Top 10 Summer Essentials List

Well, it’s that time again. I enjoyed a lovely day at the barn two Saturdays ago with a breezy 86 degree afternoon. By this Saturday, it was all a distant memory. 97 degrees with full sun and high humidity was not my preferred way to finish off the weekend. And it’s only getting hotter! Ugh!! Why does anyone live in this state, I often wonder… But if you’re stuck in a warm climate like I am, there are a few products that can help you trudge through this awful season we call Summer. I also wanted to mention that I had a heat stroke when I was younger and playing competitive softball, so I have to be more careful in the heat than others that I know. With temperatures rising well above 105 the past few years, I’ve had to rely on the products below to get me through my long, 6hr days at the barn. Yes, I admit it – I’m too stubborn to just postpone my working student position at the barn over the summers. The experience and amount of learning that takes place in just one week is enough to keep me going! It’s funny how you could be feeling too horrible for a lot of things, but never too bad to skip a lesson or get in some barn time! So, here’s what I call my “Top 10 Summer Essentials” list…

1. Kerrits Ice Fil – I got one of these short sleeve shirts last summer and it works great when the temps are below 100 – or if you live in a place with normal weather and normal humidity. If you live in an oven, you might need to switch to the tank during hotter weather. I recently got the tank and continue to be impressed with the cooling fabric. It wicks away moisture quickly, and when it gets wet, there is a slight feeling of coolness as it dries. Now when will they make breeches out of this?!

2. Kerrits Flex Tight – These are the coolest, most breathable riding tights I’ve ever worn! I definitely recommend them for summer riding! Super comfortable and a flattering fit (just watch the underwear lines!)

3. Cool cap by Cool Medics – I chose the purple one because who can see inside your helmet? Why not live a little? It works great for the first hour or two, but it does require regular sprays with the hose. But, that’s OK. I tend to get pretty wet when I spray down the horses after a ride anyway.

4. Hyper Kewl Vest – This thing is amazing! I keep mine on the hanger and just soak it in the shower for about 3-5 mins – then let lightly squeeze out some water and let it drip for another 5 mins. You want it wet, but not dripping when you put it on. It does make your clothing underneath slightly damp, but in 106 degree heat, who really cares? I seriously couldn’t stay out in the heat without this!

5. Dublin easy care mesh half chaps – If you have to wear them in the summer, you might as well choose a pair that wicks away sweat and breathes! Especially if your trainer frowns upon shorts in the saddle! (just kidding!  I never do that! promise!!)

6. Cool Tie neck cooler – I found a few of these at Walgreens, but you can find them just about anywhere.  The beads expand when wet and hold in the water, which keeps the tie moist. I’ve heard these lower your body heat by around 5 degrees. I couldn’t go another hot day without one!

7. Frogg Toggs “Chilly Pad” – A much cooler version of the Cool Tie! Why, you ask? Well, the Cool Tie stays moist for a long time, but the Frog Tog towel stays moist AND cool! I don’t know how they do it, but the material actually manages to stay cold! I haven’t figured out a way to keep this on when I ride, but I swap it out with the Cool Tie when I’m out of the saddle and just tuck the ends into my shirt.

8. 48oz Bubba water jug – this thing is seriously amazing! It’s tough exterior and thick insulation keeps my water cold ALL DAY! I even have ice left after a few hours! I found mine at Bass Pro, but you can get them at most sports stores.

9. A good, breathable ball cap is important when you’re not wearing a helmet! I love my Columbia Women’s “Bahama” ball cap because it’s smaller than “one size fits all” caps that are clearly misrepresented to those of us with tiny heads! We can’t help it, OK! And I love the mesh across both sides that allow air to flow through. It dries quickly and is easy to clean too!

10. Popsicles! – You can’t ride in the summer without popsicle breaks for horses and riders. Because mom always taught you to share and your horse is really great at “the look”. How else would he score so many treats? My trainer keeps the multi-colored push pops that you can buy in bulk at Sam’s in the freezer at all times. But these nifty little ziplocks allow you to make your own! I got super excited because I can now enjoy real fruit popsicles instead of just sugar water. Not that I’m incredibly picky when it’s super hot. But a girl needs options, ya know?

Now, with all of these on at the same time, I’ve been told by my husband and my trainer that I look like a trail guide at Yellowstone! ha! I think it could be worse…