Fantastic Finds for Winter Warmth
Winter came pretty unexpectedly for us this year. 75 degrees last Monday and then Tuesday the high was a whopping 35! None of us were ready, including Dancer. He was in the barn overnight due to the crazy temperature drop and me not wanting to blanket him at 75 degrees when I fed but not wanting him to be freezing either. I put his blanket on that morning and when I led him outside, a huge gust of wind blew over us and he just stopped. And gave me a look like “are you crazy?! why do I have to go out in this?!” Then I explained that he had a blanket on and he’d be fine. It took some coaxing, but we made it to the paddock and he realized that it wasn’t so bad.
Me, on the other hand? I’m still making my best attempt to get used to it. I’m not a cold weather person. Or an extreme weather person, really. 70 degrees and sunny is quite alright with me. But I have come across a few things that I’d like to try this winter and a few things that I’ve been using that might help you get acclimated to a colder climate.
WHAT I WANT TO TRY…
1. EIS heated shirts – this would be perfect under a vest or sweater.
2. Flame Base shirt – possibly the coolest thing I’ve seen in warming products! I hope they make their goal!
Both of these shirts claim to keep you warmer than you’d be if you were wearing a standard fleece or sweatshirt. I haven’t tried either, but both have gotten great reviews!
3. Heat Holders – socks, leggings, gloves and more!
THINGS I LOVE…
1. Mountain Horse Winnipeg Coat – my first official equestrian coat, designed to be used in the saddle and around the barn. I’ve had it for a year now and I love it!!!
2. Re-usable hand warmers – you can put these in your gloves, boots, pockets, wherever… Very helpful in extreme weather and you can reheat them over and over again!
3. 30 below gloves by SSG from SmartPak – perfect for barn chores. Not recommended for riding (too thick), but they keep your hands really toasty and dry!
FOR YOUR EQUINE FRIENDS….
1. Smartpak quarter sheet – for the days you decide to brave the winter weather
2. Bran mash – Your horse’s version of hot chocolate!
3. Uncle Jimmy’s Licky Things – my horse spends more time in his stall during winter, so I make sure he has something to keep him occupied! He loves these and they fit inside Likit hanging toys.
