With winter fast approaching I thought it appropriate to to a recommendations and/or reviews list of things you can wear to keep yourself warm!
Layers- Layers are very important and has gotten me through every winter so far. Usually I will start off with a polo shirt or t-shirt, doesn't have to be anything special but make sure it's comfortable- if it's extra cold you can wear a long sleeved t-shirt or rugby shirt.
Next a fleece or hoody then I usually have a gilet over the top, mine is just a thin caldene one which cost me £20 from HOYS last year.
Then a coat, mine is a shires bomber jacket which cost me £20 but I'm looking to invest in a winter coat this year!
Bottom half- I always wear leggings under my jodhpurs, but you can get base layers too, with knee socks for extra warmth.
My jodhpurs are normal ones but you can get fleece lined ones. Then boots, I'd be no where without my Ariat Grasmere's, essential for winter and no other boot compares in my eyes.
I then put on my Rambo half chaps which are fleece lined and are very warm and waterproof, which keeps the snow from drenching me! These cost me around £38 from HOYS last year too.
Gloves- Personally i use my Roeckl polartec gloves which are very very warm but have seen better days so I'm looking into either SealSkinz gloves or Tredstep's new range. The Roeckl gloves cost me £22 a couple of years ago.
Headbands- I used to wear my Musto ZP one but it's too big for my head so tends to flap about when it's windy. I recently bought a Townend one which fits perfectly, it was reasonably priced at £4.95 yet my Musto one was around £10.
I also have a buff for around my neck, it's a motorcycle one and I can't remember where I got it from but they are very useful and a lot of equestrian companies do them!
I hope this was informative and I hope it helped someone keep warm this winter!
Monday 11 November 2013
Cleaning Boots!
The task most of us dread... Boot cleaning! Sadly it's something we should do to keep our boots in good condition and make them last longer. I've had my Ariat Grasmere's (old style) around 2 years and they have only just started to wear on the heel. They are still waterproof and I wear them most days. I suppose it is optional as to whether or not you clean your boots, I know some people with the same boots as me and they've never seen a sponge yet they're 3+ years old! In this post I'll show you what products I use and how to use them.
1. Grab your boots and either a) hose them off if they have been in a lot of mud or b) go to step 3 if your boots aren't that mucky and they are dry.
2. If your boots are extra mucky grab a sponge and with soap wash them, be careful not to go near the zips if you have them. Leave to dry completely, avoid direct sources of heat as it will crack the leather.
3. I use NAF quick clean for leather (including tack). It smells strong but is very good at cleaning the bits of dirt you've missed! Spray it all over your boots if they are all leather and avoid any suede if there's some on your boots. If they're still a bit mucky leave it on for a minute then using a sponge wipe off any dirt from all the leather on your boots. Spray more if needed. This stuff is great at it's job so this should only take a minute per boot.
4. Next I use NAF neatsfoot oil. You can either use a brush or a sponge (not the one you used to clean your boots in step 3). Use a good amount and use on all the leather on your boots, if it soaks in really quickly then put more on but try not to use too much as leather needs to breathe. Let this soak in.
5. If you have suede on your boots, like I do, use a suede and nu buck cleaner. I got mine from Tesco in the shoe cleaning section. Mine has a prickly end so spray some on the suede and use the lid with the prickly end in circular motions.
6. Only do this around 1-2 times per month and only apply once all oil has been absorbed, this step might be best to do the next day. I use an all natural leather balsam called Renapur which in my opinion, is the best balsam in the world, it nourishes the leather and waterproofs it. This can also be used on tack, leather sofas, motorbike gear etc. Use this in small quantities as a little bit goes a long way. Apply to leather only, avoid any suede!!! It can be quite sticky at first so avoid dusty/hairy areas otherwise you'll end up with furry boots!
7. I also occasionally use a waterproofing spray just as a quick spray all over the suede just for extra protection.
8. Lastly, store in a dry warm place to help the balsam soak in and enjoy having clean boots! I normally go the whole hog twice a month, the rest of the time (around once a week) I'll use the quick clean spray and oil them.
I hope this has helped someone!
1. Grab your boots and either a) hose them off if they have been in a lot of mud or b) go to step 3 if your boots aren't that mucky and they are dry.
2. If your boots are extra mucky grab a sponge and with soap wash them, be careful not to go near the zips if you have them. Leave to dry completely, avoid direct sources of heat as it will crack the leather.
3. I use NAF quick clean for leather (including tack). It smells strong but is very good at cleaning the bits of dirt you've missed! Spray it all over your boots if they are all leather and avoid any suede if there's some on your boots. If they're still a bit mucky leave it on for a minute then using a sponge wipe off any dirt from all the leather on your boots. Spray more if needed. This stuff is great at it's job so this should only take a minute per boot.
4. Next I use NAF neatsfoot oil. You can either use a brush or a sponge (not the one you used to clean your boots in step 3). Use a good amount and use on all the leather on your boots, if it soaks in really quickly then put more on but try not to use too much as leather needs to breathe. Let this soak in.
5. If you have suede on your boots, like I do, use a suede and nu buck cleaner. I got mine from Tesco in the shoe cleaning section. Mine has a prickly end so spray some on the suede and use the lid with the prickly end in circular motions.
6. Only do this around 1-2 times per month and only apply once all oil has been absorbed, this step might be best to do the next day. I use an all natural leather balsam called Renapur which in my opinion, is the best balsam in the world, it nourishes the leather and waterproofs it. This can also be used on tack, leather sofas, motorbike gear etc. Use this in small quantities as a little bit goes a long way. Apply to leather only, avoid any suede!!! It can be quite sticky at first so avoid dusty/hairy areas otherwise you'll end up with furry boots!
7. I also occasionally use a waterproofing spray just as a quick spray all over the suede just for extra protection.
8. Lastly, store in a dry warm place to help the balsam soak in and enjoy having clean boots! I normally go the whole hog twice a month, the rest of the time (around once a week) I'll use the quick clean spray and oil them.
I hope this has helped someone!
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