Canadiens, please weigh in...it's getting COLD!

[equusrocks]

I loathe winter and have no idea why I even live in the north east. Well, so I do. It's absolutely breathtaking in the spring, summer, and fall.

But I need help. I am planning on lessoning this winter at a relaxed reining barn...but I need some warm outerwear. I cannot stand bulky, constricting coats or gloves but I can't find anything warm enough either.

Please help!!! :no:

[Blinkers On]

Canadian.
You acclimate. To warmer and colder temps. If you are from NY then Ontario won't be a huge climate difference. If Seattle then Vancouver are very much the same. Nor everyone is in an igloo.
Buy some long johns, a toque, ear warmers if you must, Decent boots and gloves and a scarf. That and a jacket and you are dressed.

[MistyBlue]

Well, those of us in New England are sending your arctic jet stream back to you tomorrow. It's been February cold here for the last week...little odd this early for here to have a high in the teens during the day.
We get cold here...but I doubt we get as cold as some areas of Canada. Worst case here is usually around -10 or so, maybe a bit lower with windchill but not too cold.
I've found down jackets to be darned comfy and warm but poofy and bulky. And you can't throw it in the washer...a bad thing for a barn jacket.
Check out some of the sporting stores online...they rate their coats and jackets for temperatures. Easier to shop that way...you can look for jackets in the -20 to -40 range.

[Mocha0303]

I actually really like my down vest; it keeps your arms free so you don't have that bulky feeling and it somehow seems warmer when it is colder out, even it I have the same number of layers on.

When it is really cold I add a wool vest that is about 40 years old. (was my grandfathers). This keeps your core warm without adding too many layers to your arms so you feel like you can still move.

The one thing I find that as soon as you get warm, you need to remove a layer, eg, the vest, because if you get hot and sweaty once you stop riding you will get chilled.

[equusrocks]

Canadian.
You acclimate. To warmer and colder temps. If you are from NY then Ontario won't be a huge climate difference. If Seattle then Vancouver are very much the same. Nor everyone is in an igloo.
Buy some long johns, a toque, ear warmers if you must, Decent boots and gloves and a scarf. That and a jacket and you are dressed.

Indeed...sorry I worked for a company from Quebec and I grew accustomed to reading their emails about the Montreal Candiens, ever since I have spelled it with an e. :lol:

I have lived in this climate for 26 years. I did not acclimate.:lol: I am just looking for anyone with particular experience with brands or types, what works and what doesnt. Since I still haven't found anything satisfactory as of yet;). I have a toque, mittens and a pair of $130 boots. My $200 jacket?? Doesn't cut it either. The rating was something like -10 but it's been in the low teens and I'm still cold. I live in an area which has gone as far as to brag about being the 6th coldest spot in the nation, averaged for 10 years. I can recall even a few weeks of -20F/-30 weather in January and February, in years prior.

For me it's torture and I just don't want to keep on buying clothes that don't seem to live up to their hype, is all.

Thanks Mistyblue, I haven't tried the online stores, just the local ski shops and hunting stores. You'd really think they'd be right up on the best stuff...considering!!! :yes: Maybe I'm just wimpy.

[MistyBlue]

Nope, don't look for ski stuff. It's rated differently because skiiers are very active when wearing it. Look for what hunters wear as opposed to hikers. Hikers are also moving constantly but winter hunting wear is made for people who sit still all the time in really cold weather. Also look for mountain climber stuff...especially their socks. Smartwools are great for keeping warm but if you tend to get cold easily look for mountain climbing socks...you'll pay upwards of $30 per pair but they're rated for -40 to -50 so even warmer than Smartwools.
The only thing with hunting and mountain climbing jackets is that they're not normally split up the back for riding comfort. So you either hike them up or buy a larger jacket size.
Also silk long underwear are great bottom layers...also look for single piece wool or silk/wool blend long johns. They're a pain in the arse when you have to pee...even with bottom flaps but they're warmer than 2 pieces.
Another good thing to have....for after the barn chores are done look for heated throws or a heated Snugli. A Snugli is like an oversized bathrobe with velcro so after you sit down you can close up the bottom. It's like a heated blanket you wear...warms you right up.
And remember if you keep the best stuff on your hands, feet and head/ears the rest of you will stay warmer. We lose the most body heat out of our extremities and head. Those earflap hats that you can velcro under your chin will never win you a beauty contest but you'll have one toasty noggin, LOL!
Of coourse last time I wore one last winter I was fueling up at the station and a friend of mine walked by and said, "Were you just filming Fargo?" :lol: Yeah okay, it's a fugly hat. But it's WARM! :winkgrin:

[Blinkers On]

Ones does acclimate whether we feel it or don't. I used to go riding when it was minus 30. I got cold, but not super cold. I was always a non conformist so even long johns didn't get worn by me till I was much older and much "softer." Now my stomach turns at the thought of zero or barely below freezing temps and the sound of rain makes me want to curl up under my covers.
In college one department had a mid January winter survival trip. Those fools walked around in shorts and t shirts to prepare for actual cold. I thought they were nuts. BUT they claimed to have been able to withstand much colder temps as a result of their pre trip training.
I sort of believe them. When I wanted to withstand a great deal of cold or it was just a part of life it wasn't so bad and I adapted quite well. Now I fear I would rarely leave the house if subject to that same kind of cold. It's why I kept moving down the west coast as I aged. I will retire in San Diego or TJ.

[Donkey]

I can't help it!!!

I'm in Vancouver Canada and i haven't even seen a frost yet this season! Sorry to everyone else in the country but I just couldn't resist the brag :D

But i'll still keep my fingers crossed to see a flake of snow before Christmas, but then it' welcome to go back to green grass :D (and rain :cry:)

[vbunny]

I dunno about bulky but I can tell you what works for cold for me and I get cold pretty easily. For my hand I like suede Isotoners with thinsulate lining and the Plow and hearth wristies. I can move in them and stay pretty darn warm. I used to have a pair of the neoprene SSG gloves that were crazy warm, almost unusable that I gave to my sister to use in Winnipeg. She loves them. Feet, I dunno. I still have to use toastie-toes inside insulated boots with thick soles. What about over pants like the mountain horse to use over polar fleece breeches or lined jeans for your pants? I layer on top, t-neck, vest, polar fleece jacket then winter jacket. I make sure the lining is slick so I can move in it. Fleece neck gaiter. Bandana under your helmet and I stick fleece ear cozies against my ears under it. In really cold I pull the gaiter up over my ears and nose and wear goggles to cut the wind. Lots of clothes but it seems to work for me and I do feel like I can move pretty well.

[Blinkers On]

What about the mittens where the finger part peels back so your fingers are exposed and useful. And then you can cover them back up again. Those always looked like an ok idea.
Like these if the link works
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6672378&bmUID=1227496250769&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443269645&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

[Grande Isle Farm]

I grew up in the Cariboo Country in B.C. Canada......Williams Lake/Prince George regions. I remember it being
-40degree's farenheit.....

I always just wore a wool sweater and a down filled jacket. I would walk from school to the barn (about a 30-45 minute trek)....Once at the barn, I cleaned my stall, brushed my horse, and went riding in 3-4 feet of powder snow......:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

Now I live on the west coast (Vancouver Island).....the weather is so wet here, and the coldness permiates your soul. Even today, on a nice sunny day, I wear a t-shirt, sweatshirt, polar fleece vest and a polyfill jacket. OHHHHH and did I mention my big thermal wool/poly socks with my insulated gumboots.

It seems that I could always dress appropriately for the very cold, but dry Cariboo climate.....but can never seem to get warm enough for our damp B.C. weather.:no:

[JustABay]

Sorry, I'm useless, I wear at LEAST 1 pair longjohns, 2 pairs of socks and no less than 5 sweaters. Not including coveralls, coat, hate and 2 pairs of gloves. I sleep with 8 blankets on my bed too. I hate cold, and am a very sad Canadian:lol: I can't wait til I retire and have a nice winter house in Florida!!!:lol::D:winkgrin:

[crackerjack]

What about the mittens where the finger part peels back so your fingers are exposed and useful. And then you can cover them back up again. Those always looked like an ok idea.


I used to wear those over regular riding gloves. I'm in Ottawa so I can bet I'm in one of the most coldest areas....... The only thing that gets me is cold hands. I hate the pain....Today I found some SSG winter trainer gloves - my hands were sweating by the end of the ride but they are keepers for those days that go below -30C. Other than that I wear my regular breeches, regular boots and regular winter jacket. Never worn long johns in my life - and I'm a naturally a very cold person.

[saultgirl]

I bought the Elation winter jacket from Greenhawk a few years ago, and I love it. I use it all year round. It has the outer shell, then the inner insulated coat, and the sleeves come off of that so you have the vest as an option. Love it love it love it!! I never ride in the full coat, usually jsut the vest until we get colder than -10c, then I put the sleeves on the vest. Underneath the vest usually I wear a t-shirt, then a sweatshirt. I add a tank top if it's colder than -10.

I bought the matching winter breeches (they are like ski pants with suede on the inner leg) but I found them too warm for working in the barn. They were ok to ride in but I only used them twice.


For winter breeches I have the Irideon Windpro 3 season breeches. This is the first year I'm wearing them so I'll let you know how they work out. So far the temps here have only gone down to -10C so they haven't really been tested yet.

I was out shopping for winter riding boots this weekend but I didn't like what they had at Greenhawk. I would never be able to ride in the ariat iceburg paddock boots and I though the ariat bromont were kind of ugly (they only had them in brown). I didn't look at the tall boots because I think my calf is too wide.... I've ridden through previous winters with $40 winter boots from Zellers, they are called "dry ice" or something but they are super warm and waterproof, but still thin enough to have some flex in the ankle. So far they haven't lasted me for more that 2 winters without falling apart, but at $40 or less I can afford to replace them.

I have ariat winter riding gloves that I got last year for christmas but I never wear them. For some reason my hands don't get cold when I'm riding.

I'm pretty comfortable with my winter gear, usually I'm more worried about how fresh the horses are going to be when it gets this cold!!

The worst part of winter seems to be when I first get to the barn. Especially after sitting behind a desk all day in a warm office. So before I head out, I try to do some exercise to get my blood up before driving to the farm. Even just going up and down the stairs a few times or running around with the dog. The cold never seems as bad when your blood is pumping!

*** I forgot to add my favourite stay-warm trick: If you are going to be at the barn for an extended period of time, bring an extra pair of socks. I promise, it makes all the difference in the world, if you can change socks after a few hours of riding/working in the barn! This saved my life when I was working full time at a farm through a few northern ontario winters!!

[chukkerchild]

I dunno about bulky but I can tell you what works for cold for me and I get cold pretty easily. For my hand I like suede Isotoners with thinsulate lining and the Plow and hearth wristies. I can move in them and stay pretty darn warm. I used to have a pair of the neoprene SSG gloves that were crazy warm, almost unusable that I gave to my sister to use in Winnipeg. She loves them. .

What gloves?? My biggest issue is gloves, those sound great!! (I also live in Winnipeg, haha.)

I'd say don't focus so much on outerwear. Get silk long johns for under your breeches, they are very light and thin and also block wind. You won't need anything else on your legs. WARM socks, this is key, -- actually I'll add wear toe socks, covered by ski socks, covered by Zocks-- and WARM boots. On top, wear a mountain hiker/winter runner/skier long-sleeve T-shirt, they are kind of made of a stretchy Coolmax type of fabric; on top of that a wool sweater, not too thick, followed by a DOWN vest (real down is better than anything else IMO.) Over top of that you can wear a ski-jacket shell that you can take off when you get warm during your lesson/ride.

You can also buy helmet covers that loop under your chin, made of fleece, that keep your ears and chin warm. They are GREAT, they are a LIFESAVER, I LOVE mine. If you are riding outside and windchill is a factor, use a Columbia-brand type of lightweight neck warmer in addition to this. If it's a long ride outside in the bitter cold, goggles so your eyelashes don't frost.

Now gloves-- this has been a big issue for me-- silk liners I have heard are great, with perhaps fleecy riding gloves over top, that shouldn't be too bulky. I've had most success with riding 'mittens' by SSG (the pinky is seperated.) But they can feel bulky sometimes, though they should be all right for neck-reining.

Good luck!! My biggest piece of advice to to remember that LAYERS work far, far better than anything else. If worst comes to worst, you will be warmer in a tank top, long sleeve shirt, button down, sweater, hoody than a T-shirt and parka.


AND I have to agree with whoever said damp cold is worse. Here, it regularly goes down to -40 C in the winter, but it is a blessedly dry cold.

[JRG]

My mom is already warning me how cold it is up there when I come home to visit.

What works for me (and I am always cold):

Down vests

Mountain horse full seat winter over breeches. Extreamly warm, I actually only where long johns under them.

UnderAmour...love it.

"Hot Shot" feet warmers the ones that are the full sole.

Wool hat and scarf. Wool is the only fabric that generates its own heat and will still keep you warm when it is wet.

This is my list.

[paulosey]

Down and polar fleece are you friends. Nylons under polar fleece breeches are nice and warm. Invest in good winter riding boots. When it gets really cold -30 I have been known to ride in my felt pack winter boots...be careful that there is enough room for your foot in the stirrup. I also have the snow pant type winter riding pants. I haven't been cold enough to use them yet. A down over coat is the way to go. They are light and very warm. Wear a polar fleece cover over your helmet, or a warm toque if you aren't wearing a helmet. I too have found that the hands get the coldest. Mittens are much warmer than gloves.

[Frank B]

...i haven't even seen a frost yet this season!

Hey, Donkey! (http://www.smartassglass.com/Images%201-D/Ass_Backwards_Kissy_small1.jpg)

While they're not all that great for collected riding, especially if using a full bridle, "glomits" (http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0005133920107a.shtml) can keep your hands warm at other times. I have no problem tacking up while wearing them. And if you're using an indirect rein, they may be OK.

Those little disposable air-activated heat packs are useful also. I had my wife sew pockets in strategic locations on my long-johns to hold them. Across the shoulder blades and the small of the back seemed to work best. Battery-powered socks may also be helpful, especially if you use rechargeable batteries.

[appychik]

Those little disposable air-activated heat packs are useful also. I had my wife sew pockets in strategic locations on my long-johns to hold them. Across the shoulder blades and the small of the back seemed to work best. Battery-powered socks may also be helpful, especially if you use rechargeable batteries.

What a good idea, Frank. I may have to copy that.

Otherwise, I live in central MN and it gets plenty cold here. I layer, a lot. Good base layers are a must. I love my UnderArmour stuff and my SmartWool socks. I plan on getting more SmartWool stuff this winter. :yes: I hate the cold. :no: It's just horrible! :(

[Blinkers On]

I have heard nylons work well as long john subs as well. I've never tried it, but I suppose it could

[pintopiaffe]

Not Canadian, but Maine-ah, and cash at par... :p It gets very, very cold here, sometimes raw cold if I am getting an ocean fed storm, sometimes dry arctic cold. I'm just on a ridge where the weather systems diverge--it depends on which side I get. The first few years I adored winter. Now, after a case of frostbite (on a fairly mild day) I am bothered terribly at times. I've spent the last three years really perfecting my attack.

The heat packs come in a shoe version too--be sure to get the thinner ones, shaped...T they also come (different brand) in a bulkier version, but that creates more problems than helps--and if your shoes aren't big enough, the air doesn't get to them, so they don't work. I like thinner wool socks like smartwool or the burglington ones, inside insulated boots (LL Bean makes a moon-boot-lined bean boot which is my current fave). OR, thicker socks in layers under my muck boots. Just depends on conditions. Once those toes start to hurt though, I'm screwed.

My warmest RIDING boots--but clunkier--are Dafnas. Removeable wool lining like snomobile boots. I like my Mountain Horse IIs, but they aren't quite big enough, I've decided. Trying to figure out if I want to plunk down the $$ for a size up. <sigh> The 'right' size is good for lessons. Which are rare. I think I need bigger for daily wear. :no:

I like cuddleduds under polarfleece, under 'snowpants.' Technical wicking tops *seem* like a good idea, but I always feel a little clammy in them. I end up wearing cheapish turtlenecks under technical fleece, under down vest. Coldest days, a down coat (with broken zipper) goes over. If I'm out and moving around, even down to zero or so, the down vest over a couple layers is best for me.

I have winter lined work gloves which get me through most chores. I also have real wool, polarfleece lined half-glove-mittens. These are GREAT for riding--but not double reins. You can flip the top to do buckles or such, but then wear them as mittens when just riding along.

My best, favorite winter pants are a pair of double layer Boinks they don't make any more. I LIVE in these, riding or not. I am heartbroken they don't make them. They've switched to a single layer fabric--it's the double layer which makes these so effective. :(

I hate hats, so most days wear headbands. BIG difference. When it's truly arctic, (below zero) out comes my rabbit fur lined bomber. For riding, I got one of those beanie liners which replaces the helmet liner, then ALSO a polarfleece cover. That usually is pretty good. I have one ride where when you turn for home the wind can be brutal.

I've learned some new ideas here in the past. Am keeping my eye out for silk liners this year. Glove, sock and even long underwear. I keep a hair dryer now (didn't own one before) for warming the stupid toes if they've gotten too bad.

Try to eat a good breakfast before heading out. It DOES matter, at least for me.

[CatOnLap]

uh- did you mean Canadians? or is this thread only open to francophones?

If you live in Vancouver and haven't seen frost yet, its because you didn't get up early enough in the morning to see it. We had killing frost a month ago. Of course if you live in the heat sink of downtown, you won't have gotten it because the concrete keeps it warmer, but then, you don't keep your horse there either.

Yesterday when I rode, it was +2C ( about 35 F) I started layered with thermal socks inside my size-too-large tall boots, fleece breeches made by the Canadian Company "Dark Horse" http://www.darkhorseequestrian.ca/ , a tank top riding bra under a longsleeved cotton Roots riding shirt, underneath an Arista quilted vest and topped off with a fleece jacket.
After the second horse I was down to the cotton shirt.


The best riding boots I ever had for the truly cold climates (rode in Winterpeg for 20 years) were leather, sheepskin lined, aviator boots- they looked like tall boots and fit into my stirrups, but the real sheepskin fleece lining kept my toes toasty for at least an hour in -15 C. We didn't ride if it was colder than that as the vets advise against it- the extremely cold and dry air can damage a working horse's lungs.

ETA- these look like the aviator boots we used to buy from the army surplus for about $200- now thyey're over $600! http://www.motorcowboy.com/c=7wRxVsM76qOJVrZs6z11gEi8h/product/NEWG1/NEW_German_Luftwaffe_Boots_WWII_Any_Size.html

[Mozart]

What you need for riding will depend on whether you are riding in an arena or outside (if lessons, I assume it will be arena) and if the arena is heated or insulated. It will also depend on how hard you are working. I find the Xcountry ski stuff works for me, especially when lessoning, since my coach KICKS MY BUTT and I work really hard.

I need the warm bulky down stuff for AFTER my lesson, when I am hot and sweaty and becoming chilled.

What is the arena like? That is, IMO, the question that needs to be answered before we hardy prairie Canadians can give you cold weather riding advice. ;)

[mcm7780]

Damn. I'm in Northern Virginia and I am freezing. :lol: I think the coldest it's been here is 30F but I still sleep with a heating pad on my feet, wear wool socks, etc. I think I'd die if I moved to a colder place. LOL As it is, I'm sitting inside at work and my feet are freezing in wool socks and I'm shivering in a wool turtleneck. lol I'm from Southern California...I haven't acclimated in 4 years. I just don't think it's going to happen. :sadsmile:

I have found that the thermal cold weather Drifit stuff from Nike is WONDERFUL for exercising in the colder weather. I've gone running at night in the thermal pants, long sleeved mock turtle neck, fleece gloves, and a head warmer and been nice and toasty. So that stuff may work with other layers.

[Jealoushe]

Hey, don't panic yet! It's bound to be above zero all week:cool:

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

It IS Canadien if you are a Quebecer!

I got the tuff rider coolmax innerwear from HorseLoverZ - thought I would try them as they were about $7.50 each. THEY ARE FABULOUS. NOT bulky, they don't ride up, they fit great under your breeches (or jeans in your case?) and you stay warm.

Now...if I could only find warm gloves, waterproof, NOT BULKY. I still search.

PS smartwool socks. Check out Sierra Trading Post for closeouts.

[Blinkers On]

Don't we frown on Quebec? Or is that a mostly during the seperatist movement thing? I'm so out of the loop eh.

[kashmere]

It IS Canadien if you are a Quebecer!

:lol: i have to laugh when i see the defending of the french spelling, next to the word "Quebecer" - if there are any other native anglophones living in Quebec, can you hear it in your head? "pardonnez moi, c'est Quebecois!"

don't get me wrong, i love my francophone neighbours, and i love speaking the language, but geez, sometimes the reactions to innocent faux-pas are met with the most scathing contempt for this tete carre anglophone

:lol:

[marta]

i go through a pair a month. it's getting expensive. you know where they tear - right in the crotch and on the butt. i'm sure it's from riding. i need reinforced crotch long johns!

does anyone use those fleece stirrup covers for winter riding? i have the mountain horse rimfrost boots but since we're only walking these days under saddle, i find my feet are getting cold after a while.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Spelling is not my forte, either in anglais, canadien, ou francais.

But no matter what, it's cold up there!

[Diskretion]

Long johns, Cord breeches, Full chaps, Tutle neck, Thick Fleece or Soft Shell jacket, downe vest, Scarf, Ohhhh and my Mountain Horse Rimfrost boots - my only weakness my hands... need a better pair of gloves.

I really hate winter... but my love for my horse is greater than the winter cold.

It's a fine line - you don't want to over dress because once you start working you'll actually sweat and then you'll REALLY be cold.
I usually peel away the layers as I go along.... and put them back on for the cooldown.

[doccer]

From Northern Alberta Here ;)

We are already done our riding season... Altho, i find breeches and a pair of thick sweats just fine... This coming from someone who rides bareback all winter, unless it's that one time a month where we haul to the indoor (providing there's no freezing rain, snowstorms or Black Ice)

Will start training again in April -- Still in the snow and ice, and freezing my muff off lol

[kashmere]

Spelling is not my forte, either in anglais, canadien, ou francais.

But no matter what, it's cold up there!

oh heck no! i wasn't disagreeing with your spelling - i would spell "Quebecer" that way too. i was picturing the look on the more fervently nationalist (or is that anti-nationalist. i live here and still get confused) "Quebecer's" faces if they heard themselves reffered to that way! :lol:

[Vesper Sparrow]

I don't know, maybe I'm getting old, but I've found the last few weeks really cold. Normally the cold doesn't bother me that much. It's been quite damp and grey and gloomy, with no snow, and it really gets into the bones. To the point that I did something I never do, and put my riding gloves on to groom.... I also have been using my new quarter sheet and somehow it makes me feel warmer if the horse is warm. My barn owner said this damp is hard on the horses.

Once I'm warmed up I'm OK, though sometimes all I want to do when I get home is take a hot bath. This week, in the unheated indoor, I've been wearing my Irideon 3-season wind-pro breeches, long underwear and a synthetic down jacket.

[Blinkers On]

From Northern Alberta Here ;)

We are already done our riding season... Altho, i find breeches and a pair of thick sweats just fine... This coming from someone who rides bareback all winter, unless it's that one time a month where we haul to the indoor (providing there's no freezing rain, snowstorms or Black Ice)

Will start training again in April -- Still in the snow and ice, and freezing my muff off lol


Ahhh one of my old haunts Grande Prarie! The Parrot Club and Skidder Magee's places I had my first legal drink! Beautiful country! And Cold! Love that wind chill!

[doccer]

lol!!

I haven't heard those names in sooo long!! lol the parrot club has been gone for years... and i can barely remember skidder magees?lol is that what its called?

Blast from the past eh ;)

[Blinkers On]

So far from the past, I likely aged myself tons... lol
Those were great days! I loved growing up in the area! I was actually a Dawson Girl, but we had to drive to GP to be legal. We were so silly.

[Blugal]

Warm feet, hands and head are key.

I start with two pairs of socks, one a thin wool pair ski socks, the second a SmartWool. If really cold, two pairs of SmartWool. Mountain Horse boots one size too big work until it's really cold, then my snowpacks (Sorrel). When using regular boots, a pair of Tingleys (Silk long underwear, breeches, winter riding snow pants.) works well to insulate your feet from the cold metal stirrups.

Silk long underwear, breeches, winter riding snow pants.

On top, I agree with whoever said that the technical fabrics end up feeling clammy. I usually just put on a turtleneck, sweater, (maybe vest) and jacket. If really cold, add silk long-sleeved shirt, make the sweater wool, and the vest down.

I usually removed one layer of lining from my helmet and wore a fleece headband under it. If colder or windier, a polar fleece helmet/ear/neck cover (custom made one year for Christmas) worked a treat.

Gloves: a friend found a terrific pair of work gloves at a co-op that were suede outer and thinsulate inner. Used over a pair of silk liners, they worked quite well. I just got a new pair of gloves which I think will be good - Sealskinz (http://www.sealskinz.com/cgi-bin/psProdDet.cgi/KJ531||~@c~@b|0|user|1,0,0,1|44|) - which are waterproof, breathable, and have a layer of wool to keep you warm. Just used them for hunting for 4 hours and was quite happy with them (they were too warm for above-0 temps, my hands got sweaty - but stayed warm and dried gradually during checks).

If extraordinarily cold, I ride with mittens. Riding in all the above is very bulky, but got me through three Edmonton winters in an outdoor ring & field, down to -13C to -15C depending on windchill. Colder than that we might do a bareback ride!

[equusrocks]

Thanks all for the replies! I can't wait until spring!! :D

And sorry to the canadians who took offense to the 'e' ...I live close to quebec, and my grandfather is french canadian, it's just what I'm accustomed to.

[Blugal]

Forgot to say: I haven't found a pair of tight-fitting gloves that is actually warm yet. I'm hoping the Sealskinz will do the trick.

[sisu27]

I grew up in the Cariboo Country in B.C. Canada......Williams Lake/Prince George regions. I remember it being
-40degree's farenheit.....

I always just wore a wool sweater and a down filled jacket. I would walk from school to the barn (about a 30-45 minute trek)....Once at the barn, I cleaned my stall, brushed my horse, and went riding in 3-4 feet of powder snow......:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

Now I live on the west coast (Vancouver Island).....the weather is so wet here, and the coldness permiates your soul. Even today, on a nice sunny day, I wear a t-shirt, sweatshirt, polar fleece vest and a polyfill jacket. OHHHHH and did I mention my big thermal wool/poly socks with my insulated gumboots.

It seems that I could always dress appropriately for the very cold, but dry Cariboo climate.....but can never seem to get warm enough for our damp B.C. weather.:no:

Someone had to say it..."it's not the cold, it's the damp"...but it is totally true!! I lasted 2 months in Vancouver and bailed...was never so happy to see Ottawa in my life! I'll take a cold dry northern winter anyday...I love it!

Great stuff:

http://www.woolpower.se/en/default.asp

http://www.canada-goose.com/home.htm

http://www.toklat.com/dyn_prod.php?p=30-3130&k=82204

Avoid cotton as your base layer, don't wear anything too tight and don't even think about worrying about how you look!

[Mallard]

Alpaca socks over thin cotton knee socks
Insulated Ariat paddock boots
Thin silk-like flat-seamed nylon long johns...from walmart ...about $15
Heavy weight full seat breeches
Windproof gloves with 'hot shots' in them. Put the hot shots on top of your hand at the base of your fingers, not in the palm.
Cotton Turtle neck
Fleece vest
Kerrits Quilted K jacket
Fleece ear cover under helmet

Then I'm good for minus 15
Anything colder than that and I do not ride... I turned into a wimp after age 55.

[eclipse]

Another Albertan here! Although we have two heated, indoor arenas........so, t-shirts all winter long for riding! (I do NOT go outside when it's cold unless I have too.....ie: running to turn on the car!) :lol:

[Blinkers On]

Spoiled... LOL
I was fortunate in college to have a toasty warm arena and barn. T shirts as well. We did have a barn for the non school horses that was not heated. That one sucked. I went to Lakeland College in Vermillion. I loved that arena and barn. Though I do recall getting headed and heeled, tied up and left outside in the shavings pile. I needed a jacket then:cry: