Keep your cool this summer

Although it might not feel like it if you are in South Eastern Australia at the moment, summer is just around the corner.  That means riding early or late to beat the heat, wishing you could ride in shorts and hoping no one notices that you're covered in dust and smell like a sweaty horse when you duck into the shop to grab groceries after your ride...

Although riding in shorts isn't really an option unless you like chaffing or riding bare back, it is possible to keep your cool while riding in hot weather if you wear the right gear.  This is where sporty equestrian brand Tottie comes in.  We call our Tottie gear "the Lorna Jane for horseriders" because of its activewear appearance, technical fabrics and performance focus.

A firm favourite for warm weather is Tottie's Wycombe Polo.  This top has the cut of a traditional polo shirt, with a soft knitted neck to keep the sun off your neck, but the rest of the shirt is made of a super soft and lightweight technical fabric that stretches with you and wicks away sweat to keep you dry. We have tested this top in the hottest, sweatiest conditions and it has still passed the "whiff test". Definitely a winner.  Available in marled charcoal or magenta.

The Wycombe Polo stretches with you so as not to restrict movement when riding

Tottie's Mayfield Zip Polo is also made of a technical fabric to keep you cool and dry.  Its high zip collar and ruched back are perfect for those looking for something a little smarter to wear out to clinics or training days.  These polos come in 3 fantastic colour choices: peacock blue, white (with contrast blue stitching) and berry (with contrast yellow stitching).

Mayfield Zip Polo in white and Maven Endurance jods

Although we can't avoid the trade mark horse rider's white legs (sorry!), your legs don't have to melt when you are riding.  Many riders tell us that they ride in running tights as a more comfortable, flexible, lighter weight option to breeches. Tottie  came up with the perfect solution by designing a pair especially for riders.  The Maven Endurance Jods are super comfy pull on jods made from a stretchy lightweight fabric.  They are similar to running tights in weight but have the advantage of subtle silicon knee grips for that little extra bit of stability in the saddle.  So now, when you want to go for a run after you've been riding (which I don't know about you but I do ALL OF THE TIME ;o)), you don't even need to get changed!

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If you prefer to wear more traditional breeches but still keep your cool, there's always Tottie's Maven Knee-Grip Breeches. These breeches come in the super cool summery colours of white and pink and have a casual low rise jeans look, perfect for stable to street wear. Although they are made of 94% cotton for coolness and breathability, they have 6% elastane added for comfort and stretch.  Cute contrasting triangle detail on the silicone knee grips add to the funky summery look of these breeches.

Maven Polo in magenta and Maven Knee Grip Breeches in blue

Finally, lets not forget your poor tootsies sweating it out in your boots.  Tottie's Maven Tech Socks are lightweight material in the leg section, making them perfect for under snug long boots.  However, they still have a padded foot section for comfort.  And our favourite feature - little ventilation panels to keep the air circulating and your feet cool (well, as cool as possible in boots).  They also STAY UP, which is an absolute bonus.

So get shopping and be prepared for the heat this Summer!