Western Style for Summer

Keep cool, comfortable, and stylish with functional riding gear this summer.

When temperatures climb, you can always put on mainstream clothes to go ride, but why not select clothing specifically designed for the warm weather conditions that horse people experience? We’ve gathered some Western pieces that will help keep you riding in comfort, even when summer temperatures spike.

Helmet for All-Day Comfort

The problem: Finding a helmet comfortable enough for long trail rides.
The find: Troxel’s Dakota Helmet.
What you’ll love: Trail riding in the summer heat just got better with an ultra-light riding helmet from Troxel. This helmet’s extended visor offers you extra protection from the sun and the ventilation and lightweight construction will keep your head cool and comfortable from start to finish. It also features a removable, washable headliner, and uses the SureFit ProFit system, which incorporates elastic straps that self adjust to the size and shape of your head. ASTM/SEI-certified, this helmet is finished with a leather hat band and concho detail.
More info: $69.99; troxelhemets.com.

Summer Straw

The problem: Wearing a felt hat during the summer months.
The find: American Hat Company Straw Hat.
What you’ll love: Leave your go-to felt hat at home this summer and invest in a stylish, lightweight straw hat that’ll provide extra protection from the sun and offer ventilation to your head that’ll keep you cool in all aspects of your Western horse life. This beautifully crafted hat from American Hat Company includes a 4 1/4-inch brim, a cattleman’s crown, and can be customized to suit your personal style.
More info: Starting at $130; americanhat.net.

Moisture-Wicking T-Shirt

The problem: Summer clothing that doesn’t breathe.
The find: SmartPak’s Piper Technical T-Shirt.
What you’ll love: This V-neck shirt is made for summer riding. It’s lightweight, made from a stretchy material, and the back-ventilation panels give you extra breathability while the moisture-wicking capabilities keeps you cool and dry in the afternoon heat. It also comes in multiple colors to match any outfit.
More info: $29.95; smartpakequine.com.

Best Button-Down for Warm Weather

The problem: Finding a button-down shirt that can stand up to summer heat.
The find: Ariat VentTEK Shirt.
What you’ll love: Continue to enjoy the traditional button-down look but stay a whole lot cooler in the show pen or out on the trails with help from this shirt. The VenTEK technology features body mapping to enable air flow and regulate body temperature, and the side panels provide air flow no matter how hot it gets. It’s designed with a sun-protection fabric that protects you from harmful UV rays, and the arm-hole seam construction allows for maximum range of motion, so you can be productive on the back of your horse. It’s finished with a mesh yoke lining, button-chest pocket, and a hidden sunglasses cloth, making it the go-to button-down shirt for summer showing.
More info: $54.95; ariat.com.

Kirstie Marie Photography

Keep Cool in the Show Pen

The problem: Staying cool during the summer horse-show season.
The find: Hobby Horse HobbySport Technical Top. 
What you’ll love: This summer put away the heavy show jacket that’s covered in crystals and opt for something lightweight that’ll keep you cool and comfortable when it comes time to show your horse. This lightweight blouse from Hobby Horse comes in three colorful options and makes for the perfect summer show shirt thanks to its moisture-wicking capabilities. And after a long day of showing (and sweating), it’s easy to wash and prep for the next show, making show-prep even easier. 
More info: Starting at $109.98; hobbyhorseinc.com.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

The problem:Staying dry during wet days at the barn or on the trails.
The find: Carhartt’s Shoreline Jacket.
What you’ll love: This lightweight, breathable rain jacket is perfect to take with you to the barn on wet days or on trail rides that might include scattered rain showers. The 100-percent nylon shell is waterproof, and its breathable technology allows sweat from the summer heat to escape while keeping the rain out. For ultimate protection from the rain, this jacket also includes a detachable three-piece hood with draw-cord and barrel-lock adjusters, multiple interior pockets that can help keep your phone dry, and has storm cuffs that provide protection from rain and wind.
More info: $119.99; Carhartt.com.

Mesh-Paneled Boot

The problem: Finding a cowboy boot with airflow. 
The find: Ariat’s Baja Western Boot.
What you’ll love: This stylish, wide-square performance boot from Ariat will leave your feet feeling (and looking) cool even during the hottest part of the day thanks to the integrated mesh panels in the boot’s shaft, and the moisture-wicking capability of the gel-cushion footbed. You can pair this boot with your favorite boot-cut jean, or opt to wear a pair of skinny jeans so you can keep your pants tucked in and show off the colorful print.
More info: $239.95; ariat.com.

Comfortable Gloves

The problem: Wearing gloves that are too hot for summer chores.
The find: Perfect Fit Cool Mesh Gloves.
What you’ll love: Avoid the blisters that come with barn chores—like stall cleaning—by wearing a pair of lightweight gloves designed for summer activities around the barn. These gloves are made with a stretchy mesh material that provide ventilation, and the SureGrip synthetic suede palm and double-layered forefinger, thumb, and pinky, allow for extra grip. It also offers an adjustable wrist closure to provide you with the perfect fit. These gloves are also touchscreen-friendly and available in eight patterns and colors.
More info: $22.95; nobleequestrian.com.

Fashionable Frames

The problem: Finding durable, stylish sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
The find: Bex Sunglasses.
What you’ll love: A tribute to timeless aviator fashion, these lightweight full metal frame sunglasses are thoughtfully crafted for performance and style, including polarized lenses.
More info: $150; bexsunglasses.com.

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