As temperatures begin to tumble, horse riders face a unique challenge: Stay warm and dry (and stylish) in the saddle without compromising on comfort and performance. Layering is the key to your winter horse riding gear for comfort, style, and safety during the colder seasons. In this equestrian layering guide, our equestrian designer, Liz Hayman, covers what to wear for autumn and winter horse riding, from base layers to outerwear, and shares practical tips and advice to balance warmth with freedom of movement.

 

Why Layering Matters for Riders

Riders need equestrian wear that keeps them warm without bulk, ensures breathability, and allows freedom of movement. Unlike the majority of other sports, riders compete and train in all weather conditions, often for long periods, so having an intelligent layering system means you can adapt to fluctuating temperatures and changing weather conditions throughout the day.

Step 1: Start with a Technical Base Layer

A good base layer for horse riding in winter is the foundation of your riding outfit. Look for:

·         Moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable fabrics to wick away sweat from the body to keep you comfortable during your equestrian activities and in your show attire. If you wear a safety vest, this is an absolute must!

·         Seamless or flatlock stitching to avoid rubbing under riding boots and breeches. If you are looking for thermal riding underwear, ensure they don't add bulk and have stirrup straps so they don't ride up under your riding tights or breeches. The Equetech Unisex Arctic Thermal Underbreeches are the perfect choice with their stretch fabric and seamless design.

·         Thermal properties for insulation without bulk. Look for stylish thermals, such as the Equetech Thermal Sweater Stock Shirt, a combination of cosy fleece with a lightweight and breathable design.

Pro tip: Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture and will leave you cold. Opt instead for performance fabrics, such as the technical sports fabrics used in Equetech's designs, or consider merino wool blends.

Step 2: Add a Lightweight Mid Layer

Unless you are walking out on a long winter hack, horseback riding means that riders tend to warm up quite quickly. For yard duties and training, I recommend you add a mid-layer to your riding wardrobe. A mid layer is perfect for most equestrian activities, as it provides warmth while still allowing for flexibility. Choose from:

·         Fleece jackets and hoodies for breathable, stylish warmth. The Equetech Crystal Signature Cross-Over Hoodie is the ideal fleece hoodie as it gives a soft, cosy feel against the skin and is perfect for throwing on over your competition wear for those cold, early show days or for looking stylish away from the horses.

·         Lightweight insulated jackets are a good choice for crisp, dry cold days. Choose wisely, and you could end up with a jacket you can wear throughout the seasons. Our Imperial Deluxe Waterproof Jacket features a lightweight quilted lining and offers unwavering breathability and a superb waterproof rating, making it ideal for autumn, winter, spring and early summer wear! Use as a mid-layer under a larger-sized winter coat. It will soon become one of your favourite riding jackets.

·         Quarter-zip tops for easy ventilation. All our thermal riding tops and many of our competition shirts feature quarter zips to allow riders to instantly cool down, because performance clothing needs to perform!

·         Gilets are a practical and cosy addition to your equestrian clothing. Our Inferno Asymmetric Heated Gilet is perfect for your equestrian lifestyle, offering a lightweight but incredibly warm gilet with the benefit of heat on demand with three toasty heat settings!

Look for pieces that are close-fitting but not restrictive, so they sit comfortably under your outer jacket. All our equestrian clothing is designed for active riders who demand more from their riding wardrobe.

Step 3: Protect with a Weatherproof Outer Layer

Here in the UK, Autumn/winter months bring their fair share of wind, rain, and sometimes snow. As an international brand, Equetech appreciates that horseback riding in other countries can put even greater demand on equestrian clothing, which is why Equetech is designed for all riders, worldwide, in all weathers. 

The best waterproof coats for horse riding should be an outer layer which shields you from the elements while allowing total freedom in the saddle. Every time you ride, you should feel confident that you will stay dry and comfortable. Look for design features such as mesh inserts, a waterproof front zip and stretch fabrics in your waterproof coat. Waterproof ratings do vary, and there is a significant difference between riding jackets & coats, which are either water repellent or waterproof, so check before you buy.

·         Waterproof equestrian jackets with taped seams are essential for wet conditions. You'll find that all our waterproof riding jackets & coats have taped seams. Designs such as our Horse & Hound Approved Stratus Waterproof Padded Jacket also have detachable faux fur hood trim and zip-off hood to give you greater choice and flexibility on wear and style. A waterproof, windproof jacket is the ideal choice for winter riding and show jumping.

·         Wind-resistant coats without the flappy design are essential for blustery hacks! Look for neat and practical designs, such as the Imperial Deluxe Stretch Waterproof Hybrid Jacket that won't flap around in the wind and offers you more than just one seasonal option.

·         Long riding coats with rear vents to protect your legs from the elements when riding. All our longer-length riding coats are thoughtfully designed to ensure you stay dry in the bad weather and can move without restriction. Whether you are enjoying a long trail ride or riding flatwork exercises, our long riding coats are ideal. The Utopia Luxe Recycled Waterproof Riding Coat is a superb choice for the eco-conscious equestrian looking for a practical coat that has won awards for its performance!

·         Heated Waterproof Riding Coats are here this winter, and the Inferno Long Heated Waterproof Riding Coat is a unique combination of an extremely warm coat with the added advantage of heated panels to the lower back and thighs to beat those freezing temperatures.

Choose outerwear tailored for your riding activity to avoid overheating and to stay comfortable in and out of the saddle for longer.

Step 4: Don't Forget the Lower Half

It's easy to focus on your top half, but your legs need to keep warm, too! Many riders suffer from cold legs in the winter months, which is why Equetech have a cosy solution to your winter riding leggings.

·         Thermal riding tights or breeches for warmth. Our new fleece-lined leggings are ideal for long winter hacks and schooling sessions. Equetech riding leggings are crafted from a supportive, sports-luxe fabric for optimal comfort and performance. Our New Equetech Luxe Thermal Winter Pull-On Breeches marry your favourite pair of Equetech breeches with an easy-to-wear riding tights design. 

·         Over-trousers or waterproof chaps for wet weather are essential for busy riders, and our new Equetech Inferno Heated Waterproof Over Breeches are the ideal choice for riders who prefer to wear short waterproof jackets. Turn up the heat on cold, frosty days or enjoy dry, warm legs the rest of the time!

·         Riding socks are an important consideration. Choose those with anti-bacterial fabric and look for riding socks with moisture control, comfortable soles, and a seamless design.

Step 5: Accessorise for Warmth & Safety

Small additions can make a big difference to how much you'll enjoy riding this winter.

·         Thermal gloves created for riding, offering a good grip and feel on the reins. This winter, Equetech have two styles: the award-winning Storm Waterproof Riding Gloves. These riding gloves combine a waterproof and windproof outer shell, a mid-layer waterproof membrane, a cosy inner micro-fleece lining and a full grip palm with reinforced areas for the reins. These gloves are designed to address the challenges of winter riding and yard work. The Inferno Waterproof Heated Riding Gloves are based on the Storm glove design with the added advantage of three levels of heat at the touch of a button!

·         Neck warmers or snoods instead of scarves for safety. Ensure that staying warm doesn't compromise your safety in and out of the saddle. Equetech designs clothing and outerwear that keep your neck warm so you don't have to use neck warmers or snoods. 

·         Wool or fleece knitted hats and ear warmers to keep you cosy when teaching or undertaking yard duties. Equetech Waterproof Hats are ideal for those of us who are out doing the horses in all weathers!

·         Riding hats aren't warm, which is why Equetech have a safe and cosy solution to wear under your helmet. Choose from the Equetech Unisex Thermal Riding Hat Ear Warmers and the Unisex Riding Hat Thermal Liner.

·         High-visibility outerwear for dark mornings and evenings. Discover the Equetech Vision Hi-Vis Range, ideal for wear all year round. 

Smart Layering Tips for Equestrian Riders

At a glance...

·         Layer for adaptability: Remove or add layers depending on the weather.

·         Prioritise breathability: Overheating leads to sweating, which cools the body too quickly.

·         Choose performance fabrics: Modern sports fabrics and textiles outperform traditional fabrics such as cotton and wool.

·         Invest in quality: Quality, technical equestrian clothing lasts longer and performs better.

FAQs: Autumn & Winter Equestrian Layering

Liz Hayman, Designer at Equetech, answers these frequently asked questions on layering for equestrian riders.

Q: What is the best base layer for horse riding in winter?

A technical, moisture-wicking base layer made from a performance sports fabric that wicks away moisture but keeps you warm. Choose one with a three-quarter zip to allow for instant cooling after flatwork exercises or show jumping.

Q: Can I ride in a standard winter coat?

No, I wouldn't recommend a non-riding coat for a few reasons; equestrian outerwear is designed with freedom of movement in mind, with design details such as rear vents to accommodate the saddle, and safety features that your standard coats lack. It might look nice, but it won't be comfortable and could be dangerous to ride in.

Q: How do I keep my feet warm while riding?

You can wear riding socks teamed with insulated riding boots. If your feet get particularly cold, you can add silk socks liners (found in ski shops) under your riding socks or opt for thicker thermal socks. 

Q: What accessories are essential for winter riding?

My winter riding essentials include a good pair of waterproof thermal gloves, warm base layers, a waterproof coat and jacket and high-visibility accessories.

Q: Should I layer differently for hacking vs. schooling?

I dress slightly differently if I am hacking or schooling my horse. Choose extra warmth with weatherproof layers when hacking out, just in case you get caught in a sudden downpour and because you will probably mostly be riding at a walk, and then lighter, breathable layers for riding in the arena, so that you can remove your jacket and gilet as you warm up.

 
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