sunglasses for equestrians-how to choose the right ones for you

Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell choose the best tinted lens for cross country.

Right, so I can see the sun going in as I write this, typical, but if you're a delicate flower like me with sun-sensitive eyes, then riding outside in bright summer sunshine without sunglasses, can be a bit of a mare.

I have tried normal fashion Sunnies, but not only are they pretty uncomfortable with my helmet on, usually because the arms dig in as they're too long and curved, but I also worry that if I take a tumble I could be left with a permanent squint. Plus, the style of sunglasses I like to wear when not in riding attire, tend to be of the larger 70's variety and they really don't look good with a helmet.

So, here's my guide to choosing the perfect pair of safe, stylish and comfortable sunglasses for horse riding .....

Show Jumper Jay Halim in Uvex helmet and sunglasses even manages to look cool riding a camel!

safety is cool
First off, you want to make sure your sunglasses not only protect from UV rays but are impact resistant with shatterproof lenses too.

in the frame
Comfort is key. So look for features that ensure they will sit comfortably on the bridge of your nose and against the side of your head whilst wearing a helmet but still stay in place even when you start to sweat (I mean perspire, no scrub that, we gals, like our horses DO sweat!)

Adjustable non-slip nose pads, straight arm and malleable temple tips are all features to look out for.

It's also worth picking a 'half frame' as a frame at the bottom of your sunglasses can get in the way of your sight-line when looking downwards.
 

Choose a frame colour that suits the colour and style of your helmet.  Funky, brighter colours like the Bolle Tempest in Crystal Pink can look good with crash hat covers but peaked, sleeker showjumping helmets tend to look better with a dark black, grey or brown frame such as Uvex SGL202 as worn by Jay Halim (above).

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my bronze award-the Uvex Active, a lighter tinted lens and flexible temple tips could be a good choice

how much shade is cool
The show jumpers seem to go for quite dark grey, sometimes polarised lenses (BTW having a polarised lens isn't necessary for riders) but you may want to choose a lighter tinted lens if like me you just want to take the edge off a glaring sun. Out hacking you may go into the woods or it might cloud over (a high probability in the UK!) and once you've dismounted chances are you will walk into a dark stable or feed room. Personally, I don't want to be continually taking them off and putting them back on again.

Similarly if you compete cross-country you will usually encounter a lot of wooded/shaded areas.

Also, writing this, got me wondering, some people don't like talking to someone wearing very dark glasses because they can't see their eyes. Do you think it matters to a horse? Has anyone noticed a reaction, good or bad, to really dark lenses? 

lens colour can change the way you see life
Well, there's a lot to be said for rose-tinted glasses if you ride on sand, or any other light coloured composite surface, as a pink lens will increase contrast.

Grey lens reduce brightness but provide the most normal colour recognition.

However if you're riding on grass, and likely to go into shaded areas then amber/copper/brown lens are best. They block high amounts of blue light and are good for increasing contrast against green grass/leaves and blue skies, helping to give footing and approaching obstacles greater clarity. Which means they are the best lens if you're riding a cross-country course (see top pic.) 

If you simply want to prevent your eyes from watering when riding at speed in cloudier conditions but enhance contrast then a yellow tint is your best option.
 
a competitive edge 
If you're competing and accuracy is really important then you'll also want to choose sunglasses (like the Uvex models mentioned before) which boast a decentred lens technology for distortion free vision. 

Anyways, after you've thought through all these pointers, to help make sure you're getting the right Sunnies to suit your face/head shape you can't beat trying them on. If you can't find any at a big equine event (I'd like to see more available at shows) I suggest going into a cycling or skate shop, or somewhere near you that sells sports clothing and accessories. Tell them what you need them for, stressing that they must be impact resistant with shatterproof lenses and take your helmet with you (come on don't be shy) so that you can check they look and feel good together.

Or shop online at Sunglasses for Sport- who have an equestrian section and sell quite a good range of brands and prices. If you need any advice, you can give them a call - I found them to be very helpful. And as a bonus, they've some good reductions too.

Hopefully my summer ramblings have given you some things to think about when choosing sunglasses for riding. If you've got any more advice or have found a pair you'd like to shout about then please share thoughts, brands and styles in the comments box below.

Right, I'm now off to enjoy the sunshine!