Winter riding

[historyrocks]

I have had a horse share since the spring. So far I’ve not needed any gear beyond what I already had (ie jodhpurs, boots), but now that the weather is getting cooler, I’m starting to think about what I will need to stay warm and dry through the winter. What do you suggest buying? I’m very far north—it can be bloody freezing up here!

Thermals! But lightweight. Riding when bundled up like the Michelin Man is no fun at all. There are lots of down filled jackets that are extremely warm whilst being very lightweight. And a properly waterproof coat is a must. Think about your extremities too - hands and feet. Decent socks and decent gloves.

You'll probably need to try on a variety of jackets to find one you feel comfortable in.

And don't forget your hi-vis if you are doing any road work - gloomy winter days can be very dangerous on the roads.

Thermals
A warm genuinely waterproof jacket look for ones with taped seams and storm flaps. It won’t be cheap but will likely be worth it.
Good gloves
I don’t know how much you ride but ariat and mountain horse so proper winter boots which might be overkill but if you ride often they are fab

Ah yes I second decent boots - I have some Ariats that I bought in a sale several years ago, so got them at a good price and they are still going strong. They're actually "country boots" but perfectly fine to ride in, waterproof, warm and sturdy. Really couldn't do without them in winter.

Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely need to think about boots as my jodhpur boots aren’t going to be much use in the snow/ice.

Any suggestions on good gloves? I remember someone posting on here about good/warm riding gloves, but can’t find it.

Woofwear are quite good - but you will need to find some waterproof ones otherwise you will spend your days constantly changing gloves. In winter it's almost impossible to keep your hands dry! They do a waterproof version with a thermal lining.

Definitely robust boots that are warm and waterproof. Also I got an amazing Ariat winter riding jacket in the saddle a couple of years ago and I would have happily paid full price for it....it's so so warm and waterproof. With that and thermal leggings, I barely felt the weather all winter and we had a lot of snow here. Also head torch for pottering around the yard at night or early mornings.

Muck boots are good. (the brand)

I'd say get a headlamp too, they're brilliant for doing jobs but keeping your hands free.

A long coat for hacking, or a waterproof exercise rug to keep your legs dry. It's miserable when the water runs off your coat and soaks your legs.

Smartwool socks are excellent.

A neck gaiter can really help to keep you warm and won't flap like a scarf.

Second the high viz suggestion - it's amazing how well a horse can vanish against hedges on a dull night. Get some for you and some for the horse (can help loads if you part company!)

Are you clipping? Depending on your horse, you'll need rugs (turnout and stable, and a couple of fleece coolers are good for drying and layering under other rugs.) A neck cover is also good if it's super muddy. (sorry for the slight digression - I expect you've already thought of that 🤣😁)

Last year I bought a riding skirt. It's fab, fleece lining with waterproof outer. Goes over jodhpurs , covers back of saddle so keeps that dry plus keeps rain of gap at front where you end up with wet knickers !
Lady on Facebook makes to size in chosen colour, you can have hi viz

Neoprene wellies! - essential for all the yard duties and trekking across muddy fields trying to bring in horses

@Cecillie ooh could you pm me the name please? Not riding currently but I bet it'd be aces for walking the doggo 😊

@QuestionableMouse
Look up dopo coats on Facebook

Thank you!

Many thank for the suggestions. Thankfully the yard has three indoor schools so shouldn’t need to ride out in bad weather, if I don’t want to.

Headlamp is a great idea. The stable lighting is terrible so that would definitely help.

A padded gilet is my number one. Keeps you warm, but can still move arms. Works well in autumn over jumper and then in winter over fleece

equi-light.com/products/torch-headband

I have one of these and they're fabulous. Very bright but comfortable too.

Waterproof chaps. An extra layer for your legs and keeps them dry too. I also like a headband (not sure whether they are actually called this, but they basically go round your head and keep your ears warm!)