There’s a saying about the weather in New England: “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. It’ll change!”. As someone who has lived and ridden here her whole life, I can say that saying rings 100% true. It’s hot, cold, wet, dry, and often very snowy. It’s also not uncommon for it to be 40 degrees in the morning and 70 by 3 p.m. on a regular fall day here in Massachusetts.
Knowing how to layer your clothes so you’re comfortable at the barn is an art every New England equestrian has to master. But layering isn’t limited to the Northeast – anywhere the temperature fluctuates can benefit from laying! Here’s a few things I try to keep in mind when picking my own layers.
The base layer
This layer is extremely important because it’s the closest to your skin. You want it snug enough that hay and shavings won’t get in (who are we kidding, they will anyway), but loose enough that it’s comfortable. Choosing a base layer that is moisture wicking, breathable, and feels good against your skin is important when your temperature or the outside temperature is going to fluctuate. You also don’t want an abrasive material that will be itchy or cause your skin to be irritated. Sun shirts, long- or short-sleeved shirts, and shirts made of technical fabrics tend to be great choices for base layers.
The mid layer
Mid layers are your zip-ups, sweatshirts, sherpas, or other slightly heavier layers. This layer will vary a lot depending on what climate you’re in and the season. For example, my fall mid layer is a ¼ Zip Fleece, but during the winter I will switch to something heavier like a sherpa. When working and riding at the barn, the mid layer is typically the layer I will shed if I get hot, so I look for mid layers that have a full length zipper or at least a big enough opening to get over my head with my helmet on safely. That way I don’t have to take my helmet off to adjust layers!
The outer layer
In New England, this is your heaviest, water-resistant layer. I look for outerwear that is light in terms of overall weight, but the most dense and warm. I often gravitate to coats with synthetic or real down fill because it is warm but light to wear. Short coats are great for riding, but if I’m doing chores or standing around and it’s really cold, a long coat is a necessity! There are also many long coats on the market that unzip so that you can ride in them.
Looking for more layering options? Check out SmartPak’s layering guide. They have several new options in each category in their two new colors: emerald and sugar plum.