Protecting Horse Riders from UV Rays
When we think about time in the sun, many of us are aware of the risks of unprotected sun exposure, including sunburn and heat stroke. What we mightn’t know so well, however, is the risk of UV damage.
UV radiation, short for ultraviolet radiation, is one of the three forms of energy the sun emits (with the other two being infrared radiation and visible light). According to a UV information article by the Cancer Council:
“UV radiation is the most dangerous form of energy as it causes sunburn, cell damage and skin cancer. The fact that we cannot see it or feel it means we should be especially cautious and always check the UV index for that day.
Infrared radiation is felt as the heat from the sun.
Visible light is seen as sunlight.”
When the UV is above 3 (which you can check on your weather app), even just 15 minutes of unprotected exposure can cause damage to our skin. This is especially important for horse riders to know about, as the general minimum a horse needs to be ridden for daily, for both a horse’s health and our improvement, is 30 minutes. That’s two times the risk of skin damage, minimum.
And it’s not just skin damage UV can cause. UV rays can:
- Cause eye damage and cataracts (which is clouding of our eye’s lens, obstructing our vision)
- Increase the risk of skin cancers
- Result in premature ageing and wrinkles
- Weaken the immune system (which you can read more about in this PubMed article by clicking here)
And the worst part? Not all sunscreens, hats, or clothing is UV protectant, so you have to know what you’re looking for to stay protected. If not, there are numerous long-term consequences of UV exposure, including:
- Permanent scarring and discolouration
- Increased risk of melanoma (which can require multiple surgeries to be removed)
- Chronic eye damage
So how do we avoid UV damage?
- Seek shade and avoid peak sun hours.
When riding, stick to shaded trails. Tree canopies provide natural sun and UV protection, which benefit both you and your horse (because horses need protection from UV radiation too!). If you don’t have many options for shade, try riding in the morning or late afternoon, when the UV levels are lower.
- Apply sunscreen and lip balm.
Look for products with a high SPF rating. This stands for Sun Protection Factor, and a higher SPF means greater protection from harmful rays. Aim to get a MINIMUM SPF 30 sunscreen and lip balm, and apply it to all possible sun-exposed areas, including your hands and face (because no part of our body is exempt from potential UV damage). Also remember to reapply these products every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating.
- Wear protective clothing and gear.
One option is to wear clothing with more coverage, such as long-sleeved shirts with high necks. A better option is to buy clothing with a high UPF rating (similar to the sunscreen ratings you need to look out for). UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and, similar to SPF, a higher UPF means better protection from damaging UV rays. Aim to get UPF 50+ clothing, and the more it covers, the better for your skin!
Our detachable helmet brims are also a game-changer for horse riders, providing unparalleled protection for your face, eyes, neck and ears. Helmet brims are the only Australian-Made product providing superior sun protection for all ages, and all brands and sizes of helmet across all equestrian disciplines.
Click here to buy your own helmet brim.
Now that you’ve got yourself covered, read about UV prevention for horses by clicking here, or read this blog to find out more essentials for horse riding (and beyond!)
