Do I really need to use sun protection in the winter?
A hat and sunscreen are just as crucial in the colder months as they are in the summer.
When most people think of winter, they often associate it with cold weather, low sunlight, and bundling up in cozy layers. This might make it seem unnecessary for equestrians to bother with hats and sunscreen during the winter. However, these two protective measures are just as crucial in the colder months as they are in the summer. Here’s why:
1. Sun Exposure Is Still a Concern
Even though the temperatures are cooler and the sun feels less intense in the winter, UV rays remain a threat. In fact, the earth's tilt during winter months causes UV rays to hit the ground at a different angle, which can be just as harmful as in the summer. Snow and ice can reflect these UV rays, increasing exposure and risk of sun damage. Riders are often outdoors for extended periods, making sunscreen essential to protect against UV radiation and the long-term effects of sun exposure, like premature aging and skin cancer.
2. Wind and Cold Can Amplify Sun Damage
In colder temperatures, the skin tends to dry out, becoming more susceptible to environmental damage. The wind, common in winter months, can cause chapped skin, increasing the risk of irritation when exposed to the sun. Wearing sunscreen with moisturizing properties helps form a barrier that protects against the harsh conditions and prevents skin damage, making it a must-have for equestrians.
3. Protection from Reflective Surfaces
Equestrians who ride in areas with snow or ice face the additional challenge of reflective sunlight. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, meaning even if the sun isn’t directly overhead, it can still cause significant exposure from below. Wearing your Riata and applying sunscreen protects the face, neck, and even areas you wouldn’t typically think about, like under the chin, which is highly exposed to these reflections.
4. Prevention of Chapping and Dryness
Winter weather is notorious for drying out the skin, and spending long hours outdoors on a horse can exacerbate this. Sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients can help lock in hydration and prevent chapping, particularly around areas like the face, nose, and lips, which are highly exposed when riding.
5. UV Protection for the Eyes
While this isn’t directly related to sunscreen, wearing a brimmed hat in the winter can also help shield your eyes from UV rays. Sunlight reflecting off snow can cause glare, which can strain your eyes during a ride. A hat with a brim can help block that glare and protect your eyes from damage. Pairing it with UV-protective sunglasses adds an extra layer of defense.
6. Long-Term Skin Health
Many equestrians spend more time outdoors than most people, and consistent sun exposure—even in winter—can contribute to long-term skin damage. Riders who make a habit of using sunscreen and wearing a protective hat, year-round, can reduce the risks of developing skin conditions related to UV exposure. Prevention is key, and a little effort each ride can make a big difference over time.
Conclusion
While winter may seem like a time when sun protection is less critical, the opposite is true for equestrians. Sunscreen and a hat provide essential protection from the sun’s UV rays, wind, and cold temperatures, helping riders maintain skin health, comfort, and overall well-being. Taking these simple precautions can ensure that you're protecting yourself against the elements, all year round. So next time you head out to the barn, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen and grab a hat—even in the winter!
Equestrians, it’s time to retire the baseball cap
Despite its popularity, a baseball cap is far from an ideal choice for sun protection for equestrians.
When it comes to horses, equestrians understand the importance of the right equipment. One key - but often overlooked - piece of gear is a good sun hat. However, many may wonder: why not just use a baseball cap? After all, it's lightweight, casual, and easy to find. Despite its popularity, a baseball cap is far from an ideal choice for sun protection for equestrians. Here's why:
1. Limited Coverage
A baseball cap provides minimal sun coverage, primarily shielding only your forehead and a small portion of your face. For equestrians, who are often exposed to long hours of direct sunlight, this is simply not enough. The cap's narrow brim leaves your ears, neck, and sides of your face unprotected, which are areas prone to sunburn and even long-term damage from UV rays.
Wide-brim hats like Riatas are designed to offer better all-around protection, shading not just the face but also the back of the neck and ears, which are highly susceptible to sun exposure.
2. Sweat and Overheating Issues
Baseball caps are typically made of cotton or synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture. When out in the sun, this can lead to discomfort and overheating, especially during extended periods of outdoor activity. The materials in most baseball caps do not provide adequate ventilation, which is essential for staying cool under the hot sun.
In contrast, Riatas are designed with breathable materials and ventilation to wick away sweat and help riders stay cool and comfortable.
3. Style vs. Functionality
While baseball caps are fashionable and casual, they are primarily designed for activities with shorter, less intense sun exposure, like a baseball game or a quick jog. Equestrian sports, however, demand practical gear that combines both sun protection and safety. Wearing a hat like Riatas that are specifically designed for extended time in the sun ensures that you’re protected from the sun.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Gear for Equestrian Activities
While baseball caps may seem convenient, they are not designed to offer the level of sun protection that equestrians need. For riders who spend hours in the sun, a wide-brim hat is the smarter, safer choice. Riata hats provide full coverage, UV protection, and proper ventilation, ensuring that you can enjoy your time at the barn without worrying about sun damage.
Sun Exposure: More Than Just a Nuisance for Equestrians
For equestrians, the connection between rider and horse is paramount. Ensuring your own comfort and safety, particularly in the face of sun exposure, is a key part of taking care of yourself as an athlete and a rider.
Whether you're an equestrian who spends hours training or a leisurely rider, spending extended time outdoors is part of the experience. The thrill of horseback riding often means spending long hours under the open sky, with the sun bearing down. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of being at the barn, one crucial piece of gear often gets overlooked: a sun-protective hat.
In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why every equestrian should prioritize wearing a hat for sun protection, the risks of overexposure to the sun, and a Riata can make all the difference.
1. Sun Exposure: More Than Just a Nuisance
Horseback riding often requires spending hours outside, whether in an open arena or on a trail. While the sun can be inviting, prolonged exposure can lead to several harmful effects. The most immediate concern is sunburn. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin damage even on overcast days, leading to painful burns that can make your time in the saddle uncomfortable.
But beyond the immediate effects, chronic sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.
For equestrians who ride frequently, the face, neck, and ears are especially vulnerable, as these areas are directly exposed to sunlight. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help shield these sensitive areas from harmful UV rays.
2. The Heat Factor: Staying Cool in the Saddle
Wearing a Riata doesn’t just protect you from UV rays—it also helps regulate body temperature by providing shade. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, both of which are serious conditions that can compromise your health and riding performance.
A well-ventilated, lightweight hat can offer much-needed shade to keep you cool during long days at the barn or show, preventing your body from overheating. Staying cool also means you can ride for longer without the discomfort that heat exhaustion can bring.
3. Choosing the Right Hat: Style and Functionality
When it comes to choosing a sun-protective hat, not all hats are created equal. Here are a few features equestrians should look for:
Wide Brim: every Riata extends at least 3 inches to provide adequate coverage for your face, neck, and ears.
UPF Rating: Look for hats with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). All Riatas have a UPF rating of 30 or higher - ideal for maximum sun protection.
Breathability: Riatas are made with materials that allow airflow, such as straw and lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, to keep your head cool.
Chin Strap: A secure fit is crucial, especially when you're handling horses. Our chin straps will ensure your hat stays in place.
Remember, wearing a helmet is essential for safety while riding, but incorporating a Riata for times off the horse or when engaging in other outdoor activities can complement your overall protection strategy.
5. Sun Protection Beyond the Hat
While wearing a sun-protective hat is a critical step, equestrians should also consider additional protective measures. Sunscreen is a must for exposed skin, especially on areas like the back of the neck, hands, and any parts of the face that aren’t covered by your hat. Sunglasses that provide UV protection are also a smart addition to your sun-safety kit.
Long-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirts with UPF ratings can provide an extra layer of protection, allowing you to enjoy your time with your horse without worrying about sun damage.
Final Thoughts
For equestrians, our horse’s wellbeing is paramount. Ensuring your own comfort and safety, particularly in the face of sun exposure, is a key part of taking care of yourself as an athlete and a rider. Wearing a hat that offers adequate sun protection not only reduces your risk of skin damage but also enhances your overall riding experience, allowing you to stay focused and enjoy the freedom that horseback riding offers.
Don’t let sun exposure saddle you with discomfort or long-term health risks—grab a hat and ride confidently into the sunlight.