Sun Protection for Horseback Riders: Equestrian Sun Safety Guide

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors but long hours in the sun can take a toll on your skin. Whether you ride for leisure, train competitively, or teach lessons, sun protection while horseback riding should be as routine as grooming your horse.

This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about staying protected under the sun from the best UPF clothing for equestrians to smart riding habits that reduce UV exposure.

Ride Smarter: Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Whenever possible, schedule your rides early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You’ll stay cooler, your horse will be more comfortable, and your skin will avoid the harshest rays.

If mid-day riding is unavoidable, plan rest breaks in shaded areas and use extra layers of UV protection.

Invest in UPF Clothing Designed for Riders

Ordinary shirts and leggings can’t compete with specialized UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) apparel. UPF fabric blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays—and unlike sunscreen, the protection won’t wear off with sweat or washing.

BloqUV’s equestrian long sleeve turtleneck offers breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking options perfect for long days at the barn. From long-sleeve tops to leggings and sun sleeves, you’ll stay cool, covered, and comfortable both in and out of the saddle.

✨ Bonus tip: Protect your hands and forearms with BloqUV hand covers and sun sleeves to prevent sunspots and premature aging.

Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen Correctly

Even with UPF clothing, sunscreen is essential for exposed areas like your face, neck, and ears.

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before riding.
  
  

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 for both UVA and UVB protection.
  
  

• Reapply every two hours or after sweating.
  
  

Think of sunscreen as your second line of defense—your clothing does the heavy lifting, but your sunscreen fills in the gaps.

Don’t Forget Eye and Face Protection

Pair your riding helmet with UV-blocking sunglasses. These simple accessories reduce glare, shield your eyes, and protect sensitive skin around your eyes and nose—some of the most common spots for sun damage.

Teach Young Riders Good Sun Habits

Kids’ skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage, and early sunburns can have long-term effects. Teach your young riders how to protect themselves:

• Always wear sunscreen and UPF clothing.
  
  

• Take shade breaks between lessons.
  
  

• Reapply sunscreen regularly.
  
  

Making sun safety part of your family’s riding routine will help build healthy lifelong habits.

Know Your SPF Numbers

Many riders still underestimate how much sunscreen they need or overestimate what higher numbers mean. Dermatologists recommend sticking with SPF 30–50, which blocks up to 97–98% of UV rays.

Use at least one ounce (a full palmful) for your body, and don’t forget to cover often-missed areas like the back of the neck and hands.

Schedule Regular Skin Checks

Even with great sun protection habits, routine skin exams are vital. Most dermatologists recommend a yearly checkup (every six months if you have a family history of skin cancer). Early detection is the best protection.

Ride Confidently Under the Sun

Sun protection doesn’t have to limit your time in the saddle—it enhances it. With the right clothing, habits, and products, you can ride longer, feel cooler, and protect your skin for years to come.

Explore BloqUV’s collection of UPF 50+ equestrian and outdoor apparel—made to move with you, wherever your next ride takes you.

Quick Checklist: Sun Protection for Horseback Riding

• Schedule rides before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

• Wear UPF 50+ long sleeves and leggings

• Reapply SPF 30–50 sunscreen every 2 hours

• Wear sunglasses and a hat/helmet visor

• Protect hands and neck

• Visit a dermatologist annually