The Ultimate Winter Horse Riding Outfit Guide

Dec 13, 2024

Winter horse riding outfit

One of the things we love the most about horse riding is that it’s a year-round activity as long as you take the necessary considerations. What you wear is important, especially during the winter season.

Here at our Crowley, Texas, ranch, we’re lucky to have great weather all year, but we do get a bit of cold weather. Regardless if you experience mild or harsher winters, we want to help our fellow horse-riding enthusiasts with expert advice on choosing the best horse-riding outfit.

Although we have already shared some tips in a previous blog, this time, our experts will show you how to create the ultimate winter horse-riding outfit in 4 steps. Let’s dive into it!

Step 1: Fabrics

Staying warm without feeling bulky when horse riding in cold weather is a real challenge. Most winter clothes are heavy and cumbersome, which can impede free movement and prevent you from riding effectively. Choosing the right fabrics to wear is key if you want to ride light as a feather without freezing.

For starters, anything that is fleece-lined, such as jackets and vests, is ideal. Other great fabric options are merino wool and synthetic blends with thermal properties. These types of fabrics not only keep the cold away but also sweat, which otherwise causes the occasional chill on your back. Furthermore, you may opt for breathable materials.

2. Step 2: Staple Clothes: Winter Riding Gear Options

If you don’t know where to start when selecting your winter horse riding outfit, there are a couple of staple equestrian clothing items that you can invest in to have the best experience. These include the following:

Breeches

Breeches are a special type of pants made for equestrian disciplines. They are, therefore, the perfect addition to your winter riding gear.

There are many types of breeches out there, but the best ones for casual and cold-weather riding are winter breeches. This model is insulated and often windproof or waterproof. You can opt for a knee patch or full-seat winter option for added grip on the knee area and saddle.

Thermal Tights

Thermal tights are a great alternative if you don’t like breeches’ look and feel or live in milder weather conditions like we do. They have insulating properties, often count on moisture-wicking properties, and can be used for other outdoor winter activities. Full-seat tight options are also available.

Insulated Jackets

We’ve covered the bottom part of the ideal winter horse riding outfit, but what about the top? In that instance, insulated jackets are the way to go. It is best to opt for jackets made with some of the fabrics we discussed before. Insulated jackets can also be used for other daily activities, so you can get the most out of them.

Step 3: Layering

Now that you know how to select the proper fabrics and equestrian apparel for cold-weather riding, it’s important to know how to pair them together. Proper layering is the secret to staying warm without overheating while also feeling lightweight. Here’s how to do it:

Base Layers:

Your base layer should keep you warm but also dry by keeping sweat away from your skin. As we mentioned earlier, tight, insulated, and moisture-wicking pieces are the best for this layer. Examples include a full-seat breech, breathable tights, and insulated shirts.

Middle Layers:

Your mid-layer provides an additional level of warmth without feeling bulky. You can implement it for your winter horse riding outfit, depending on the weather conditions. Some great options for this second layer include fleece pullovers, lightweight sweaters, vests, and other winter riding apparel.

Top Layers:

The top layer of your winter horse riding outfit should provide protection from the elements: wind, rain, and snow. Keeping dry is important to stay warm, so we recommend opting for durable and weatherproof pieces such as insulated jackets, raincoats, equestrian coats, and more.

Step 4: Accessories

Once you’ve put your outfit together, it’s time to accessorize it. Accessories aren’t merely for making your outfit look better. They enhance comfort, performance, and safety. Some of our winter favorites are the following:

  • Riding gloves: Opt for insulated options.
  • Socks: Preferably wool or fleece lined.
  • Winter boots: If you don’t want to shop for horse riding boots, choose insulated or all-weather shoewear, preferably with a slight heel and non-slip sole.
  • Other: Ear warmers, headbands, and scarves are great options to keep your head warm while maintaining visibility.

Step 5: Have Fun Horse Riding this Winter!

In just 4 easy steps, you can have the best winter horse riding outfit and adjust it to your necessities. If you want to enjoy horseback riding this winter season, Touch of Chrome Paints is a great option that also adapts to your needs.

Located in Crowley, Texas, we ensure a wonderful experience for riders of all ages and skill levels, prioritizing your safety during all weather conditions. Make your consultations today!

Have Fun Horse Riding this Winter