I live in Aiken, South Carolina. By mid-May, we’re already seeing days in the 90s. By July? It’s not uncommon to be riding in 95+ degrees with humidity that makes the air feel like soup.
And here’s the thing: I still have to ride. I run 43 sessions a week. My horses don’t care that it’s hot — they still need to be worked. My clients are still showing up. The training doesn’t stop because the weather is miserable.
So I’ve had to figure out what actually keeps me functional in extreme heat. Not just “summer riding clothes” — I mean the gear that’s the difference between finishing a ride and feeling like you might pass out.
Quick Look: My Hot Weather Rotation
| Item | Brand | Why It Works | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sara Sun Shirt | Free Ride | UPF 50+, perforated, actually breathable | $65 |
| Lux Breeches | Free Ride | Lightweight, doesn’t trap heat | $95 |
| Wide Brim Helmet | OneK | Sun protection for face/neck | ~$300 |
| Tech Sunshirt | Asmar | Luxury feel, moisture-wicking | ~$85 |
The Sun Shirt Situation
If you’re still riding in cotton polos during summer, we need to talk.
I made that mistake my first few years training professionally. I thought all “riding clothes” were basically the same. Wrong. Cotton holds sweat, gets heavy, and basically turns into a hot wet blanket against your skin.
What I wear instead: Sun shirts with actual UPF protection and perforated or mesh panels.
My go-to right now is the Free Ride Sara Sun Shirt. It’s $65, has UPF 50+ protection, and here’s the key — it has perforated sections that actually let air flow through. Most sun shirts claim to be “breathable” but feel like wearing a slightly lighter oven. This one actually vents.
I also rotate in Asmar Equestrian’s technical sun shirts. They’re a bit more of a luxury feel — softer fabric, beautiful drape — and they hold up incredibly well wash after wash. If you want something that looks polished enough for a lesson but won’t make you overheat, Asmar does it right.
The truth about UPF ratings: UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays. UPF 30 blocks 97%. The difference is minimal. What actually matters is whether the shirt breathes and whether you’ll actually wear it. A UPF 50 shirt you leave in the drawer because it’s uncomfortable is worthless.
Breeches That Don’t Turn Into a Swamp
This is where a lot of people go wrong. They focus on the top but wear the same heavy breeches year-round.
I wear the Free Ride Lux Breeches basically every single day, but especially in summer. They’re lightweight — almost like really good riding leggings — but with actual structure where you need it (knee patch or full seat options).
Here’s what I love about them:
- Light fabric that doesn’t add bulk
- Runs long which is great for me at 5’9”
- Doesn’t get that gross sweaty-stuck feeling by the end of a ride
- Comes in lighter colors (Sand, White, Beachy Green) that don’t absorb heat like black does
At $95, they’re not the cheapest breeches out there. But when you’re riding 6-8 horses a day in extreme heat, the difference between okay breeches and good breeches is whether you can actually function by horse four.
Use code ELEVATED10 for 10% off at Free Ride.
The Helmet Problem Nobody Talks About
Your helmet is probably the hottest piece of equipment you wear. And unlike your shirt, you can’t exactly swap it for something more breathable.
What you can do:
- Get a wide brim helmet — I use a OneK with the wide brim. It shades your face and neck, which makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
- Look for ventilation — More vents = more airflow. Some helmets are basically just a shell. Others have strategic ventilation channels.
- Helmet liners — Some companies make cooling liners you can wet before riding. I haven’t tried these yet but I know riders who swear by them.
What to Wear Under Everything
I used to wear regular underwear under my breeches. Then I switched to seamless moisture-wicking options and wondered why I’d ever done anything else.
Chafing in 95-degree heat is not a small problem. Moisture-wicking seamless underwear isn’t glamorous, but it’s the difference between finishing your ride comfortably and counting down the minutes until you can get out of the saddle.
Color Actually Matters
I know black is slimming. I know dark colors hide stains. But wearing black breeches and a black sun shirt in direct sunlight in July is a choice that will make you miserable.
In summer, I reach for:
- Sand or white breeches
- Hunter green, navy, or lighter colored sun shirts
- Anything that isn’t absorbing maximum sun
The Free Ride and Asmar lines both come in great color options that aren’t boring but also won’t turn you into a walking solar panel.
My Actual Hot Weather Uniform
Here’s exactly what I put on for a 90+ degree day:
Morning rides (before 10am):
- Free Ride Sara Sun Shirt in Hunter Green
- Free Ride Lux Breeches in Sand
- OneK wide brim helmet
- Tall boots (sorry, no way around these being hot)
Afternoon rides (peak heat):
- Same setup, but I’ll add a cooling towel around my neck between rides
- Ice water with electrolytes on standby
- I plan my own horses for early morning and move lessons later in the day when possible
When It’s Too Hot to Ride
There’s a point where it’s not safe — for you or your horse. I generally won’t ride when:
- Heat index is over 100
- Humidity makes the heat index feel dangerous
- Horse is already showing signs of heat stress
All the gear in the world won’t fix dangerous conditions. Listen to your body and your horse.
Where to Shop
Free Ride Equestrian — Use code ELEVATED10 for 10% off. This is where I get my daily breeches and sun shirts. Quality is excellent and the prices are reasonable for what you get.
Asmar Equestrian — Luxury equestrian apparel that’s worth it for show days or when you want something that feels elevated but still performs.
Bottom Line
Riding in extreme heat is part of the job for a lot of us. The right gear won’t make it pleasant, but it’ll make it survivable. Invest in sun shirts that actually breathe, breeches that don’t trap heat, and don’t be afraid to go lighter on colors.
Your future self — dripping in sweat but still functional — will thank you.
Related: Best UPF Sunshirts for Riders | Free Ride Lux Breeches Review | Summer Riding Capsule Wardrobe
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use and believe in.
