Dress to Ride this Winter

Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer shells, as they are prone to tearing. Gore-Tex® is an excellent choice, being both breathable and waterproof, or look for hardier, tightly woven rip-stop nylon or polyester that has been factory treated with a durable water repellency (DWR) coating. Your outer layer should have fully taped seams to seal out water.

In terms of jacket design, a hood, high neck, vents, and fasteners at the wrist are all excellent features. Specialty riding jackets often include a double-vented back, back zipper, or vertical gusset that spreads open when you’re seated in the saddle – far more comfortable than a jacket that bunches up at your hips. Alternatively, a “skirted” or gusseted waterproof jacket that serves the same function may be available at outdoor or lifestyle stores. Choose one that also unzips from the bottom in front so that it fits more easily around your hips. This gusset feature doubles as a saddle cover, but in the interest of safety, make sure that your jacket will not get caught up on the saddle.

Lower Body

“It’s really important to keep the legs warm if you’re outside,” says Vibeke Coates of the Equine Association of the Yukon, who lives in Whitehorse. Thermal underwear in a synthetic, merino wool, or silk can form the base layer for your lower body underneath your regular breeches. Or, try a pair of thermal or fleece-lined breeches. To combat the brutal cold of Yukon winters, Coates actually wears her regular breeches as a base layer underneath her insulated, thermal riding pants. Chaps in leather or suede are another option to help keep you warm. Never ride in ski pants or any other pant in a slippery material.

Toasty Toes

One of the most important (and expensive) components of your winter get-up is your footwear. Fine leather boots can stretch, warp, or crack with repeated exposure to harsh winter conditions. Instead, choose one of the many specialty winter boots available which boast waterproof membranes, thick, moisture resistant soles, increased tread to prevent slips and absorb shock, and plush lining for warmth. Many of these styles can be quite bulky, so make sure before purchasing your boots that they’ll fit comfortably and safely in your stirrup with room to spare. When sizing your new boots, don’t forget that they’ll need to accommodate at least one, possibly two pairs of socks