So after 15+ years (closer to 20) I have just started riding again in Canadas wettest coast. We are taking it easy and building my comfort level again, however what is available to me for lessons is all outdoors. Our weather (and the horses!) allow us nearly year round trail access, although wet!
Can you rave me some good gear? I am not ready to drop $400 on a jacket or boots, but I do need to stay dry. Any ideas for a preferably Canadian affordable rain riding gear?
Thank you!
I have an Outback Outfitters Gore Tex ankle length riding rain coat from Stampede Tack in Cloverdale. It keeps me dry about an hour. It is light weight and dried in the barn overnight. I chose it over the heavy traditional waxed cotton raincoats.
An endurance rider friend once loaned me a great piece of gear for a rainy ride. It was a neoprene skirt that went on over your breeches and covered your thighs butt and saddle. Warm waterproof enough air flow you didnât sweat up, and stayed in place better than a raincoat. It was similar to a kayak skirt 
and nasty to walk around in but wonderful on the horse.
You can also put a keyhole rainsheet over horses butt saddle and your thighs.
Other than that in my experience morning rain will taper off mid afternoon and likeliest dry moments are just before sunset.
Trails under conifers stay drier.
Wool and some microfibers have wicking and warm when wet properties. Donât wear any cotton clothes or down jackets.
Get a wool cooler blanket for the horse. A wool cooler dries a wet cool horse better than fleece. Fleece is great for a wet hot horse.
I had one of those Australian waxed cotton outback coats for the rain, mostly for the hunt. Did not wear it for 20 years or so because it was so stiff and heavy I âtoldâ my husband to go and find a homeless lady to give it to. He knew where a couple of ladies lived and went down there. The lady looked at him with suspicion, but agreed to look at it - she took it and as she walked away, she turned around and said âLove you!â Guess so many people treat people down on their luck with disdain she had a natural reservation about my husbandâs intentions.
Thank you both! My instructor has just offered me to borrow one of the traditional waxed coats when we need it.
Now to just find a good riding paddock boot. We are rural, more online shopping
I like Ariat for comfort plus they have waterproof models
I like my Tingley JobSite hi viz rain jacket & my WindPro breeches.
Discovery Trekking Outfitters up in I think Campbell River or the northern end of the Comox Valley makes custom âriding skirtsâ in a couple lengths. The rider puts it on like a skirt so itâs nice and snug around the waist, unlike a regular quarter sheet, and it covers the entire upper legs and saddle (english or western), and the long version covers the whole rump of the horse as well.
They are made to order and available in a wide range of colours and materials. I know several hunter jumpers who jump in lessons in their outdoor rings in their riding skirts, comfortably and safely.
https://www.discoverytrekkingoutfitters.com/equine-saddle-skirt
I find my oilskin duster a bit too stiff to ride particularly well in. I also overheat SUPER easily and it isnât super breathable so I sweat a lot under it.
I actually donât mind being soaked to the bone from rain, because my body heat warms up the water-logged clothes really quickly so as long as Iâm moving I am pretty happy right down to freezing temps. So I tend to opt for breathable fabrics like flannel or merino wool, and if itâs chilly I throw a vest overtop. I pack dry clothes and a towel in my car so I can change after my pony is taken care of.
Oh this is brilliant! Thank you, next time I am in the area I will check out their store, they are in reasonable distance to my usual travel route in that area 
Awesome! Welcome to the Island
Oh, also, are you english or western? Because the Ariat Terrains are amazing and waterproof (well, rainproof. I wouldnât suggest walking in a pond in them because they are lace ups) and extremely comfortable for all aspects of barn time, but the wider neck makes it hard to find half chaps to fit over them. But I have had good luck simply using my goretex hiking gaiters with them in lieu of half chaps if I donât want to switch over to my tall boots.
If you are in the area of Discovery Trekking Outfitters, then you shouldnât be too terribly far from Summerside Tack. They are super helpful and can bring in things they donât necessarily carry in regular stock. They also have a website they keep super up to date, and are really active on their Facebook page as well. They might have more suggestions for rain gear and/or boots. Super easy to talk to and definitely go above and beyond with customer service!
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