Winter Horse Riding Apparel for You and Your Horse

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Welcome to ThinkVail – we hope you find this article about winter horse riding apparel helpful.


Here in Colorado, winter can be an amazing time to go horseback riding, whether on a snowy trail or an indoor arena. But when the temperature begins to drop, the cold can make it really hard to get motivated to get out on your horse. Here is a list of essential winter horseback riding gear that will keep you warm and comfortable no matter what winter throws at you.

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See Also: Annual Equestrian Skijoring in Colorado


Winter Horse Riding Apparel


#1 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Heritage Extreme Winter Trail Gloves

Great performance winter horseback riding gloves that offer warmth without being too bulky. These rugged, soft Deerskin leather gloves are insulated with a thick Polar Fleece liner to keep you toasty warm when you ride on colder days. This is a great middle of the winter glove.

  • Made of 70 grams 3M Thinsulate insulation bonded to a thick polar fleece liner.
  • Durable palm material to offer more grip in wet or dry conditions.
  • Patented rein cut design is perfect for equestrians
  • Double stitched, outward seams makes these gloves long-lasting.
  • Elastic band at the cuff
  • Zippered hand warmer pocket
  • Touch-screen friendly fingers
  • Waterproof breathable liner.
  • Four barriers of protection and a warm comfortable fit keep the cold, wet and wind out.
  • Glove clip ensure you don’t lose a glove when you are not using them
  • Available in sizes 6-11

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#2 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Mountain Horse Winter Riding Breeches

Mountain Horse Polar Breeches are the ultimate winter riding pant. They are perfect for when the weather is cold but you don’t want to stop riding but you do want to warm. Also, great for around the barn when the snow starts piling up.

  • Super-comfortable riding pant that is a less bulky, snow pant
  • Breathable, windproof and waterproof.
  • Snow gaiters in lower leg keeps out snow no matter the chore.
  • Reflective piping around knees increases visibility near roads.
  • Fully seam sealed. Full length waterproof zippers at side seams.
  • Ergonomically shaped seat and knees with reinforced imitation leather full-seat.
  • Elasticized waist with belt loops. Adjustable, elastic foot straps.
  • Two front pockets with hand-warming micro-fleece are a nice addition.

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#3 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Ovation Winter Riding Boots

OK, living in Colorado, it goes without saying that I LOVE Ovation boots. They are always comfortable, warm, long-lasting and they always get the job done. So, when I found these winter riding boots from Ovation I had to include them on the list.

  • Warm fleece-lined synthetic canvas boot
  • Wool & aluminum foil lined insole.
  • Include a 600 Denier water-repellant polyester canvas outer shaft which is laminated to a moisture-absorbent foam as well as an inner layer of fleece.
  • Rubber sole with  small heel, keeps your feet safe in stirrups.
  • Aluminum foil heat shield for added warmth.
  • Extremely durable

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#4 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Carhartt Winter Barn Coat

After owning horses for more than 20 years in Colorado, Carhartt is another name that I just can’t live without. These coats are comfortable, durable and impenetrable to cold, wet weather. I really like the style of this men’s jacket and usually most women can wear it as well (just size down as much as you can), although it may be a bit roomier than a regular woman size jacket.

  • 100% cotton coat is water repellent and wind resistant
  • The double zipper-means you can zip the jacket from the bottom up as well from the top down. It is a game changer.
  • Sherpa-lined coat featuring split kangaroo pocket.
  • Insulated, quilted, nylon lined inner sleeves and rib-knit storm cuffs
  • Two inside pockets, two front hand-warmer pockets, and a zippered left-chest pocket
  • Contrasting-color collar with under-collar snaps for an optional hood.
  • Split back and pleated elbows makes it easy to move in this coat
  • Machine wash
  • High quality and great craftsmanship as expected from Carhartt.

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#5 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – TuffRider Unifleece Breech

OK, seriously, fleeced-lined winter breeches, need I say more? They will keep you warm on a frosty morning while keeping you comfortable in the saddle. Or wear them as an under layer with the Mountain Horse Polar Breeches shown above for really cold days.

  • Made of 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex
  • These breeches have a brushed inner fabric to keep you warm.
  • Low-rise with a wide waistband.
  • Double hook and eye closure
  • Front pocket
  • Euroseat
  • Ultra Gripp™ knee patches
  • Available in button fly and pull on closure
  • Comes in Black/ Chocolate/ Navy / Sand

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#6 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Stormy Kromer Winter Barn Hat

The hand-stitched Stormy Kromer Original Cap is a premium 80% wool cap with pull-down ear flaps. It’s great looking and if you need additional warmth or protection for your ears just pull down the earflaps. If you’re looking for an even warmer hat, check out Stormy Kromer Men’s Rancher Insulated Cap, it is 4x times warmer than the original Stormy Kromer.

  • Hat is made of 80% Wool 20% Nylon
  • Pull-down ear band for additional warm without sacrificing a cool look
  • Made in USA
  • Dry Clean only

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#7 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Fleece Riding Helmet Cover with Neck Warmer

Ok, on really cold, frigid days, you will think this fleece equestrian helmet cover is the most amazing invention of all time.  Keeps your head, ears and neck warm, dry and cozy.  You will love this helmet cover and it will make your winter horseback ride so much more pleasant. Enjoy!

  • Protect your helmet and keep your ears and neck warm.
  • Warm, winter fleece helmet cover has an attached neck warmer with a secure velcro closure.
  • Machine washable.  Line dry, no heat.
  • Stretchy material fits most English & Western riding helmets, including Troxel, GPA, IRH, International and more.
  • Fits over helmets with a built-in brim. Available with a built-in plastic visor for skull-type or eventing helmets.

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Other Important Winter Horse Gear


#8 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Winter Horse Blanket

When the weather turns cold, don’t forget about your four-legged best friend. Set your horse up with a premium heavyweight winter horse blanket by Horseware. One of my favorite things about this blanket, is the chest straps, so you can take the blanket on and off without lifting the blanket over the horses head, this is so important for head-shy horses, like mine.

  • 1200 denier waterproof “Rip Stop” breathable outer shell
  • 400g heavyweight poly fill insulation will keep your horse warm and comfortable even on the coldest days.
  • Double front buckles with Velcro closure, fleece collar, hood rings, shoulder gussets, and tail flap
  • Crossed belly straps, removable adjustable elastic leg straps
  • Patented front leg arches allows for freedom of movement
  • No center seam
  • Comes in assorted colors
  • Machine washable in a really, really large washing machine

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#9 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Sheepskin Halter Fleece

OK, I am not sure if this actually keeps my horse any warmer in the winter but it makes me feel better when he wears it. I feel like he is warmer and more comfortable that’s why I use it. You might not agree and that’s just fine, but if you like to see your horse’s face surrounded by warm, fuzzy sheepskin take a look at this one.

  • 100% percent Merino sheepskin is better than acrylic fleece.
  • Sheepskin insulate heat in cold weather and provide cool soothing relief in sweltering heat
  • Lightweight and breathable, this set will protect your horse’s face without obstructing vision or performance.
  • Protects from chafing, sores, rubs, irritation, cuts and uncomfortable pressure.
  • Included are 6 tube pieces: 1 crown, 1 noseband, 2 cheeks, 2 chin, and 3 for the neck. Please Note – this product is just the 9 protective sheepskin covers. Halter not included.
  • Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle.

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#10 Best Winter Horse Riding Apparel – Sinking Tank Heater

Once the temps begin to plunge you must have a tank heater so that your water source doesn’t freeze over and your horse can easily get water that is not ice-cream headache cold. I like this one because it sinks to the bottom of the trough where curious horses won’t try to play with it or chew it.

  • Strong durable stainless steel heating element
  • Thermostat positioned above element for safety
  • Over temperature protection means if it gets to hot for any reason it turns itself off.
  • 3-Foot cord, means you will probably still need an extension cord to get to your outlet.
  • Sinking de-icers operate at the bottom of the pond or livestock troughs
  • Thermostatically controlled to go on at 40 degrees with an automatic shut-off.
  • Each unit comes with a galvanized wire guard/stand so it can also be used in plastic tanks
  • 1500 watts, 120 volts.

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Winter Horseback Riding at the Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado

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See Also: Best Heated Horse Troughs


Comments

We hope you found this article about winter horse riding apparel helpful.  What is your must-have winter horseback riding item? Any other essential winter barn gear that you think should be on this list? What is your favorite item to keep you horse warm and happy during the cold, winter months. We would love to hear your thoughts and comments and stories of horseback riding in the winter.


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  • I love your detailed article on winter horse essentials. Me and my horse have just moved from Florida to Denver, Colorado. The riding and the weather is so different and both of us are still getting use to it. I really don't have anything for cold winter riding or for doing barn work so I was happy to see your recommendations. I have just ordered the Carhartt barn coat, and the horse blanket for my Thoroughbred, he is having a hard time acclimating. I am also getting the trough heater as I thought my pond would stay open all winter but it has been freezing over in the mornings so hopefully this will solve it. Cheers!

    • Hi Salim,

      Welcome to Colorado! Yes it is very different from Florida and it does take some time to get use to the winters here. But it is well worth it, there is nothing like riding through a sunny, snow covered, blue bird sky day in Colorado, it's just marvelous.  Now that being said, you do need a lot more equipment to keep you and your horse warm through the winter. The Heavy Weight Horse Turnout Blanket is easy on and easy off so you as the temperature changes you can put the blanket on or take it off easily and quickly.  The insulation and rip stop material will make sure your horse is warm and comfortable no matter how cold it gets. The trough heater makes life soooooo much easier as you know longer have to be stressed out as to whether your water is frozen over.  Just make sure you get the correct size heater for the size pond you have

  • I have been searching for warm winter horseback riding clothing for my wife. She rides all the time in the summer and fall but she does not ride nearly as much in the winter because she always gets too cold very quickly. So for her birthday I am going to get her some really warm clothes to see if she can enjoy winter riding. I think she will love the polar breeches, as she has nothing like this.The Sorel Boots also look like a winner because they have insulation in them. She usually just wears normal riding boots with no insulation and just wears thick socks. She really loves riding so I hope this helps gets her back in the saddle during the winter. Thanks for the great ideas.

    • Hi Charles, so happy to hear that this article has helped you find the right winter gear to keep you wife warm this winter.  Both the Mountain Horse Polar Breeches and the Sorel Riding Boots are great choices and will go a long way in keeping her warm.  I would also suggest the Helmet Cover with Neck Warmer to really wrap her up and keep her warm and cozy on her ride. 

  • Thank you very much for the info, I am trying to be more active this winter, and no better way to do that than horseback riding! I love the Stormy Kromer hat and the Carhartt winter barn coat. These items are not only good looking but will keep me warm during the cold, grey months. I am so excited to get out on my horse more this winter

    • Hi Ron, yes, winter is much more enjoyable if you can get out for a ride.  I love riding through the snow with my horse and being that I live in Colorado I wouldn't be able to do this without some really warm gear.  You will love the Carhartt coat, it is an absolute necessity to stay warm and the Stormy Kromer, especially the Stormy Kromer Insulated Rancher Hat is amazingly warm and cozy. If your comfortable riding without a helmet then this is the answer to keeping your head warm.  If you do wear a helmet I recommend the fleece equestrian riding helmet cover with neck warmer to keep your head warm.

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