What Is The Best Winter Horse Riding Jacket On The Market?

Riding in the winter can be really tough. There’s the frozen fingers, the rain dripping down your neck, toes as cold as blocks of ice – brrr! Having a really good winter riding jacket can make all the difference between falling off your horse like an icicle at the end of a ride, and leaping down with only the need to stamp your feet a bit.

The best winter horse riding jacket warms your core, meaning that your extremities are fed by this warmed blood, which results in fewer chilblains and less of a chance of losing the sensation in your toes and fingers. There are a great many jackets out there that claim to be the best winter horse riding jacket, but it can be confusing to narrow them down to which one actually is the best one.

Best Winter Horse Riding Jacket Reviews

We have taken the hard work out of it by selecting three of the best for you to choose from:

Image	Riding Jacket	Price
	Ariat Veracity H2O Cold Series Waterproof Jacket A really great jacket on a relatively high budget.	CHECK PRICE
	Horseware Brianna Ladies’ Jacket A practical, functional winter riding jacket .	CHECK PRICE
	Pikeur – Ladies Materialmix Jacket Calina A softshell jacket, lightweight and water repellent.	CHECK PRICE

1. Ariat Women’s Veracity H2O Cold Series Waterproof Jacket Review

This is a snazzy winter riding jacket, with all the features you would expect from a jacket that is designed to keep you warm, and more. It’s quite pricey, but worth the money when you consider the use you’ll get out of it.

Pros

• Lots (and lots) of pockets – Having many pockets is a great thing, especially when riding, as it means you don’t have to carry a bag. You can take a mobile phone, treats, a map, and just about anything else you need, and keep them safe and dry.
• Knitted lined collar and cuffs – Having extra warmth at places where heat escapes is important, as it can help keep as much body warmth in as possible.
• Full coverage hood – Having a good hood is a great feature, as it will completely cover your head and stop you getting irritating rain drips running down your neck.
• Waterproof against all but the strongest weather – A waterproof jacket is a must in the winter, because as we all know, riding in the rain is not much fun! Keeping your torso and your core dry and warm will go a long way to keeping you comfortable.

Cons

• It comes with a hefty price tag – This is about the only downside with this jacket – it will set you back. But look at it as an investment – it should last you for years!

Recommendation

This is a high quality winter riding jacket, which is well made and designed to keep you as toasty as possible.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2. Horseware Brianna Ladies’ Jacket Review

A great winter riding jacket, designed to keep the cold out and the heat in. Made by a well-known brand, this is a jacket you can put your trust in.

Pros

• Machine washable for ease of use – No fancy dry cleaning for this jacket, you can just throw it in the washing machine when it needs a wash. This makes it a very practical bit of kit.
• Fully taped seams for longevity – Having taped seams not only means that the rain will stay out, but also that the jacket is less likely to wear at the seams and fall apart before you’ve had plenty of use out of it.
• Polyester lining and padding – Featuring a polyester lining for warmth and comfort, this jacket will keep you warm and dry and comfortable.
• Detachable hood – This makes it perfect for cold weather as well as wet – you don’t always want to have a hood attached, and the fact that this one is removable is a great bonus.

Cons

• Only comes in dark colours – Being seen on the roads is highly important while riding, and if you select this jacket bear in mind that you will need some high-vis, or something bright, over the top of it.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a great waterproof winter jacket, that is flattering to the female shape as well as being infinitely practical, this on is your answer.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3. Pikeur – Ladies Materialmix Jacket Calina Review

This is a softshell jacket, lightweight and water repellent. It should stand up to the rigours of the weather and keep you warm and toasty – and dry – on those long winter rides.

Pros

• Stand up collar – Having something that can stop the rain dribbling down your neck is a massive bonus. This jacket’s collar is high enough that it should protect your neck and shoulders from chilly drips.
• Wind resistant – As well as the rain, winter rides can be plagued by a chilly wind. This jacket will keep the worst of the chill off you, making the winter rides all that much more pleasurable.
• Contrast stripeband at hem and sleeves – Having something bright on a riding jacket, especially if you are riding on roads, is very important so that traffic can see you. The fact that this jacket’s dark colour is broken up is a great plus point.
• Inside zip pocket – Having a place that you can safely store important items like your mobile phone is a great feature of any jacket, especially on wet rides.

Cons

• Only comes in one colour – If you are looking to match your jacket to your riding colours you may be disappointed – unless your riding colour is grape!

Recommendation

This is a great all round jacket, perfect for keeping you warm and keeping the worst of the weather off you. It won’t break the bank, and is functional and practical.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best way to stay warm while horseback riding in winter?

Naturally, you’ll want to have a warm, well fitting jacket; however, it’s important to dress in layers so that you can cool down if you become too warm while riding.

You’ll want a lightweight, moisture wicking base layer, a breathable mid layer and a jacket that keeps you warm but still “breathes” to allow the release of moisture as needed.

2. What are the best fabrics for your base layer?

Avoid cotton because, even though it soaks up moisture, it does not wick it away from your skin. Instead, cotton holds moisture against your skin and can cause you to take a chill.

Poly propylene and polyester are both good synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin and make good base layers. If you don’t like synthetic fabrics, merino wool and silk are good natural options.

3. What are the best fabrics for your mid layer?

Fleece is an affordable, comfortable choice for your middle layer. Midweight or heavyweight wool are also very good. Remember that your mid layer garment should button or zip up the front because you won’t be able to pull it off over your helmet if you get too hot.

4. What fabric is best for a winter, horseback riding jacket?

A jacket with a polar fleece or Thinsulate lining and a weatherproof shell will keep you warm, allow moisture to escape and give you protection against wind and rain. Avoid jackets that have an outer shell made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

This fabric is very easy to tear. Instead, look for a jacket with a Gore-Tex shell. This polyester or nylon fabric is very tightly woven, has ripstop qualities and is factory treated for durable water repellency (DWR).

5. Do you have to buy a jacket that’s made just for horseback riding?

It’s all right to wear a jacket that is not specifically meant for horseback riding, but you must make sure that it is cut and designed in a way that will be safe.

Avoid fabrics that may be too slick or too bulky. Don’t wear a jacket that’s going to blow around or make noise in the wind because this will frighten your horse and other horses nearby.

6. How should a horseback riding jacket be designed?

Your horseback riding jacket should be fairly closely tailored while still allowing you freedom of movement. It should have vents to allow escape of excess moisture, wrist fasteners, a hood and a high neck. Check to make sure that the seams are taped to completely seal out water.

7. Are there advantages to purchasing a specifically designed horseback riding jacket?

A specialty riding jacket may have features such as a vertical gusset or back zipper that spreads open while you’re on horseback. This allows your hips and upper thighs to stay covered without hampering your hip and upper leg movement.

8. What qualities should you look for in nonspecialty jackets to be used for horseback riding?

If you’re buying a non-specialty jacket from a sporting goods store, purchase one that can unzip from the bottom up to provide a semblance of the vertical gusset or back zipper feature. Gussetted or skirted waterproof jackets can also serve this function.

Longer jackets such as these may also provide some protection to your saddle in inclement weather. Be sure that your jacket is not so long that it gets caught on your saddle when dismounting or in the event that you are thrown.

Conclusion

There are so many things you shouldn’t forget when going on a ride, such as body protector, good riding boots or quality helmet; however, a good winter jacket is usually on top of my list too. Looking for the best winter riding jacket can be a bit tricky, when you start to search and realise the vast amount of choice that is out there. Now you can choose from the one that suits you best, knowing that only the best are selected!

If you are after a really great jacket and you have a relatively high budget, splash out on the Ariat Women’s Veracity H2O Cold Series Waterproof Jacket. You won’t be disappointed. If you are after a practical, functional winter riding jacket then go for the Horseware Brianna Ladies’ Jacket, and if you want something that will keep the wind and rain off you, and you are happy with the softshell style then the Pikeur – Ladies Materialmix Jacket Calina is for you.