I need some recommendations on your favorite breeches, boots, gloves, etc. that keep you warm, but won’t break the bank.
I just can’t stomach spending a ton of money of schooling attire that’s likely to get muddy and trashed. I am moving north and I will have an indoor, but being a native Texan, I am very cold intolerant. 
For jackets, gloves, hats, socks, long underwear, etc. go to an outdoors gear store, or to a discounter selling off good outoor brands (Timberland, North Face, Columbia, Under Armour, etc). Layers are your friend. Wool and tech fabrics are much warmer than cotton.
When its below freezing I like a fleece lined breech like Kerrits sit warm and tight, with wool long underwear. And knee high ski socks. I like Ariat insulated H20 paddock boots, but it can be a challenge to find a half chap to zip up over all that extra bulk. I’d suggest getting a larger size cheaper style half chap.
Basically for breeches and boots, go to equestrian shops, but for everything else you get better fit, performance, color, quality, buying general purpose outdoor gear. Down ski jackets, fleece gloves, etc etc.
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They are not inexpensive but Irideon Windpro tight are toasty warm because they have a flannel-like lining - not a separate layer, just the inside surface of the tights. And they have a special exterior finish that repels rain, snow, sleet, etc. (Caveat: I’ve never ridden in them in a blizzard, just a bit of rain or snow.) I’ve had mine for a few years and I think I paid around $120-150 for them. Mine are knee patch, I know they also came full seat, and even have one with a thinner “knee sock” part for foxhunters or others who wear tight tall boots. Definitely recommend.
Does anyone know how the Irideon compare to Kerrit’s? I need to replace my Kerrit’s, the full seat is rubbing off.
Winter gear isn’t cheap, but it’s well worth the money to not be freezing. I agree with whoever said to look at non-equestrian brands.
First you need base layers. Cuddl duds are the best bang for your buck IMO, but I still prefer under armour for most of winter.
Then, you need wool. You can get merino wool shirts from plenty of places (some horse brands, smartwool, most ski or hiking brands). They’ll run you $75-$100 but they’re worth it. And since they’re a middle layer they don’t need to be washed as much, so you can just get one or two to start.
Then you need some type of mid layer such as a fleece or wool jacket, or down vest.
THEN you need a big coat. Windproof and rainproof if needed… or just down if you spend most of your time in the barn or indoor.
Plus a scarf, wool socks and toe warmers and you’re ready to go! Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier so you have time to put all of these things on 
(Most of it’s NOT likely to get muddy or trashed because it’s not likely to see the light of day except the middle of your ride before you cool down and put your big coat back on. Your big coat will smell disgusting and you will never be able to wear it in public ever again.)
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How do the Kerrits and Irideons fit? The only breeches I’ve found to fit are my TS Trophy Hunters, but even with my under armour base layer they are far from warm. I carry most of my weight in the upper thighs and butt/hips. Dover, Ariat, Pipers, and Devonaire are all way too big in the waist. I guess I may have to trek to Dover now that it’s season and try on some winter options.
- Get insulated AND waterproof riding boots. 100% makes all the difference. I just found the Dublin Normandy boots on closeout at my local tack store for $50. There may still be some sizes online.
- Omni-heat Columbia jacket. I LOVE it. Lightweight stretchy and windproof and warm by itself down to the 30s. Easy to throw a vest over it for extra warmth they are about $80 on Black Friday sale
- Layers. I like the under armor cold gear tops (the ones that are sort of like a turtle neck are the best). Moisture wicking and warm. I am buying a pair of cuddl duds infrared heat (knock off BOT material) leggings and base layer shirt for my bottom layer on the coldest days.
- Get good socks, ear warmers and gloves. I like thin fleece gloves, fuzzy socks, and the headband ear warmers but I think these are more of a personal preference.
If i cant stay warm with cuddl duds + under armor + winter breeches + jacket + vest (and socks, gloves, ear warmers, insulated boots) then I will wear my coveralls. They are the best for warmth but you loose a lot of range of motion.
I have been buying ski liner gloves from the outdoor stores. They are smooth outside, fleece inside, and have silicon palm grips. Some have I phone touch screen finger tips.
They don’t pick up hay, they dry fast, easy to wash, and the ones from the big brands are better made, fit better, and last better than the equivalent equestrian brands.
I have some from North face, firefly, timberland, all pretty similar.
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I used to wear a pair of nitrile gloves underneath my riding gloves or barn gloves- keeps your hands warm, but allows you to wear a glove that’s not as thick or heavy. Plus they’re multipurpose :winkgrin: you never know when you’ll need nitrile gloves! I could get away with the nitrile under my Roeckl’s on some of the colder days.
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I have a pair of Kerrits winter full seats. They don’t come in sizes like 26, 28, 30, etc. they come in S/M/L. I’m 5’2" and 120 lbs and wear a medium. Now, the mediums are kind of baggy and certainly doesn’t give that “fitted/painted on” look, but a small would be too tight on me. I carry weight in my butt/thighs. The waist in my Kerrits isn’t gaping or huge, but it’s not snug either. Overall they’re just kind of “in the middle” with sizing. Not super fitted but not super baggy either.
OP if you want great winter wear that will last forever, I’ve been very happy with all of my Mountain Horse products. I have a pair of insulated waterproof paddock boots that are 10-15 years old and JUST started to show signs of wear last winter. I don’t ride in them because they’re thick and stiff, but they’re wonderful for doing everything around the barn. They make tall boot versions of them as well. I have a heavy MH coat (Windsor, unfortunately discontinued) and MH gloves that I love as well. Heavy duty, nice looking, durable, and WARM.
For layers I’ve used sweaters, UnderArmor, etc. which are all nice, but I found a Calia by Carrie Underwood 1/4 zip long sleeve at a thrift store a few weeks ago, and holy moly is it WARM. It’s also REALLY attractive. You can find them on eBay for $35 or so. It looks and feels like fitted UA on the outside but is fleece lined on the inside without being bulky or boxy. It looks really flattering.
I just bought a pair of the Kerrit sit tight winter breeches and am in love with them already! I really wish they had belt loops though as I ind they tend to slid a little, but I’m warm so far. I am normally a 30 for my TS and wear a M for these.
I also wear a lot of UA in the winter, I go to the outlet store once a year or so to stock back up as I can usually find some good deals, and I find their stuff lasts me a long time and keeps me toasty. This year I’ll be needing new base layers for the real cold days (-30C, I wont ride, but I still go out to love).
I found the biggest difference is always the footwear, I have a pair of Muck Boots but I find that my feet will sweat in them and they do not breath one bit and so they get cold… I still ride in my regular field boots and don’ sweat at… but am thinking of buying some winter riding boots if I can score some on sale…
I much prefer my Kerrits. I think they are warmer and more windproof than the Irideon’s. I can feel the cold coming through the Irideon’s more.
Here’s what I wear:
– Base layer - SmartWool medium weight crew neck top. I bought my last ones at Sierra Trading Post for $35 each. I tried Under Armour and didn’t like it.
– Mid layer - Ariat Tek quarter zip or polar fleece quarter zip
– Irideon winter riding tights (Power Stretch 3 Season Riding Tights). I don’t have the WindPro variety, but these keep me pretty warm. I wear a pair of sweat pants over the top of them when it’s really cold and then pull them off before I head to the ring to ride.
– Mountain Horse Windsor coat. They discontinued this model, but the Original Mountain Horse coat would be warm too.
– Ariat Bromont boots (the gray ones they discontinued). I like them because I can wear thick socks, and the soles aren’t too thick for riding. They’re a bit short on my leg, but the warmth is worth it.
– I wear knee high nylons for leg support and wool socks over them. I bought the wool socks at Dick’s - can’t remember the brand.
– Hat. I love my polar fleece hat that’s probably 20 years old. Can’t give it up!
– Vest. I get too hot riding in my coat, so I usually replace it with a vest before I get on. I used to have a larger coat that I could wear the vest underneath. Then I just had to peel off the coat.
– I also have SmartWool long underwear but find that I get way too hot if I wear it under my Irideon tights.
As for the fit of the Irideon vs. Kerrits winter tights, I found the Irideons to be much more stretchy. I have a small waist and large thighs, and the Kerrits that my thighs would fit into had a waist that was hugh. The Irideons being stretchier fit me better.
I skip the tack store and go to REI (Backcountry also has a good sale this weekend.) You do not have to spend a boodle on any of this. You can find Columbia jackets at TJ Maxx and if you go on eBay or Poshmark, you can get more expensive brands for a lot less money if you buy good condition secondhand, or new without tags. I see UnderArmour, North Face, and Patagonia on both sites all the time, and for good prices; Mountain Hardwear, Marmot a little less frequently.
Regular athletic leggings under my breeches. I also have a thin pair of fleece-lined leggings (Target) that are very warm.
Base layer: I’m an UnderArmour fan. Costco also sells a base layer called 32 ColdGear that works well. If you prefer natural fibers, this is where your silk undershirt goes.
Second layer: Fleece-lined quarter-zip. I have two that I love for different reasons- a Patagonia Better Sweater that I have lived in since purchasing, and a Nike Therma-Fit. The Nike one is a little more wind-proof and has mesh along the sides. If you prefer natural fibers, this is where your wool sweater goes.
Third layer: Insulated vest. Don’t get one that’s so puffy it won’t fit under your…
Fourth layer: Jacket, which you’ll probably take off to ride. I have a ski jacket from Obermeyer that keeps me warm checking field troughs in a below zero wind chill and a Polartec-lined softshell for days that aren’t that bad. Columbia Omni-Heat is another good product.
Socks: I begin and end at SmartWool. I’m happy in one pair. Your mileage may vary.
Boots: Waterproof. I’ve got a pair of Sperry duck boots for moderate weather and knee-high Cougar insulated boots for when it snows.
Cover your head and your fingers any way that’s comfortable for you. I do not like to wear a scarf at the barn because the last thing I want is for my horse to grab the end and pull, so I do mock turtlenecks and quarter zips.
Thanks for all the replies!
I have plenty of underarmour cold gear and layers of fleece and jackets from skiiing/snowboarding, but I don’t have the riding specific clothes like breeches, boots you can ride in, and gloves that actually allow some degree of manual dexterity.
On the few cold days here, I find that keeping my core warm is easy, but my fingers get cold and hurt, along with my toes. How do you keep your fingers warm while still being able to do things??? Even with thick wool socks, my toes feel like they are freezing!
Toe warmers! My mom has filled my Christmas stocking with the things every year for the past 10 years. They may not always feel “warm” but they do definitely neutralize the temperature and keep your toes from freezing. They’re air activated and sometimes I find that taking my foot out of my boot for a few seconds gives them a second kick.
You can also get full sized foot warmers (I’ve never tried them) or hand warmers. I don’t love the hand warmers and I don’t think they help with my fingers much, but I’m normally wearing riding gloves. I bet they would work better in gloves with more air pockets.
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Kerrits fleece breeches
Roekel Winter riding gloves
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Oh and a wear a ski helmet wool (super thin) skull cap under my helmet when i ride and it makes a huge difference and covers my ears
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My go-to winter outfit is:
Irideon Powerstretch breeches (kerrits are good too but are too short for my legs)
Kerrits Plush Tek Zip Neck
Kerrits wool knee socks
Ariat Bromont insulated waterproof tall boots
Ariat Tek Grip insulated gloves
The coat I wear depends on how cold it is:
Below 35 I wear a Dover Riding Sport super insulated riding jacket (no longer made but like Mtn Horse Jacket)
35-50 I wear an LLBean Fitness fleece jacket insulated with Primaloft
50 or above I wear the same LLBean as above but the vest version.
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Toes and fingers are a problem. I find with the right gloves and socks I can be OK while active but if you slow down, even just hacking at a walk, the cold can catch up with you.
I have found battery operated heated wool socks that have an on/off switch but haven’t tried them yet. They were about $25. Heated gloves however are very expensive.
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