Need help keeping warm in winter!

D

DancingJester

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 October 2013
Messages
76
Visit site
I remember being in school in the winter and having to go up to the horses after the day was over. I used to think this was the coldest thing in the world. I now work with horses and I don’t know what it is about this year (although having to lose a ton of weight so I’ll be accepted into racing school may have something to do with it) but I’m just finding it REALLY hard to keep warm after I have a brake or lunch. Obviously working with them plus having my own I’m accustomed to thermals and socks ext but I would like tips and preferably links on thermal clothes brands and tips on how you keep warm. I don’t think I’m doing everything I can.
 
Check the likes of Aldi if you have one near you. Their thermals and ski wear are reasonably priced. Definetly get a pair of salopets as well, they're fab! Go outdoors are good for prices too. Glove wise, the best I've found are the thinsulate ones. I'm sure you can also get a battery heated body warmer too!
 
put on a pair of latix (sp?) gloves under your usual gloves. keeps your hands warm and dry even when hammering it down! i used to walk around like the michelan man the amount of layers i wore. tights, pj bottoms, leggings, jods, jeans, waterproofs. kept me warm though! also make sure your boots dont have holes in them. this makes such a big difference. i didnt notice mine had a small hole in till i got a new pair.
 
Make sure you take off a few layers when you go in for lunch. Always make sure you've got something active to do after lunch so you can get moving.
I'll tell you what I'm wearing atm, its keeping me warm most of the time.
One pair of socks, with another (woof wear ones) over the top of my breeches. Winter breeches (they are lined) are an absolute must for the winter. I don't know how I ever survived without them, if it rains, some how the water also seems to run off them. On my top I wear, strappy top (one of the thicker primark ones) tucked into my breeches, a base layer, something like Under Armour or the Sondico ones are a much cheaper alternative. You can get them from JJB. A polo shirt, then either a hoodie or a high collared top. Waste coat and then a coat. I ride in everything except my coat. And they are dressage horses so it isn't just plodding about. I also wear a Pikeur headband, forgot it today and have really missed it. You really need to layer up, that way you can take off layers as you much out and then re add them but definitely get yourself some winter breeches, I have the Pikeur ones but im sure there are others out there. :D
 
Agree with the others loads of layers, found Tesco had fleece lined footless tights, amazing for a few pounds, plus lidl thermal long sleeved tops, cheap thin fleeces for under hoodies, fleece neck snood and I couldn't do anything without my fleece head band, also have a thin cotton ( like for putting make up on) headband that I can wear under my riding hat!
 
Layers, tuck everything in, I find larger boots are better than tight ones, seems to be room for air to move in them. I'm moving away from synthetic fabrics and back to wool, it's warmer and less sweaty. Our shop has all the doors open all the time (feed merchants) and the work can be dirty and wet (like horses!) so decent waterproofs which are also warm are great, I live in my Mark Todd over trousers - they are designed for riding in, waterproof zips, snow gaiters, lightly padded, completely waterproof - I bet I've had mine four years now. I don't find a headband is warm enough, I have a windproof hat from Go Outdoors, cheap and effective. I struggle with gloves as I need to write, so use similar (but cheaper!) to these...http://www.nurseysheepskin.co.uk/ca.../gloves-and-mittens/sheepskin-sporting-mitt-s
 
I also work with horses and I am currently wearing...

One thin pair of socks, and walking boots - having something that allows your foot to move whilst walking keeps the blood flowing and keeps the feet warm, so warm I only need thin socks.

Thermal leggings and jeans on top.

Thermal long sleeved top, short sleeved tshirt, thin fleece, thick fluffy jumper and a big puffa type coat from go outdoors, it was £20 and has been the best coat I have ever bought!

As well as a snood, headband and roekl gloves :)

I suggest buying winter horsey gear from go outdoors type shops, horsey gear is triple the price and never really suitable for winter.
 
Heat holders socks - they got me through a cold winter in a cold student house and I don't think I'd still have ten toes without them ;)
 
Helly Hansen base layers - you need the right material next to your skin to trap the warm air from your body and keep you dry. On top of that you just need a fleece and then a waterproof. Having lots of the wrong type of layers won't really help and can actually make you colder. HH do base layer pants as well as tops and do liners for hats and gloves - google their 3 layer system for the details. Can't rate the base layers high enough, I have quite a few and practically live in them when I'm not in work.
 
Definitely agree with not buying horse-specific stuff, it's so much more expensive. Thermal tights, £4, and long-sleeved thermal top, about the same, from Asda, thermal breeches, I've got Toggi and they're great, and a ski jacket. Also, silk gloves are brilliant, thin enough to go under leather riding ones, or as another layer under ski gloves for yard work and insulated Ariat Bromont boots for riding. I also got a Blazewear heated bodywarmer a couple of Christmases ago, with batteries you charge off the mains, and it's brilliant :)
These are good too http://www.decathlon.co.uk/sibir-100-women-wellies-id_8227021.html
 
I have one if those hand warmers with the charcoal inside that I keep in a pocket! An absolute godsend to get fingers warm after doing anything with water at this time of the year.
 
Hi Miss Jessica! Yes we are all pretty well at the moment, enjoyed some lovely weather for a few days, but currently listening to gales & hammering rain outside! :( Hope you & Oscar still have the perfect partnership?! X
 
Yes!! He is wonderful, thank you! Must post more pictures on facebook, I am just ashamed that he is more brown that grey at the moment. Ekkkkk xx
 
holeymoley said:
Check the likes of Aldi if you have one near you. Their thermals and ski wear are reasonably priced. Definetly get a pair of salopets as well, they're fab! Go outdoors are good for prices too. Glove wise, the best I've found are the thinsulate ones. I'm sure you can also get a battery heated body warmer too!
Click to expand...

Agree there! I bought their merino wool base layers and they are fab! reduced to about £4 :D
Also check out ebay for skiing jackets. I've had to buy ski jackets for 5 of us and all off ebay for no more than £10 each. My son has a Helly Hanson one that was worn once for £7 + p&p
 
You mentioned losing weight. I go for all the thermals and layers advice though it hasnt been cold enough here in SE to warrant wearing all of it this year.
But I too think that one does feel the cold and damp more after losing weight. And if you are trying to keep the weight off, you may not be eating enough calories at lunch to do the stable work and keep warm in the afternoon. I dont feel it riding, but certainly walking round feel a chill on my thighs.
Notice you dont mention thermal long johns but they cover your thighs. And extra socks too in spite of what you say. I was warned by an RI on my first hack when the temperature was way below freezing that when dismounting onto frozen ground in cold weather you need extra insulation and padding in the feet. That even younger riders can break a bone in the foot dismounting in icy weather.
Our family thermals came from a sports shop, but I wouldnt dismiss horsey brands. Our saddler kitted me out as an ignorant new rider and the winter clothes she sold me are still fine 12 years later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top