how can I keep cool?

[DisturbinglySexuallyInactive]

I love the heat but sick of looking like a beetroot! I wish we didn't have to wear hats when on board but not stupid enough not to

Sweaty jods too, yuck - ideas? How are you lot staying fresh all day?

you're not, are you? you've all melted!

Ugh I know what you mean. I could do with some cream jodhs really as they would be cooler but I've been telling myself I would lose the extra stone I'm carrying first. You've guessed it, it hasn't happened so I will have to give in and get them anyway, I can't stand the black ones much longer! I do have some other colours but they are mostly winter-weight. The best thing to do is only wear the jodhs when you are riding and take some shorts to change into the minute you get off. The relief is wonderful!
As for the hat, I don't find it too bad atm (terrible hat-hair argh) as mine does have vents which are still a luxury to me after the old-style ones. I have got a Polly-hat that I got for ds and it is too big (despite saying child on the box) so I kept it as it fits me and only cost £10 in Tesco. I will have to give that a go and see if it is cooler (will look like a twit though ).

My top tips are

Ride very early morning or evening

Find a very shady place to groom/tack up

Take a plant spray full of water and ice cubes mist yourself and horses as required

How ever inviting the water trough looks it isn't...... it's a little slimy in the bottom it's on my list of jobs to do !!!

plant spray is fantastic to cool head down when you take hat off.