Summer at the barn smells like sunscreen and sweat. You're there at 6 a.m. before the heat hits, horses standing tail-to-tail swishing flies, and you're already thinking about how you're going to survive the afternoon. Summer is peak riding season — and peak suffering season.
But here's the thing: summer heat is manageable when you have the right gear. Whether you're an everyday schooling rider or a show competitor pushing through hot weekends, there are cooling products that actually work. We've rounded up everything you need to keep both you and your horse comfortable through the heat — one practical guide, everything in one place.
Let's start with you, then we'll get to your horse.
Staying Cool in the Saddle — Rider Essentials
When summer heat hits, your instinct is to wear as little as possible. But the right summer riding gear actually keeps you cooler than less coverage. Here's what works:
Sun Shirts & Base Layers
What it is: Long-sleeve sun shirts sound backwards for summer, but they're built for heat. UPF-rated lightweight fabrics protect your skin while keeping you cooler than bare arms in direct sun.
Why it helps in summer heat: The fabric reflects UV rays and allows sweat to evaporate efficiently. Your skin stays protected from burn and heat damage without adding extra body temperature. You get coverage AND cooling.
What to look for: UPF 50+ rating, moisture-wicking technology, mesh ventilation panels (especially underarm and back), quarter-zip for adjustability on hot rides, and breathable synthetic blends rather than cotton.
Our favorites:
- Equine Couture Cavaletti Sun Shirt — Mesh-like fabric with complete airflow and UV protection. Features quarter-length zipper for open/closed style, small side pocket, and 4-way stretch for total mobility. Princess seams create a flattering shape. Perfect for staying cool in the ring, both indoors and outdoors.
- Lettia Ladies Sun Shirt — Premium sun protection designed specifically for hot weather riding. Lightweight, breathable fabric with excellent UV protection. The quality construction and thoughtful design make this the choice for riders who want the absolute best in comfort and durability.
For more on summer sun protection, read our Sun Safety for the Summer: UV Protection for Horse & Rider guide.
Summer Riding Tights
What it is: Lightweight, breathable riding tights designed for hot-weather riding. They're the gear you reach for when traditional breeches feel too heavy and constrictive.
Why it helps in summer heat: Ventilated tights let air flow where traditional breeches trap heat. Mesh inserts in high-sweat areas dry quickly, and silicone seats keep bulk minimal. You get functionality without heat buildup.
What to look for: Moisture-wicking fabric, mesh inserts in thighs and seat, silicone or gel seat (less bulk than full fabric seat), 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement, and lightweight synthetic blends.
Our favorites:
- TuffRider Ventilated Schooling Tights (mesh inset panels) — Maximum breathability for daily work and training. The mesh insets are strategically placed in thighs and seat where you sweat the most. These are the workhorse tights for everyday summer barn time — durable, affordable, and genuinely cool.
- HKM Tampa Silicone Full Seat Breeches — Show-ready option with minimal bulk. If you need to look polished for competitions but refuse to overheat, these deliver. The silicone seat keeps things sleek while lightweight fabric keeps you cool. Perfect for summer show riders who won't compromise on appearance.
Shop Women's Summer Tights → | Shop Children's Tights →
For deeper summer apparel recommendations, see our Summer Breeches to Beat the Heat blog.
Ventilated Riding Gloves
What it is: Riding gloves designed with breathable panels — usually mesh or honeycomb construction — to let sweat dry fast while maintaining grip and control.
Why it helps in summer heat: Sweaty hands mean slipping reins and lost confidence. Ventilated gloves solve both comfort and grip problems by allowing moisture to escape quickly while keeping your palm reinforced for contact and control.
What to look for: Mesh or honeycomb back panels for breathability, reinforced palm for reliable grip, touchscreen-friendly fingertips (helpful for managing your phone at the barn), and flexible leather that doesn't stiffen with sweat.
Our favorites:
- TuffRider Cool Rider Mesh Summer Riding Gloves (honeycomb mesh back) — The everyday schooling choice. Honeycomb mesh construction keeps hands cool while maintaining grip through your most intense training sessions. Durable and affordable, these are what serious summer riders keep in rotation.
- Heritage Spectrum Show Gloves (ventilation holes through fingers) — Show-ring appropriate with maximum breathability. The ventilation holes throughout the glove are engineered for airflow without sacrificing the polished look. If you're showing in summer heat and won't settle for anything less than performance AND appearance, these are it.
Helmet Liner
What it is: A thin, washable insert that sits inside your helmet, made from moisture-wicking fabric like CoolMax that absorbs and disperses sweat.
Why it helps in summer heat: Helmets trap heat, and wet hair under a helmet is miserable. A moisture-wicking liner absorbs sweat and spreads it across the fabric to speed evaporation — making a real difference on hot days and long rides.
Our favorite: TuffRider CoolMax Helmet Liner — absorbs moisture and spreads it for faster evaporation. It's a small product that solves a real summer problem you might not think of until you try one.
Keeping Your Horse Cool — Horse Essentials
Your horse works harder in summer heat. The stress on their system increases, and they need help managing body temperature and protecting their skin. Here's what actually makes a difference:
Scrim Sheet (Lightweight Summer Sheet)
What it is: A lightweight mesh sheet that sits on your horse's back and provides protection without heat trap. It's a different animal from a fly sheet — lighter weight, specific purpose, and designed for the barn and show ring rather than turnout.
Why it helps in summer heat: A scrim sheet keeps dust and UV off your horse without trapping heat the way a heavier sheet would. It's ideal for travel days (dust protection), show days (keeping your horse clean), and light turnout (UV and bug protection without overheating). Your horse stays protected while staying cool.
Key difference: A fly sheet is heavier and built for turnout bug protection all day. A scrim sheet is lighter and perfect for show-day dust/UV protection and traveling to events. Different tool for a different job.
What to look for: Lightweight mesh construction, stretchy panels for movement and turning, fleece-lined wither for comfort, and secure straps that won't slip during heat and movement.
Our favorites:
- TuffRider Scrim Sheet (lightweight mesh with stretchy panels and fleece-lined wither) — The everyday workhorse. Built tough for regular use, this sheet handles travel days, show prep, and light turnout without overheating your horse. The fleece-lined wither means no rubs even on sweaty days, and it's affordable enough to have more than one in rotation.
- TuffRider Dual Fabric Scrim Sheet — Versatile for multiple seasons and uses. The dual-fabric construction gives you year-round protection without committing to a heavy blanket. Use it all summer for UV/dust, then keep using it into fall. Great value for riders who want one sheet that does multiple jobs well.
For deeper fly protection and turnout options, see our Stay Covered: New Fly Sheets for Summer guide.
Ice Boots & Cold Therapy Boots
What it is: Specialized boots that apply cold therapy to your horse's legs — either by freezing (freezer boots) or by filling manually with ice (zip-up boots).
Why it helps in summer heat: Summer heat puts extra stress on horses' legs and tendons. Ice boots help reduce inflammation and cool tendons after hard work, especially important on days when your horse works in peak heat or takes on hard efforts. Many riders ice legs in winter after injury but overlook ice boots as a summer heat management tool — but they're actually essential.
How to use them: Apply after a hard ride to reduce heat and inflammation in the legs. Two main types: freezer boots (kept frozen, applied immediately after work) and zip-up boots filled manually with ice. Both work; choose based on your routine.
Fly Mask
What it is: A mesh mask that covers your horse's eyes, ears, and muzzle, protecting from insects and UV rays.
Why it helps in summer heat: Summer heat makes horses more reactive to fly irritation. A well-fitting fly mask becomes an essential comfort tool — especially for grey horses and horses with pink skin who are more sensitive to UV. It's not just about bugs; it's about keeping your horse comfortable and focused during hot months.
For comprehensive fly protection information, see Stay Covered: New Fly Sheets for Summer.
Quick Tips to Make It All Work
Beat the Heat: Summer Barn Wisdom
- Ride early or late. The gear helps, but timing matters most in peak summer heat. A 6 a.m. ride feels completely different from a 2 p.m. ride.
- Hydrate like you mean it. Hydrate yourself as carefully as you hydrate your horse — this is non-negotiable for both safety and comfort.
- Layer strategically. Start with your sun shirt, then strip layers as needed when you arrive at the barn. You'll regulate as your body adjusts.
- Build cool-down time into your schedule. Don't skip the cooler or ice boots because you're running late. Those 10 minutes genuinely matter.
- Check fit regularly. Summer sweating and movement can cause rubs if fly mask or scrim sheet fit slips. Check straps and adjustments weekly through the heat.
Summer Riding Doesn't Have to Mean Suffering
Summer riding takes more planning than other seasons — there's no denying that. You're thinking about heat management, timing, cooling gear, and hydration. But the right gear makes summer genuinely enjoyable, not just something you endure. You and your horse can thrive through the heat with these cooling essentials. You'll ride better, your horse will work better, and you'll actually look forward to barn time instead of dreading it.
Shop Everything You Need to Stay Cool This Summer
From moisture-wicking sun shirts and ventilated gloves to scrim sheets and ice boots, Breeches.com has everything you need to beat the heat — for you and your horse. Shop cooling essentials for both rider and horse, all in one place.