October Monthly Must Haves

Here's our hand-picked selection of favourite products for October - some old and some new, and all designed to improve your equestrian life in some way. What's your essential equestrian item for this month? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay dry and warm

Many of us ride whatever the weather! So keep your legs warm and dry with the Shires Sapporo Waterproof Over Trousers. Specially designed to go over your breeches, they allow you to quickly apply a waterproof layer just when you need it. Breathable and durable, the reinforced hem is able to withstand all the wear and tear that they're likely to endure on the yard. Available for men, women and children.

If you want 100% protection from the elements, team the trousers with the Shires Calgary Long Riding Coat as seen in the picture below.   

Learn to layer

When the temperature drops, layering is the key to looking stylish while staying warm. Start with a base layer. The purpose of this "next-to-the-skin" layer is to help regulate your body temperature by "wicking away", or put simply, move perspiration away from the skin. Highly versatile, base layers can be worn on their own at this time of the year or, when the temperature drops, underneath a mid layer for extra warmth. 

It should be a snug fit without feeling too restrictive. Nowadays base layers come in a simple round neck or, if you prefer a bit more warmth and cover, a turtle neck. Check out the fantastic selection of colours too.

Come clean in cooler temperatures 

Although the early days of autumn are noticeably cooler, often they're still warm and sunny. This means that even a slightly woolly winter coat, can make your horse quite hot and sweaty when you ride him. So how do you wash him off when it's too cold to give him a proper bath? The answer...the no rinse Lincoln Revitalising Wash. This will enable you to wash off sweat or mud without having to bath him. Cool, invigorating and cleansing, simply sponge on and leave to dry after exercise or heavy. Available in 500 ml.

Get ahead, get a hoody

Keep your muddy monster clean with a stretch hood. Be sure to get a snug fit though so it doesn’t move when it’s on. If you're worried in any way about actually getting it on, don't be, they come with or without a zip. This one from Weatherbeeta is available in black and navy.

Minimise injury

When the fields are wet and muddy, there's often a greater risk of injury. So why not minimise the chances of this happening by turning out in over reach boots. Go for a bright colour like these ones from JHL as they'll be easier to find if it comes off in the field. This is a particularly good idea if your horse is in a big field! Available in pink, black, red, green, light blue, navy, purple and white.