Best Winter Riding Jacket?

Hi all,

I am in desperate need for a new coat and don’t have a good local tack store with many options, so will likely have to order online. Which ones do you love and why? I’m not a fan of the super short or super heavy weight coat-I like to add layers underneath. I am quite curvy, so something that doesn’t look like it’s painted on is preferable as well! I do a lot of barn work in addition to riding so I’d love something that isn’t restrictive and will hold up well! Thanks all!

Check Target or even Menard’s mens sizes polarfleece.
Even Goodwill can be a great - & cheaper! - source.
Lightweight, pretty windproof & you can still layer if they don’t keep you warm enough.
I have 2 that I got for DH - one a pullover, the other 1/2 zip - that are so warm I need just a t-neck beneath unless temps go below zero.
I ride in lessons & do chores in them & sometimes have to lose the waterproof windbreaker I wear over as I get too warm.
Only drawback is hair & hay tend to cling to them.

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Check out some of the Horze jackets - I just got this one and wore it last night (Maryland, mid 30-s, riding in an indoor with just one L/S layer underneath) and it was perfect. Really light, really comfortable. Great price point, too. https://www.horze.com/womens-summer-jackets/horze-alicia-womens-lightweight-padded-club-jacket/33332.html?color=EDPU

when I’m going with the layered approach I like a vest with a 2 way zipper and layer below or on top of as necessary (usually I start with a sweat jacket over it and that is gone about 5 minutes into trotting).

For really cold weather (or driving in slightly cold weather because you never warm up while trotting along at 13kph without moving anything but your arms) I found this jacket: https://www.waldhausen.com/en/saphira-riding-coat.html#more

It is worth every penny (and it costs a few pennies) [h=1][/h]

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Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming! I need something that’s windproof and waterproof for barn work too! I have an older Joules coat that I really liked, but it’s seen many better days. I think the Mountain Horse Amber and Gracie jackets look interesting too…

Just found this one that looks awesome of Horze!!

https://www.horze.com/womens-winter-jackets/horze-winter-rider-jacket/33125.html?color=BL

Thanks all!

I had never even heard of the Horze brand until one of the small local tack shops started carrying their line. I have a few pairs of breeches too - really like everything I’ve purchased!

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I would confirm it has a two way zipper, even if it says it is a riding jacket!

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I bought the SmartPak insulated parka last season and LOVE it. I’m in VA so it doesn’t get too cold but last year we had a “polar vortex” and I was totally fine in this jacket. I also somehow can wear it in the late fall and not overheat, it’s surprisingly versatile. It also isn’t heavy to wear and I feel like it doesn’t get in the way. There’s a zipper in the back for riding and the hood comes off, which I like. I only wish the pockets were fleece lined!

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/piper-insulated-parka-by-smartpak-13812

I love vests! Jackets are too restricting in the shoulder/arms for me.

I love my Mountain Horse winter jacket. It is warm and very comfy.

I also like Horze jackets and winter apparel. They have sales frequently as well.

I have a jacket with a 2 way zipper, and zippers on the lower sides of the jacket. Typically I ride in a thermal top, Horze half zip top, and vest. I take the jacket off before getting on. If it’s really cold or if I am hacking, I’ll ride I’m the jacket. I quite like it and or washes well too. I’ll have to see if I can find it again.

I am assuming it works the same in North America, but all of my Horze stuff comes with a return label for free return shipping, and they always process returns promptly. So that’s another reason why I don’t hesitate to order from them.

I’ll second the Mountain Horse suggestion. The one I have is discontinued, but the Original Mountain Horse coat is equally as warm. It’s waterproof, windproof, and durable.

https://www.doversaddlery.com/the-original-mountain-horse-winter-jacket/p/X1-40198/

I second the Smartpak Parka listed above. I have it and it is wonderful in Chicago’s brutally windy winters! I think it breaks the wind, its longer in the back but has a zipper down the back and a double zipper in the front for when you’re in the saddle. Not bulky, but I think it is warm and I shake very hard when I am even a little bit uncomfortable. It is also on sale now, so def worth the 50$ IMO.

I have a similar coat from Greenhawk…I love it and it’s very warm

I have a mountain horse one similar to the one posted above. I love it. Warm, waterproof, long enough to come halfway down my thighs, but with snaps in the side so you can ride in it. Big pockets for gloves, easy to layer under.

Love the Original Mountain Horse Jackets. I use mine for barn work and riding and I abuse them. They are several years old and still in pretty good shape.

The Eddie Bauer sale section is your friend. I have a sporty down jacket from them which is currently less than $100, and they also have sweaters and fleeces which are as warm as a sweatshirt but look a million times more pulled together, which go on sale for $20-40.

Everything is lightweight, machine washable, and super warm.

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I too have the Original Mountain Horse Jacket and it is by far the warmest hip-length jacket I have ever owned (and comfiest, no rubbing around the collar zipper for example). Nice, too, that it’s made for riding with loose shoulders and snaps at the back hip. My only complaints are that the leather(ish) trim looked worn quickly so I ended up removing it, and I found that the (very durable) outer fabric held onto grime even after washing if I didn’t wash it regularly. Would buy it again if I needed a warm jacket for sure.

I concur with Eddie Bauer. For warmth without bulk, my winter barn jacket is an Eddie Bauer real down hip-length jacket. They are deceivingly warm for how thin they are. The one I have is not truly waterproof but does fine in light rain/snow and temps down to the single digits as long as I am moving around. I wear a base layer, athletic 1/4 zip top, and a vest underneath with a scarf. If I’m in the indoor, I usually have to pull the after the warm up.

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