During the the past week in our corner of the Northwest, the weather has changed suddenly. It went from me questioning the barn manager last week if we should be leaving out stable sheets, to now bundling them all day in midweight blankets complete with neckwarmers. Essentially, we went from fly sheets to winter blankets in a mere seven days.
I am a creature of habit and I have an entire routine that changes seasonally when I go to the stable. The barn is "my time" so I always want to be as comfortable as possible to get the most out of the experience. Thus, with a little planning, I have a system to stay totally cozy and not deterred by the "usual" winter inclements. Here are a few of my "Summer to Winter" change outs that make a big difference in staying comfortable!
Salut!
SUMMER TO WINTER CHANGE OUTS
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1) Socks/Footwear:
SUMMER: I wear my breeches with Converse Chuck Taylors in the new lower ballet cut and I bring a pair of thin riding socks in my tote bag. It is a very cool street to stable look that I often wear when running errands before I ride.
WINTER: I DON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT WEARING MY VERY TALL WARM SOCKS THAT I WILL BE RIDING IN AND TALL SNUGGLY BOOTS THAT KEEP MY LEGS DRY AND WARM.
2) Beverages
SUMMER: I bring a reusable squeeze bottle of chilled water that I leave on an arena fence post or standard while I ride.
WINTER: I BRING A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE THAT I LEAVE IN THE WARM TACK ROOM AND I MAKE A CUP OF STARBUCKS COFFEE IN OUR KEURIG AT HOME AND PLACE IT IN A REUSABLE STARBUCKS CUP. STARBUCKS WILL ALSO REFILL THESE CUPS IF YOU STOP AT ONE OF THEIR STORES ON THE WAY TO THE STABLE. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO AVOID WASTE.
3) Gloves
SUMMER: I typically don't even wear gloves, as I prefer the "feel" I have riding without them. In the past I have tried to wear gloves for cosmetic reasons to maintain a simple manicure, but to no avail. I have given in to just wearing clear polish and keeping my nails short.
WINTER: I CAN'T STAND HAVING COLD HANDS. IN FACT, THEY START TO CHILL IN THE FROZEN SECTION OF THE GROCERY STORE. I THEREFORE ALWAYS WEAR CASUAL GLOVES TO THE BARN AND I NOW ONLY PURCHASE STYLES THAT ALLOW ME TO USE MY I PHONE KEYPAD (AKA MY COMPUTER) WHEN I AM IN THE STABLE.
4) Hats
SUMMER: Baseball Hats. Period. I avoid the sun as much as possible and I also have HORRIBLE helmet hair when I finished riding, paticularly now that I have shorter hair.
WINTER: I TRADE IN BASEBALL HATS FOR WOOL OR CASHMERE HATS SO THAT MY EARS REMAIN WARM AND MY HELMET HAIR DOESN'T SCARE MY BARNMATES!
5) Skincare
SUMMER: As I have discussed at length, mineral powder sunscreen and skin barrier cream are my daily necessities.
WINTER: I USE A SUNSCREEN THAT IS PART OF MY DAILY FACE CREAM, BUT OUR CLIMATE IS SO DRY THAT I ALSO USE EPIONCE MEDICAL BARRIER FOR EXTRA MOISTURE. I HAVE USED THIS TREATMENT FOR YEARS AND I USE IT FOR ALL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
Many of my friends are preparing for the incredible winter circuits in California and Florida. At this point in my life, I have obligations that make the logistics impossible. But not to worry, with a little retail therapy consisting of cold weather necessities, enjoying the winter is possible. After having horses away for several winters, I feel fortunate to have "Sunny" close to home and the ability to enjoy a little mental "time out" during the hectic day.
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