in winter, Australian days can be long, meaning more cumulative exposure time when you're out riding. That early morning or late afternoon ride, which feels pleasant and cool, can still deliver a significant UV dose.

Cloud Cover Deception: Clouds are not UV blockers. In fact, some types of cloud cover can scatter UV radiation, making it even more intense in certain conditions. You can absolutely get burnt on a cloudy winter's day.

The Illusion of Safety: We associate sunburn with heat, so when it's cooler, our guard is down. We forget that UV is a separate threat.

Your Helmet is ONLY Half the Story

Many riders rely on their helmets for sun protection. And yes, a good equestrian helmet certainly shields your scalp and face from direct sunlight. However, there are significant areas that remain exposed, and these are prime spots for painful sunburn.

Let's break down the typical exposed zones:

Ears: These are incredibly vulnerable. Even with a helmet, the edges and tops of your ears often catch the sun, especially when you're looking down while riding or when the sun is at an angle.

Neck: The nape of your neck, often exposed, is a classic sunburn location. Depending on your helmet design and how it sits, this area can get significant UV exposure.

Forearms and Hands: These are the most obvious exposed areas. While not directly under your helmet, they are constantly exposed during a ride. Their sensitivity can catch you off guard, especially in winter when you might not feel the heat building.

Upper Chest/Décolletage: If your riding shirt has a lower neckline or the sun is high, this area can also be exposed.

Think about your typical riding position. You're often looking down at your horse, or off to the side. This means the angle of the sun changes, and areas that might have been shielded at one moment are exposed the next. Your helmet, while essential for safety, isn't designed as a comprehensive sun shield.

Simple Solutions for Serious Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from winter sun exposure while riding doesn't require a complete overhaul of your routine, but it does demand a more mindful approach. Here’s a practical guide:

Essential Sun Protection Checklist

[ ] Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen: Even on cool, cloudy days. Don't forget ears, neck, and any other exposed skin.

[ ] Reapply sunscreen regularly: Every two hours, or more often if you're sweating.

[ ] Wear sun-protective clothing: Long sleeves, lightweight fabrics, and UPF-rated clothing are your best friends.

[ ] Utilise a helmet brim extender: This is where your helmet isn't enough. A good brim extender can cast shade where your helmet can't reach. (

[ ] Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap UNDER your helmet (if possible and safe): Some helmets allow for this, or specific riding caps can be worn. Always ensure it doesn't compromise helmet fit and safety. This is often not feasible due to helmet design and safety standards, making brim extenders a more practical solution for most.

[ ] Invest in UV-protective eyewear: Sunglasses that block UV rays can protect the delicate skin around your eyes and the eyes themselves. These can sometimes be worn with helmets too.

[ ] Seek shade when possible: During breaks, opt for a shaded area if available.

The Unsung Hero: Helmet Brim Extenders

If your helmet is doing its primary job of protecting your head, it's not a sun shield for your entire face and neck. This is where a product like Da Brim comes into its own. Designed specifically to attach to equestrian helmets, Da Brim extends the shade provided by your helmet, offering crucial protection to areas that would otherwise be exposed.

How Da Brim Solves the Winter Sun Problem:

Increased Shade: Da Brim significantly increases the shaded area around your face and neck, far beyond what a standard helmet can offer.

Reduces UV Exposure: By casting a larger shadow, it directly reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin.

Comfort and Visibility: A larger brim can make riding more comfortable by reducing glare. Some designs are engineered to not obstruct your peripheral vision.

Easy to Install: You don't need to buy a whole new helmet. Da Brim's are designed to be affixed to most existing helmets.

For more details on how easy it is to integrate this extra layer of protection, check out our How to Install guide.

A Real-World Scenario

Imagine this: It's a crisp, clear Saturday morning. You're heading out for your weekly trail ride. The temperature is a pleasant 15°C. You've got your favourite riding shirt on, your trusty helmet, and you're feeling great. You've skipped the sunscreen because it doesn't 'feel' that sunny. You ride for two hours, enjoying the scenery. By the time you get home, your ears are bright red, and your neck feels tight and tender. The UV index, which you didn't check, was sitting at a 'moderate' to 'high' level for most of your ride.

This isn't an isolated incident. It's a common scenario for riders because we underestimate the winter sun. The key is to shift from 'feeling the heat' to understanding UV intensity.

Understanding UV Index in Australia

While we don't provide specific daily forecasts here, it's widely understood that Australia has among the highest UV levels in the world. Even in winter, the UV index can reach levels of 3 or higher, which is considered 'moderate' risk. However, certain conditions can push this higher: bright sunny days, clear skies, and if you're riding in areas with high UV reflectivity (like snow or sand), the effective UV exposure can be much greater. The Australian Government's SunSmart program consistently advises remaining vigilant with sun protection year-round.

A Quick Comparison: When to Be Concerned

UV Index Level	Category	Recommendation
1-2	Low	Sun protection not generally required.
3-5	Moderate	Use sun protection if you’re going to be outdoors for more than 30 mins.
6-7	High	Use a combination of barriers, sunglasses and sunscreen.
8-10	Very High	Use a combination of barriers, sunglasses and sunscreen.
11+	Extreme	Seek shade, wear protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and as an equestrian exposed to reflective surfaces and extended periods outdoors, you should err on the side of caution. A moderate UV index can still cause damage, especially with prolonged, unprotected exposure.

Practical Steps for Winter Riding Sun Safety

Let's put the advice into action, step-by-step. This is about making sun protection a non-negotiable part of your riding routine, regardless of the season.

Step 1: Pre-Ride Preparation (Daily)

Check the UV Forecast: Before you even tack up, have a quick look at your local UV forecast. If it's 3 or above, sun protection is a must. Don't rely on the temperature reading.

Sunscreen Application: Apply a generous layer of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 15-20 minutes before heading out. This includes your face, neck, ears, hands, and forearms. Ensure it's well into your hairline.

Don Protective Clothing: Slip on long-sleeved, lightweight, breathable, and light-coloured clothing. Consider UPF-rated garments for maximum protection.

Step 2: On the Horse (During the Ride)

Helmet On, Brim Extended: Ensure your helmet is fitted correctly and that any Da Brim extensions are securely attached. This provides a consistent shield.

UV Protective Eyewear (Optional but Recommended): If you're sensitive to glare or want to protect the skin around your eyes, wear UV-blocking sunglasses that fit comfortably with your helmet.

Awareness: Be mindful of the sun's position and how it’s hitting you. If you notice an area is starting to feel warm or exposed, try to adjust your position or seek shade during your next break.

Step 3: Post-Ride and Reapplication

Reapply Sunscreen: If your ride was longer than two hours, or if you expect to spend more time outdoors after your ride, reapply sunscreen to any exposed skin.

• Check for Redness: Once you've cooled down, check your skin for any signs of redness, particularly on your ears and neck. Address any irritation immediately with soothing lotions.

Don't Let Winter Deceive You

The long days, high UV levels (even in winter), and reflective surfaces in Australia mean that sun protection for riders is a year-round commitment. Your helmet is vital for safety, but it's not enough to protect you from all the sun's damaging rays.

By understanding the risks and implementing practical, consistent sun safety measures – including reliable sun protection for your ears and neck – you can enjoy your equestrian pursuits throughout the year without compromising your skin health.

For riders looking to enhance their helmet's sun protection, exploring solutions like Da Brim can make a significant difference. Visit our Products page to see how you can add a vital layer of defense.

If you have any questions about sun safety for riders or our products, our FAQ page is a great resource. And for more tips and information, be sure to check out our Blog.

Stay safe, stay protected, and happy riding.