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Winter is now upon us, with some of the coolest days of the year still to come.
In search of the best equestrian style, we’ve reviewed equestrian brands around the globe – from feeding out in the rain to organized cross-country meets and everything in between, we have the lowdown on the best winter coats, gloves, leg-wear, and boots to prepare you for when temperatures plummet. Here are our picks:
Beneficial Boots
Once considered a niche purchase, equestrian footwear brands now create boots especially designed to face winter weather. Today there are plenty of options to get yourself suitably booted for cool days ahead.
Brogini Kendal Sub-Zero Tall Boots
The right pair of boots can really change your entire outlook on winter. Created to ride out the coldest weather, the Kendal has been constructed with a PU leather foot which is naturally water resistant, and a high-density foam calf which is wrapped in tough water repellent Cordura. They are lined with thick faux fur and can be fastened even with numb fingers, thanks to Velcro touch tabs. These award-winning and exceptionally functional boots tick every box.
Mountain Horse Snowy River
Mountain Horse founder Lars Sjöswärd created the world’s first winter equestrian riding boots in 1988. Fast-forward to 2021, and the Snowy River boot remains one of the best offerings out there. Weatherproof, fully lined, and suitable for all winter riding conditions, full grain leather uppers pair with a chunky sole to give this design impact and paddock-cred. The military-inspired silhouette is a practical and stylish answer to freezing weather, and the special non-dirt-collecting tread means you won’t fill your car with mud after riding or visiting your horse.
Working Chaps
Having originally found favor with rodeo riders and ranchers, today’s chaps sit at the intersection of fashion and function. If you have ever had your breeches ripped by a low branch on a trail ride, or found yourself drenched in an unexpected downpour, full chaps, which can be taken off at the end of your ride might just be the most useful wardrobe investment you ever make.
Parlanti Roma full leg chaps
The Parlanti Roma full leg chaps are handmade from soft nappa leather and are ideal for those who want a high-quality technical product that offers protection for their legs. The extremely soft leg is at the same time flexible and durable, designed not to compromise on freedom of movement when riding. YKK® zippers along the legs and adjustable ankle straps ensure absolute comfort even after hours of work in and out of the saddle.
Kitzbuhel Working Chaps
While equestrian fashions come and go, you can rest assured there will always be rainy weather to ride in. Luckily Vestrum has got you covered with their slick Kitzbuhel working chaps. Functioning like a protective second skin, these lightweight chaps are perfect for humid climates or transitional season riding. Combining all the components of a pair of breeches AND a pair of chaps, this is basically two items in one.
Weather Ready Breeches
Your legs suffer when the temperature drops more than you think. You’d assume then that the relevance of a good pair of winter breeches would be clear, especially since you must expose your legs to bad weather for months on end- but they’re often an afterthought on shopping lists.
Kerrits Fleece Lite Riding Tights
Kerrits made their light-weight winter breeches even more flattering thanks to an extra wide waistband that encases your hips gently. Perfect for transitional months, these functional breeches can be worn as a base-layer when the temperature really drops. Kerrits boosted performance with GripSoft™ knee patches that enhance your connection in the saddle and each pair has a hidden zip pocket on the hip. They are warm enough that you can ride in them on brisk days, but thin enough to layer under heavier trousers or chaps when the temperature drops below zero.
Iris and Wool Magic Breeches
Iris and Wool founder Emily Riggs married a merino sheep producer and launched her own 100% Australian merino wool label. Magic Breeches are made from a divine blend of Aussie Merino and Denim with suede panels on the seat and inner legs for extra grip while riding. They’re super-cozy and structured enough to wear comfortably with long boots. They also have functional front pockets and a flattering waistband that smooths without digging into your midriff.
Cosy Coats
A weatherproof coat is a wardrobe essential for those frosty mornings and drizzly training sessions. Are you looking for a coat that’ll keep you (and your saddle) dry whilst riding? Or something functional and warm to reach for when temperatures drop?
Stierna Nova Raincoat
There is nothing more investment-worthy than a really good raincoat. The fashionable and functional Nova overcoat is the light version of the sold-out Stella Coat. Thin enough to pack away in a saddlebag and adept at protecting you from even the heaviest of downpours, this undeniably feminine coat has a skirt that spills out behind the saddle to protect it from the elements. EquTex™ thermoregulation technology supports breathability and evaporation, so you will never feel too hot or cold – and the design has well-appreciated safety features such as 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective lines, logo prints and details on the sleeves and back panels.
Old-worldly and understated, the sleeves are shaped to redirect water away from your gloves and the detachable saddle flap protects the front of your legs and saddle too. Stierna is a prominent Nordic equestrian brand recognized for producing high-quality performance gear using sustainable materials such as recycled polyester. The brand is used by professionals such as veterinarians and riding schools as well as the mounted police in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Swanndri Annmore Coat
Any Kiwi born in the last century grew up with Swanndri, New Zealand’s most iconic outerwear brand. The brand’s foundation line of clothing, including the original checked bush shirt, was legendary amongst townies and rural folk alike for its incredible ability to combat NZ weather. Modern day Swanndri is using their reputation as producers of quality performance wear to create collections of functional fashion that look as good on the farm as they do in the pub.
The Annmore overcoat is a classy outerwear item with a bunch of equestrian-friendly features like oversized pockets for car keys and phones, a roomy hood, a storm flap and a rear vent to accommodate the saddle. Combine it with jeans and boots and this coat will look amazing wherever you go, and keep you warm too. It’s functional farmwear at its best, we say.
Gloves that Grip
It can be hard to decipher which gloves will successfully thwart the cold AND allow for sensitive rein guidance, since many on the market are considerably more fashion than function. These two styles seem up to the task of keeping you warm and comfortable in and out of the saddle.
Roeckl Malta Winter Riding Gloves
The Roeckl Malta Winter Riding Gloves are the epitome of tactical fashion. Made from ROECK-GRIP® material, they fit like a second skin but have the grip and tactility required for nimble management of the reins. These gloves have Micro Bemberg lining, which means they’re soft and cozy on the inside yet strong and durable on the outside.
Ariat Insulated Tek Grip Gloves
If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that’ll hold up to the demands of riding and stable chores, the Ariat Insulated Tek Grips might be the perfect pair for you. Ariat gloves are constructed with Polartec® Wind Pro ® stretch fleece for maximum insulation and they have a hardface coating on the outside for abrasion and superior water resistance.
What is the winter fashion piece in your wardrobe you can’t brave the elements without? Tell us below!
