You are headed this way and you probably want to know - what should
I wear?
The concept is the same,
whether horseback riding, snowmobiling, or dogsledding
- we'll help get you covered,
whether you visit us in spring, summer, winter, or fall!
IN WINTER....
Layers & Synthetics are the name of the game!
INNER LAYERS
You need to put a thin layer, that is
non-absorbent, next to your skin, to avoid
chilling your body when sweating.Synthetics such as acrylic, lycra or
polar fleece
- or natural fibers such as wool
- work just fine for your first
layers. Synthetics
are made of plastic, hollow
fibres, so they won't absorb
moisture, and wool is
nature's best natural water
resistant insulator. You don't have to
purchase
special garments - improvise
with what you already have at home! Workout
tights, nylons, or leotards next
to your skin can really help! Just check the
labels of
your current garments,
and you might be surprised what you find.
Whatever you do - don't wear
bluejeans! DON'T wear cotton outside in
winter - keep it for lounging by the
fire. Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture
and clings to your body, robbing you
of precious heat, and giving you the chills!
If you want to be more active year
round, you might want to invest in
polypropylene long underwear. Polypropylene is a
fantastic material
that is the best material for spending alot of time outside
in all conditions.
MIDDLE
LAYERS
Next, you'll cover your thinner, inner
layers, top and bottom, with
one or more bulkier layers. Think 'insulation' and
you'll get it right.
A 'streamlined' (not tight) fit will help you keep from restricting
your movement once the final layer goes on. Choose this layer
based on the
conditions outside - add another looser layer if it is really cold.
A Wool, or acrylic blend sweater, or
better yet, thick and toasty
POLAR FLEECE does the trick! Often you can buy a cozy
polar
fleece combo top/bottoms at places like SEARS for a
reasonable
cost. It's non
absorbent, and keeps dry next to your skin - you
won't be sorry, because it lasts a long
time, and you can use it often.
OUTER LAYERS
*snowmobilers - we supply all the outer suit you'll need - follow above tips for inner layers*
The key words are WINDPROOF,
WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE.
Gortex, Thinsulate, or a similar outer shell is excellent,
but avoid cheap
'raincoat' fabric, as moisture will accumulate inside because it is not
breathable.
Again, avoid Cotton outer shells, even
those that are treated with water
repellent material. Snow lands on you, and when it
melts, it can soak you
down through the layers and chill you to the bone. You'll want to
have
pants AND a jacket. I've even seen some good snowmobile suits that
were lightweight
enough to be just dandy on horseback!
FOR YOUR HANDS
Just the same as above, thick polar
fleece, polypropylene or thinsulate liners
are excellent. Also, MEC 'WINDSTOPPER' (TM)
gloves are fantastic, and
don't always need an outer shell. (these things are
amazing, and quite warm
on their own, but are expensive) No matter what, don't use cotton!
Add an
outer shell of gortex or similar material over your inner liner, and you're
good to go.
Remember, it doesn't have to be fancy to
work! Some of my best gloves are
cheap, and can be found at chain stores like
Zellers or Walmart. Choose from
any one of a variety of great 'all in one' products
on the market. Just be sure
and try them out first - you might be surprised!
Because of your activities, gloves are
better than mitts, but you can always
bring more than one pair in case the first pair gets
wet. You can never be too careful when it comes
to your hands! Read on for chemical solutions for keeping hands warm when the
thermometer plunges!
FOR YOUR FEET
Remember, just like your upper clothing, wool or synthetic blend socks will
make you so
much comfortable than cotton! You can also buy thin polypropylene
socks to wear
under an outer, wool pair. Don't cram your feet into boots however!
Layer,
but don't overdo it as you can impair circulation. Read on for chemical
solutions on keeping feet warm, even when the
thermometer plunges!
If you are Snowmobiling
We supply snowmobile boots, so don't
worry if you have nothing suitable.
If you have a really great pair of your own
winter boots, bring them! Read
on and check out the chemical solution for cold toes in winter!
If you are Horseback Riding
Remember, when horseback riding, boots
must have a minimum 1.5 cm heel!
Check your regular winter boots, or your snowmobile
boots, and you'll probably
find they are just right and have the necessary heel.
If you want to get fancy, we've found
that the 'Mountain Horse' paddock boots
are the best thing on the market. They're light
weight, narrow across the ball of
your foot, and stay very warm and dry.
Just remember, anything warm, dry and
water resistant is great. Avoid
wearing boots over 4.5" across the ball of your
foot, so that they fit safely
in the stirrup and won't jam. Read on and check out
the chemical solution
for cold toes in winter! *We have snowmobile boots on hand, if you are in a pinch*
A Final Note
Do you have ..... CHRONIC COLD FEET & HANDS?
There are also CHEMICAL solutions for those of us who
have real problems
with hands and feet (or if you just
want to be sure!) Head down to Canadian Tire and grab
some of those fantastic HAND or FOOT warmers.
They cost just a couple of bucks, you
shake them up, and
put them in your gloves and boots and they'll keep you
toastey all day!
(you'll love the boot warmers - they are
thin,
contoured, and stick right into the toe on
the sole of
any
kind of boot - directly under your toes!)
IN SPRING, SUMMER & FALL
FLEXIBILITY & LIGHTWEIGHT LAYERING
is the key to
dressing right!
Waterproof, breathable layers are even
more important at this time of year,
because our weather CAN change drastically over the
course of the day, going
from balmy to cold, or dry to rainy, in no time flat! You
need to be able to peel
off (or add) several lightweight layers, to get to your comfort
range. Don't forget
your gloves! All of our saddle bags have room to tie coats, add
sweaters, etc.
So fear not, bring what you think you might need, and we'll bring it along!
It would be helpful to read the
winter hints above, then take into
account
the temperature of our spring and fall, to get
an idea of suitable layer weights.
THROUGHOUT THE
SUMMER
HEAT, BUGS AND SUNSHINE
dictate what to
wear!
There's no need to hide out in bug
season!! We are used to the schedule and
habits of our pesky friends, and with a
bit of planning, we can ride throughout
bug season and enjoy the best of SPRING and
SUMMER.
If it looks like rain, be sure to bring
a lightweight waterproof jacket.
FOR THE TOP
The goal is to cover exposed skin, so
for riding in our early, more 'buggy' days
near Algonquin Park (late May - early July)
you'll simply need a long sleeve
jacket or shirt! (The weight should match the
temperature outside) The key
is to wear your shirts tucked in to the waistband of
your pants, and choose ones
with snug fitting cuffs and collars - or a turtleneck.
This will protect you from
everything from deerflies to mosquitoes, and make early summer
rides perfectly
comfortable. We can even provide you with inexpensive 'bug' jackets,
if your're
worried about insects - they work great!
Rest stops on high points, overlooking our lovely
lakes, help us to enjoy a breeze,
which whisks any winged critters away, and makes for
peaceful lunch stops.
Plus, we know the more 'open' trails to use during this season
- and we make
good use of them!
For warmer days, short sleeved teeshirts work fine if you apply bug spray to exposed
arms. Choose bug repellant with deet as an ingredient. Deep woods OFF works
great!
FOR THE BOTTOM
Long pants are a must - riding in shorts
is painful, and you can get scratches from
branches along the trail. Blue jeans are
great at this time of year, but don't bring
those tight fitting jeans - they pinch!
FOR HORSES** Track pants work, but they are loose and will
rub you in places you
never imagined! Breeches if you have them are quite welcome,
or a tight fitting
spandex pant works well. No matter what, make sure it fits well, and
it's comfortable.
You don't want to feel cramped!
Socks are necessary, to cover your exposed ankles
and keep your boots from chafing.
(cotton works well during hot/dry weather, and wool
or acrylic during cold/wet weather)
Remember to choose boots with a minimum 1.5
cm heel, that aren't more than 4.5 cm
across the ball of your foot. If you don't
have appropriate footwear, don't worry!
We have extras of all sizes here at the farm, and
we'll be glad to lend them to you!
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