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Winter riding gear - not just for hacking. What are you wearing & recommendations?

Eventing
#1

Looking to hear from those eventers that stay north for the winter and still ride outdoors, and I don’t mean just hacking. I need winter gear that is comfortable and warm without being uber-restricting for flatwork and jumping, and well as trot/canter sets. I hate the cold, and I’m chilly at 60 degrees, but unfortunately due to a 9to5er job, cant go south for the cold season. Im determined to ride though!

I am on the hunt for a jacket that has some length to cover my upper leg for the purpose of warmth, and to stay dry if its lightly raining or snowing. I’m in love with the ELT Saphira jacket, but it seems its no longer carried by a retailer in the US. Does anyone have any recommendations for a jacket similar? I’ve seen the Noel Asmar All weather jacket but its a bit pricey and doesnt look super warm. I have a carhart, a mountain horse, and a Lands’ End, however none of them are quite long enough, or comfortable enough for jumping, xc schooling, or really riding at all except my mountain horse jacket. I’m seriously considering buying one of those “coach’s jackets” for the length and having it split up the back with a zipper. I also like the idea of the Artic Horse skirts, but I havent found any feedback from anyone who does more than trail ride, if thats even possible.
Also looking for boot recommendations that truly hold up to riding, not just hacking, and don’t feel like there is a ridiculous amount of material between you and the horse. Anyone have tried and true experience with the Ariat Coniston? Is it worth the price and investment?

#2

The first two winters I rode my current OTTB we didn’t have an indoor. And it was cold. Winter-in-Ontario with damp cold.

Here are my thoughts:

  1. Longjohns under winter breeches - I have a couple pairs of the Kerrits fleece tights and they are warm and comfy. I do find outdoors they also need longjohns on those cold windy days.
  2. TMax socks from Mark’s Work Wearhouse (do they have those in the US? If not, your dollar will go far here in Canada :wink: ). They are thick but warm and fuzzy on the inside.
  3. Boots - I have had the Mountain Horse and Ariat winter paddock boots (not sure what model but not the one you mention). The Ariats I think give better feel. The MH were warm but they were bulky - the sole is insulated to keep your feet warmer but that adds layers.
  4. Gloves - SSG 10 Below. Waterproof and warm. Yes, they are bulkier than summer gloves, but you get used to them after a couple rides and your hands will actually stay warm. Greenhawk in Canada also makes their own knockoffs and they are very similar if you want to save some money.
  5. Tops - layers are your friends. Try a thermal base layer, then fleece, then a vest (down or TMax like the socks in #2), then a down outer jacket (I have one from Mountain Horse and it’s very warm and has held up well for a couple years already).
  6. Those fleece helmet cover thingies - I don’t normally wear mine because I find it’s too warm (I probably tried it when it wasn’t cold enough outside) but it will keep your ears from freezing. I also know someone who uses the single ear muff things that fit over the ear with no strap over the head.

If the Asmar jacket is the one I’m thinking of, it’s not warm at all. Go for a real down jacket

4 Likes
#3

I’m a big fan of the fleece line riding pants. Kerrits in particular. I never feel cold when I have them on.

For boots, I have the Mountain Horse fleece lined ones. They are a bit bulky, but I’ll take it as a trade off for warmth. Little secret with those, they actually feel warmer with a very thin sock or none at all over a thick sock. If I do need socks, I wear ski socks, which are a nice blend of not too bulky while staying warm.

I wear one of those fleece neck covers that you wear skiing, not a ski mask but just a thing that slips over your head. That way if it’s windy or overly cold, I can just pull that up and breathe through it so the air gets heated a little.

For jackets, I prefer a vest over a jacket. I don’t like feeling restricted in the arms.

Gloves, I also like SSG. Very warm and durable. Bulky but again worth it when it’s cold.

That all being said, I’m past that age where I feel cold and overheat the second I start moving. I also don’t ride below 20 degrees since my horse turns into a fire breathing dragon. Just kinda takes the fun out of it.

For your horse, I highly recommend a bit warmer. It’s just a bean bag full of rice that you microwave for 20 seconds or so to warm the bit. I’m sure my horse appreciates it.

1 Like
#4

I just got a skirt at the Equine Affaire. I had to special order it because they had run out of by size. I got in on the recommendation of someone else who had gotten and test ridden in theirs for a flatwork session in extreme wind.

I’m trying to find heated gloves/insoles for this year. The rest of my winter outfit gets the job done, but my fingers and toes are always cold from Reynauds.

1 Like
#5

Ask a fox hunter :wink:

#6

I go with carhart arctic parka and/or vest, crochet gloves and jeans with paddock boots.

#7

Yesterday morning I had a dressage lesson; it was 35 F. I wore fleece leggings under Kerrits fleece tights, a cotton turtleneck under a fleece quarter zip, and a light jacket, wool socks and regular tall boots. When it gets colder I will add another layer of tights or silk long underwear, a heavier jacket, and Ariat winter tall boots (don’t know what model–two toned grey and black pull-ons).

But I don’t ride when it’s below the mid-20s. Sometimes I will start out with a quarter sheet over my thighs, but I don’t like a long coat.

#8

Second the Kerrits fleece lined breeches. I have fleece lined leggings under them also. Ariat Bromont boots are very warm.

#9

In short, I am a wool aficionado. Try it! I’ve tried the more modern materials and always come back to wool. My long johns for under breeches are wool outer with cotton lining (I also have some fleece-lined winter breeches), my base layer shirt is merino/wool, my socks are wool, my barn jacket is a wool outer/fleece lined Woolrich . . . you get the idea, I swear by it. I also suggest that a fleece jacket with armpit zips is a wonderful thing to have: Most rides, I start off in a jacket, end up hanging it on a standard and riding in my fleece, and if I’m really working I’ll need to open those armpit zips to let the heat out and avoid trapping moisture that will chill me later.

As for moisture, wool is naturally water repellent and retains heat even if it gets damp.

I do not buy equestrian-specific winter clothing, it’s a small barn, style doesn’t matter, warmth does. My gloves are lined deerskin – I find cow or deer skin to be warmest for winter/cheaper than SSG winter gloves if you shop around: I got lined deerskin gloves for $20 this fall at a local outlet store, and unlined for $10.

Gloves that are a little loose will keep your fingers MUCH warmer than very elasticized/tight fitting ones: the air spaces traps heat around your fingers.

Also – I have found that wearing a jacket with a silky/slippery lining overtop the base layers means the jacket will move over those layers better and movement and riding is much more comfortable.

As far as footwear goes, there are other threads about that, but since I can’t afford the dang Ariats, I went with the much clunkier Muck Boot Colt Ryders for farm work and riding, along with a pair of Foot Free safety stirrups. They just arrived today so I’m yet to ride in them.

Also I have a pair of waxed cotton (aussie outback) chaps that are quite excellent for wet weather riding as they are of course waterproof. They’re also flannel-lined so I find them too warm for schooling, but good for slow work.

Riders at my barn are headed to NC and Florida this winter . . . I’m planning on dealing with the weather and getting in LOTS of riding this winter to be ready for spring. Now I must go pray for powder snow instead of the awful mud/ice combo that makes riding outside impossible. There’s an indoor, but we like to escape it whenever possible, even hacking at night.

Happy winter riding!

2 Likes
#10

I’m in Maryland and don’t have the luxury of decamping either. I’ve liked the Kerritts fleece lined breeches I’ve worn over the past couple of winters, but have decided I’m not putting up with a cold butt anymore in the barn so I’m trading my Lands End ski jacket for a parka. I just picked up a Piper on sale from SmartPak: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/piper-insulated-parka-by-smartpak-13812 . Covers my butt when standing and falls lower on my thigh in the saddle, has a zippered gusset in back so I don’t sit on a lot of material. Remains to be seen if it’s as warm as my LE jacket - check in again in Jan - Feb. Also use an ear warmer under my helmet when it gets really cold.

#11

https://alphadefensegear.com/product-category/winter-fleece-face-shields/

These are amazing. I have the summer and winter ones. Very flexible and warm. There are many ways to wear them too.

#12

I have found that Tropical Rider toasties breeches are the warmest. I get the extended patch, which work well for flat or jumping. Alpaca socks are awesome! Wool breaks me out in a rash. Alpaca does not. They are very warm and wick moisture, too. I layer up for riding out. A silk undershirt, an Under Armor cold gear top, then a fleece shirt on top of that work well. I use a fleece vest, too. I use silk gloves under regular winter gloves for riding. I will use a silk balaclava under my helmet and a fleece helmet cover over the helmet. I do not ride below 25 anymore, because the cold hurts my lungs.

#13

Full chaps - doesn’t anybody wear these anymore ?!

I always wear some kind of neck wrap (cowl neck sweater, or wool muff) but I steer clear of balaclavas - i had one cover up over my eyes once when a horse was throwing a fit, which added an element of excitement i didn’t really need. (Correction: I think I was wearing a knit face mask, not a balaclava)

And no zippers - when your face is really cold a zipper hitting your chin feels like a sledge hammer.

I keep dry socks handy and change them often.

On windy days too much extra coat material can catch wind and make noise/flap around and spook a horse looking for any excuse, so i avoid long coats and stick with thin, warm layers and a thick wool sweater, fleece or a soft quilted coat for an outer layer; something that won’t make noise in the wind. I will ride in single digits and stay pretty warm, other than toes eventually and fingers when tacking.

5 Likes
#14

Depending on how cold:

Thin wool balaclava under helmet. If it’s really cold I wear my next size up helmet and add a fleece headband that covers my ears and forehead.

Scarf or neck warmer (the kind for skiing).

Always my merino icebreaker long sleeved base. It’s my favorite piece of winter clothing. Then layers (sweater/light jacket or if it’s really cold I just put on the ski jacket).

Kerrits or Stickyseat winter jodhs. I prefer the Stickyseats as the waist band is more comfy so I’ll often wear them for chores and grocery shopping too! But the crotch wears out faster than the Kerrits.

Add long johns if it’s cold. Add winter riding snow pants if it’s utterly cold!

Various riding gloves. The warmest that were still useful to ride in were my Sealskins, I miss those! For not too cold just thin fleece lined gloves are fine. Otherwise I’ve had the best luck going to outdoor stores and trying non-equestrian branded gloves. X-country ski gloves are a good option.

Ariat winter paddock boots (Terrain H20 I believe) with wool socks and half chaps which I buy big.

If it’s too cold for my Ariat boots then I’m not getting a “real” ride in anyway, wear the Sorrels and go for a hack

#15

I bought a pair of Outback flannel-lined waxed cotton chaps and I kind of love them for riding outside in wet/cold weather. They don’t get soggy, are grippy and aren’t bulky. I get pretty warm if I’m doing anything more than walking, so I don’t like wearing the winter riding snow pants, etc. The worst thing is getting sweaty when it’s cold out. So I strip down to ride and then put everything back on after.

#16

This coat looks intriguing! I might have to pick one up if there’s any good Black Friday deals.

#17

I have the same. They are great esp. for the price which was $75. I also wear them on my motorcycle.

#18

Smart wool as your bottom base.

#19

I spent a few years on a cattle ranch in central SD and I would have DIED without my full chaps in the winter. On really cold days I wore two pairs of fleece lined breeches underneath them (knee patch only, full seats made them stick oddly and chafe).

TBH I’ve been on a one-woman mission to bring back the amazing full chaps that the cool kids schooled in 25-30 years ago. I love them even in the summer.

ETA typical winter attire for checking cattle in sub-zero temps, complete with half-english/half western tack. If I was riding my TB on those days it’d be in a jumping saddle with a quarter sheet or two. On days when it would “warm up” into the single digits I’d do light flatwork and amuse the cows with dressage.

https://scontent.ffsd1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/1529898_10153671244330038_1383454643_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ht=scontent.ffsd1-1.fna&oh=d8fdb19a76f4af11e208f99b0bbe8901&oe=5C7AF16E

#20

What did you wear for gloves?

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