Dress to Ride this Winter

There is nothing quite like heading out for a hack on an invigoratingly clear winter’s day with a horse eager to power through the snow. Riding through the winter is not only fun – it benefits your equine partner by keeping him physically and mentally fit year-round.

But fresh snow and crisp air comprise just one facet of winter. Let’s not forget the misery of returning from riding through an unexpected downpour of freezing rain or driving snow with soaked-through riding gear and soggy tack, shivering from bone chilling gusts of wind.

Selecting warm, weatherproof, breathable gear for yourself and your horse is paramount to remaining comfortable and dry while riding during the cold months. 

Equestrian clothing lines are a great place to start building a winter riding wardrobe, but outdoor stores that carry clothing for skiers, mountain climbers, and snowmobilers may offer similar, more affordable options as well. If the garment wasn’t specifically designed to be worn while riding, ensure it’s safe to wear as such – no slippery, bulky, billowy, or noisy fabrics. Make sure that for your upper body you choose garments that button or zip in front, rather than those that pull off over your head, so you can peel off layers easily if you become overheated while riding.

The base layer is critical because it lies directly against your skin. Choose material that is breathable and quick-drying, with good wicking (transport of moisture away from your skin to the garment’s outer surface, where it is released through evaporation). 

Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture but will not wick, leaving you chilled, and instead consider a synthetic fabric, such as polyester or polypropylene. These provide excellent wicking and dry very quickly, although they do not provide much in the way of warmth so you may have to beef up your middle and outer layers. Certain natural fibres, such as silk or lightweight merino wool, are also good choices for base layers. Soft and anti-microbial, merino wool is an excellent wicker and dries quickly. However, even the finest wool may be irritating to sensitive skin. Silk, when treated with a wicking compound, is breathable, comfortable, and manages moisture well, though not as quickly as polyester.

Middle Layer

While its primary function is to provide warmth, the middle layer must also continue to carry moisture away from your body. 

“I wear a lot of wool, and I like fleece, too,” says Wendy Nelson, a reining coach based in Cochrane, Alberta.

Mid to heavyweight wool is a popular choice as it can absorb up to 35 percent of its weight in moisture, yet keeps on insulating even when damp. As an additional bonus, wool fibres, while they absorb and release moisture, do not soak up perspiration or oils, allowing the garment to stay odour-free longer.

Fleece and other synthetics, such as Thinsulate, are more great options for your middle layer, being lightweight and breathable, and retaining their insulator properties even when wet

Your choice of outer layer will depend on your climate and riding environment, so assess your needs and proceed accordingly. In milder climates, a breathable, waterproof jacket will serve you well. Colder, snowy regions require an outer layer with additional insulation, usually in the form of a removable fleece liner.