So you love to ride, huh? There’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair as you gallop across an open field or forest trail. But winter is coming, with the harsh, freezing temperatures that can do a number on your skin. Your hands ache from gripping the reins, your cheeks are raw and windburned, and your lips are so chapped they hurt. As an avid rider, you know the importance of protecting yourself from the elements. But you also want products specially formulated for equestrians that won’t irritate your horse. Never fear; we’ve got you covered. We rounded up the best skincare gifts for horse riders to keep you looking and feeling your best this winter. Your skin and your steed will thank you.
As a horse rider, you know winter weather can be brutal on your skin. Between the cold, the wind, and hours in the saddle, your face and hands take a beating. This season, gift yourself (or a fellow rider) products designed specifically for equestrians.
The frigid air and whipping winds during rides can cause windburn, chapping, and dry skin. An ultra-hydrating moisturiser like Balmy Fox “Active” plant-based moisturiser containing soothing berry wax and mango butter to hydrate and protect. Our intense beeswax-based Lip Repair Balm is all-natural and long-lasting for chapped lips.
Wearing a scarf or face mask can shield your skin, but a balaclava under your riding hat is ideal for full coverage. Look for one made of a breathable, thermal fabric like polypropylene that wicks away moisture. Insulated riding gloves or mittens will keep your hands toasty on the reins. Apply a rich cream like our “On the Trail” Hand and Foot Repair Cream for working hands before heading out.
After a ride, your skin may need extra TLC. A creamy body wash like Cetaphil Ultra Gentle removes dirt and odours without stripping your skin. Exfoliate with a sugar scrub for cracked hands and heels, then slather on a thick ointment like “On the Trail” Anti-Chafe Cream. Its antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like arnica and almond oil, soothe and promote healing.
With the proper protection and hydration, you can enjoy all the thrills of winter riding without the discomfort of dry, irritated skin. Your skin and horse will appreciate you taking the time to guard against Old Man Winter! By focusing on prevention and nurturing your skin, you’ll be comfortable and carefree in the saddle all season.
When you’re out riding in freezing temperatures, the cold, dry air and wind can do a number on your skin and hands. Keep them hydrated and protected with these essential skincare formulas for equestrians.
For hands that are continually exposed while riding, gloves are a must. Look for insulated gloves designed for horseback riding that still allow enough skill to handle the reins properly. Waterproof gloves will protect you from rain and snow. Apply a rich hand cream before wearing gloves to hydrate skin and form a protective barrier.
It needs nourishment when icy winds buffet your face for hours. A moisturiser or balm packed with hydrating oils like hemp, sweet almond or borage will soothe dry, chapped skin. Look for formulas containing berry wax, which helps seal in moisture. For chapped lips, a lip balm with cocoa butter, vitamin E and SPF will protect and heal.
Your hands and feet bear the brunt of cold when doing chores. Insulated winter boots and wool socks will keep feet warm and dry. For hands, insulated work gloves and a jar of heavy-duty hand cream containing hemp oil, cocoa butter and beeswax will protect and moisturise.
Take a warm bath or shower to raise your body temperature when coming in from the cold. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel. Apply a rich body butter or cream immediately after to hydrate and lock in moisture. Your skin and extremities will thank you for the extra TLC this winter. With the proper protective gear and skincare regimen, you’ll be ready to face the chill in comfort and style.
After a long day of riding, your muscles are probably sore and tired. Giving your body extra TLC will help relieve discomfort and get you back in the saddle. Here are some ideas to soothe those aching muscles.
An Epsom salt bath can work wonders for relieving muscle soreness. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, helps reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. Pour about 2 cups of Epsom salt into a warm bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. The magnesium will absorb through your skin, soothing tension and pain. You’ll emerge feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
For targeted relief, massage oil is ideal. Look for an oil containing arnica, menthol and camphor, all of which help reduce inflammation and ease muscle strain. Gently massage the cream into sore areas like your legs, back, and shoulders. The warmth and improved circulation will loosen tight muscles and relax your entire body.
Balmy Fox “On the Trail” Muscle Rub Cream
Applying heat is an excellent way to relieve muscle soreness. A heating pad can provide quick and comforting warmth where you need it most. Choose a pad with multiple heat settings to find the perfect temperature. Place the pad on sore spots like your lower back, neck, or anywhere your muscles feel tight. The heat will relax your muscles and increase blood flow to the area, speeding healing and recovery.
As an equestrian, you spend countless hours outside in the elements. All that sun exposure takes a toll on your skin over time. To help prevent premature ageing and sun damage, be sure to:
Balmy Fox, All Natural Plant-Based SPF Cream
(water-resistant, no-sting formula for sensitive skin)
As an equestrian, you spend countless hours outside in the elements. All that sun exposure takes a toll on your skin over time. To help prevent premature ageing and sun damage, be sure to:
Taking simple precautions and protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV radiation will help keep your skin healthy and youthful for years. Your 50-year-old self will thank you! Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a lifetime of skin health and vitality.
Spending long hours in the saddle can lead to chafing and soreness. Protect your skin this winter with anti-chafe creams explicitly designed for equestrians.
This best-selling cream, was created by riders for riders and formulated to relieve friction from saddles and prevent chafing. Made with cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E, it moisturises and soothes sensitive areas. It creates a protective barrier against rubbing while allowing your skin to breathe. Our “On the Trail” Anti-Chafe Cream comes in a convenient tin, so you can easily apply it.
Well, there are some of the best skincare gifts to keep your favourite equestrian looking and feeling their best this winter season. Between the harsh winds, cold temperatures, and hours spent in the saddle, winter riding can do a number on your skin. The horse lover in your life would greatly appreciate any of these thoughtful gifts. Whether it’s a rich moisturising cream to soothe cracked hands, a hydrating mask to revive wind-chapped cheeks, or a luxurious bath product to ease sore muscles at the end of a long day, you can’t go wrong. The holidays will be here before you know it, so saddle up and go shopping; your equestrian friends will thank you!
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