Winter Horse Riding Gear: The Ultimate Guide

Updated for Winter 2021

When blustery winds blow and temperatures deep dive, we equestrians can continue to find joy and warmth in the saddle. By adding a few key pieces to our wardrobes, we can adapt to the new weather normal. From upstate New York to the mountains in California, from head to toe,  we’ve got you covered (literally) with the best winter horse riding gear.

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Fleece-Lined Winter Breeches

These Horze Women’s fleece-lined, wide waist breeches provide that extra layer of warmth you need for winter riding. The stretchable, breathable soft-shell fabric repels hay and horse hair so you will always look neat and clean. Elastic leg bottoms provide a smooth fit under tight boots or chaps.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP WINTER BREECHES >

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Redingote Riding Jumpsuit

Redingote riding jumpsuits are waterproof, breathable and insulated with unique design features perfectly suited for riders. For example, the legs have zippers that open to the thigh, allowing for easy pull on over riding boots. The storm flaps are held in place by magnets–not Velcro–to avoid horse hair and hay from nesting in the Velcro, reducing stickiness.

Laurie Berglie (aka @marylandequestrian) said she feels “invincible” wearing her Redingote jumpsuit and that it keeps her warm and dry while being lighter than anything else on the market.

The D-ring on the hip can hold spurs or a helmet or anything else when you need to be hands free. There’s a crop pocket in the left leg. The Redingote jumpsuit has several pockets, perfect for your phone, keys and cash. There’s even a horse treat pocket with a wipe-able liner.  The Redingote jumpsuit is not just for barn chores–you can ride in it (there’s also a raincoat version).

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Ororo Heated Vest

Olivia from DIY Horse Ownership, an avid rider in blustery Vermont winters, strongly recommends the Ororo Heated Vest to stay cozy warm in the saddle. She refers to this vest as “my favorite clothing item ever,” and has worn it fox hunting, squeezing it under her hunt coat. This magical Ororo Heated Vest is new to me, it just arrived this week!

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SSG Polartec All Sport Riding Gloves

The SSG Polartec All Sport Riding Gloves merge the warmth of winter gloves with flexibility and finger maneuverability. The fingers have a grippy material which make holding the reins. I have used these in 30ish temperatures riding in both Illinois and California. They are even toastier when paired with Hot Hands. These wash beautifully in a washing machine; I air dry mine.

You might also enjoy this blog post: 5 Winter Riding Gloves for Toasty Warm Hands.

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HotHands Hand and Toe Warmers (+ Insoles)

HotHands are a genius invention. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a pack a bit bigger than the size of a teabag. When you open the packaging, it activates and begins heating up. I have fox hunted with these. I simply open them and pop one in each pocket of my coat and then if I feel like my hands are too cold, despite my winter gloves, I slide them into the backsides of my gloves.

Did you know HotHands even makes insoles? I use those riding in a Chicago winter. I’ve even doubled down using the heated insoles plus the toe warmers simultaneously. So much warmth and goodness.

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Ovation Helmet Ear Muffs

I LOVE my Ovation helmet ear muffs! I didn’t know they were even a thing until scrolling through Instagram last year. JB Creighton, a tack shop in Maryland, posted them and I reached out to the owner because I HAD to have them for fox hunting. Let me tell you, I get asked about these riding helmet ear muffs all the time in real life and on social media. As of this writing, the shop has some helmet ear muffs in stock. Go support a small equestrian business here (and warm your ears).

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Asmar Equestrian All Weather Rider Jacket

Lindsay Paulsen, my friend who lives in upstate New York, swears by this Asmar Equestrian jacket. She said the best thing about the Asmar jacket is it has a hidden “saddle skirt” that you can zip out and button so your saddle won’t get wet if you are riding in rain. The lines on this jacket are sleek and sophisticated which make it an excellent choice for both stable and street style. In this photo you can see how the jacket flares out to have the saddle saving ability. Click here to see additional pics and colors. 

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Long Underwear Base Layer

I love my Nils long underwear top which appears to no longer be available, but never fear, there are myriad options for long underwear base layers. This women’s long underwear base layer garnered almost 900 reviews and has a strong 4.5 start ranking on Amazon, and would be a smart choice.

Thanks for reading and tally ho! 

Leave a Comment: What are your must-have items for winter horse riding? How do you stay warm in the saddle?

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