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Since most riders spend the majority of their time outdoors when working with and around their horses, winter riding clothing needs to provide reliable protection against wind, snow, rain and low temperatures.
In addition, it should provide a comfortable level of warmth at all times, whether during strenuous stable work, extended canter training sessions, waiting for a riding lesson, or during quiet walking phases. Alongside heat retention, moisture management, weather protection, and freedom of movement are also essential factors.
A good foundation is provided by the layering principle, with several clothing layers combined in a sensible way. In addition, thermal riding breeches, winter riding boots and warm riding gloves ensure that riders can get through the winter comfortably and well protected, even in cold temperatures.
The Layering Principle – Adapting to Changing Levels of Activity and Weather Conditions
The layering principle allows winter clothing to be flexibly adapted to different conditions in the stable and on horseback. Depending on the situation, individual clothing layers can be put on or taken off – for example, during quiet walking phases or while waiting for a riding lesson, as well as during strenuous stable work or intensive training.
The different clothing layers each fulfil a specific purpose and should be selected to suit the external conditions. In addition to temperature, wind strength, precipitation and training intensity, personal sensitivity to cold also plays an important role.
Base Layer: Keeps the Body Dry and Provides the Foundation for Warmth
Since the base layer lies directly against the skin as the first layer, its most important task is to transport moisture away to the outside. Functional materials are particularly well suited for this purpose. A close-fitting design supports this process and ensures that the layer stays reliably close to the body even during movement.
On cold days, functional underwear can provide additional warmth. However, it should not add too much bulk so that freedom of movement and sensitivity when riding are maintained.
Mid Layer: The Actual Heat Insulation
As part of winter riding clothing, the mid layer forms the insulating layer and helps retain the heat generated by the body. At the same time, it should be breathable so that excess heat and moisture can be released to the outside during physical activity.
Fleece or lightweight quilted materials are particularly suitable, as both materials provide warmth while remaining lightweight and allowing freedom of movement. The thickness of the warming layer should depend on personal sensitivity to cold, training intensity and the external conditions.
For long rides, a more insulating mid layer may be useful, while a thinner layer is often sufficient for training in the indoor riding arena.
Shell Layer: Protection Against Wind, Rain and Snow
The most important function of the shell layer is to protect against wind, rain and snow. Moisture reduces the insulating effect of winter riding clothing, while wind increases the body's heat loss. Winter riding jackets and winter riding coats should therefore not only provide warmth but also offer reliable protection against weather conditions.
At the same time, it is important that they provide sufficient freedom of movement and allow subtle application of the aids.
Warm Feet Through Insulation, Moisture Regulation and Freedom of Movement
Cold feet are uncomfortable and are often the result of moisture and insufficient insulation in riding boots or riding shoes. Water-repellent winter riding shoes or winter riding boots with an inner lining keep the feet warm and protect them against moisture.
Since blood circulation is important for maintaining warmth, the shoe must not constrict the foot. Well-insulated winter riding shoes or winter riding boots are preferable to wearing several pairs of socks or very thick socks. Multiple pairs of socks or socks that are too thick can constrict the foot and hinder moisture transport, causing the feet to cool down more quickly.
Winter Riding Gloves – Warm Hands While Maintaining a Sensitive Feel on the Reins
Hands cool down particularly quickly in winter and should be well protected. At the same time, it is important that the fingers remain mobile so that the aids transmitted through the reins to the horse's mouth can be applied delicately and sensitively. Winter riding gloves should therefore provide sufficient warmth without adding too much bulk. The gloves should fit snugly enough without constricting the fingers and should not form folds that could cause pressure points.
Keeping the Head and Neck Warm Without Compromising Riding Helmet Safety
The head and neck also need additional protection on cold days. Functional materials that do not add too much bulk are particularly suitable for this purpose. A hat or headband must not affect the fit of the riding helmet, as the helmet can only reliably protect the head in the event of a fall from the horse if it fits correctly. For the neck, tubular scarves are a good solution because they provide warmth while allowing sufficient freedom of movement when riding.
Which Winter Riding Clothing Is Suitable for Which Weather?
The layering principle, consisting of a base layer, mid layer and shell layer, is best suited. The first layer transports moisture away from the skin, the second retains heat and the outer layer protects against wind, rain and snow. In addition, thermal riding breeches, lined winter riding boots and winter riding gloves provide extra comfort and protection against the cold.
Well-insulated, water-repellent winter riding boots or winter riding shoes with an inner lining are suitable for keeping feet warm. It is important that they provide enough room so that blood circulation is not impaired. Winter riding gloves should protect the hands against the cold while remaining thin and flexible enough to allow a sensitive feel on the reins and precise application of the aids.
Winter riding clothing should provide warmth, be breathable and protect against wind and moisture without restricting freedom of movement. Which clothing is suitable depends on the outside temperature, weather conditions and physical exertion. Good heat insulation is particularly important for long rides, while breathable materials and effective moisture transport are the main priorities during intensive training. In darkness and poor visibility, reflective equipment also increases safety.
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