Ms Prathe wearing a helmet and riding gear riding a brown horse over a obstacle in a show jumping event. The horse has a protective ear cover and is mid-jump, clearing red, white, and brown poles on a sandy arena with blurred trees in the background.
A decorative star-shaped frame with a golden outline on a black background.

Resources

Sun Safety Starts with You.

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Learn how to stay safe in the sun, as well as the warning signs of skin cancer.

VIEW TIPS FOR SUN SAFETY

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, when detected early, melanoma can be effectively treated. You can identify the warning signs by looking for the ABCDEs of melanoma.

VIEW GUIDE
Graphic showing that 1.3 million people live with melanoma in the United States.
A diagram showing probabilities with bubbles representing the chances of various events. The largest bubble states there's a 3% chance of getting melanoma for white people. Smaller bubbles depict other probabilities, such as 1/33 people.
A Venn diagram showing that 1 out of 200 people, or 0.5%, of Hispanic people are at risk of getting Melanoma.
Infographic showing percentages of Black people at risk of melanoma, with one percent and 1/1000 displayed and two speech bubbles stating that there is a chance of getting melanoma for Black people.
A blue medical cross icon.
A blue medical cross symbol.
A pie chart indicating 90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light and sunlight.
Golden yellow wavy line forming a starburst shape on a black background.
A yellow plus sign icon

Tips for Sun Safe Activities

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. And being an equestrian means spending long hours outdoors, in an arena, on trails, or around the barn. The same sunlight that brightens the show ring can also cause lasting skin damage if protection isn’t part of your daily routine.

Sun Safety Guidelines

Small habits make the most significant difference. Before your ride:

  • Apply SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside

  • Reapply every two hours and immediately after sweating

  • Don’t skip cloudy days 

  • Use water-resistant sunscreen during hot, active show days

A blue gear or sun-like shape with a hollow center.

Gear That Protects

  • Choose UPF-rated shirts and jackets that block UV rays

  • Opt for wide-brimmed helmets or visors when possible

  • Wear gloves to protect your hands

  • Stay shaded between classes or rides

Silhouette of a person's profile wearing a cap with a curved brim.

Take Care Beyond Sunscreen

  • Stay hydrated and moisturize daily

  • Check your skin regularly

  • Avoid tanning beds

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On-the-Go Protection

  • Store travel-size SPF in your show bag

  • Set phone reminders to reapply sunscreen during long show days

  • Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for quick sun-safe reminders, product recommendations, and show updates! 

Blue medical cross symbol

Source: American Cancer Society

Ms Prather in equestrian attire, including a black helmet, dark jacket, and beige riding pants, riding a brown horse with a dark mane in an outdoor setting with green grass and trees in the background.
A yellow plus sign on a white background.

Get Checked Regularly

Get checked regularly by your dermatologist as early detection is the best prevention.