Horse riding in winter: how to dress properly?

Equipement hiver équitation|vêtements techniques|Horse Pilot

Choosing your winter riding clothes wisely

All riders go through different phases during their sessions: preparation, warm-up, long and/or intense effort, recovery, rest and horse care.

The body regularly changes temperature and therefore has unequal needs.

To be well equipped, your outfit must:

Keep you dry in all circumstances
Maintain a comfortable interior temperature at each of these phases
Contrary to beliefs, adding layers does not make you warmer. To retain body heat, you need to opt for close-fitting garments that will not let draughts through, which are responsible for your feeling of cold. Therefore, we advise you to adopt the 3-layer principle which consists of wearing 3 levels of thickness in a specific order.

The 3-layer principle to stay warm on horseback

A comfortable and breathable first layer

The first layer is the most breathable. Being closest to your body, and therefore to sweat, the fabric used will have the capacity to evacuate water vapour and perspiration in order to keep you dry.

Favour synthetic fabrics which are hydrophobic: they do not absorb water.

A second layer for warmth

The second layer serves to maintain body temperature. We advise choosing your second layer according to the outside temperature but also taking into account the intensity of the effort to avoid overheating.

In cool weather, a fleece jacket or thin down jacket is generally sufficient. A thicker jacket or vest should be considered in very cold weather.

If cold is your main enemy in winter, the insulating second layer option will be essential. Opt for a heated down jacket to be perfectly warm.

A third layer to protect from the elements

The third layer serves to protect you from the elements. Three levels of protection can be distinguished:

Windproof: designed to prevent cold air from penetrating the garment
Water-repellent: fabric treatment that makes water slide off the garment, effective in a shower or a few snowflakes
Waterproof: designed not to let water through the fabric even in heavy rain

The Extrem Layer technology developed by Horse Pilot allows the creation of garments that are completely waterproof, windproof and remain very breathable.

Outfit examples

The ideal outfit for riding in wind and rain

Regardless of conditions, we advise you to always start your outfit with a breathable first layer.

In wet and disturbed conditions, a windproof and waterproof jacket will be necessary for the rider. Some hoods can be worn over the helmet to stay dry safely.

A down jacket or sleeveless vest can be added at the beginning and end of the session to stay warm even at rest.

RAIN126|VESTE COURTE EQUITATION|FORESTNIGHT|IMPERMEABLE|HORSEPILOT

The ideal outfit for riding when it's cold in winter

If cold is your main enemy in winter, the insulating second layer option will be essential. Opt for a heated down jacket to be perfectly warm.

Some versatile jackets combine rain protection and cold insulation, which allows riders to go out for long hours without having to worry about the weather.

In extreme cold, there are down jackets that combine warmth and breathability and therefore act as 2nd and 3rd layers.

Protecting the lower body with riding breeches for winter

In winter, the rider can very well apply the three-layer principle by wearing tights as a first layer. The Optimax Tights thermal tights fulfil this role very well with this extra warmth effect under the breeches that will delight the coldest Pilots.

In cold and wet conditions, warm riding breeches will be the centrepiece to protect the lower body. It is also possible to combine everyday riding breeches with rainpants that can be pulled on over the top.

Choosing slightly larger boots or shoes is wise in winter in order to promote blood circulation in the feet while leaving enough room for a pair of thick socks.

Our related articles:

Which riding jacket to choose for this winter?

How to choose your riding equipment according to the seasons

Horseback riding in winter: how to dress properly?