First and foremost, the best winter horse riding gloves will keep your hands sufficiently warm, while also having breathable qualities to help avoid a sweaty palm situation. The best winter riding gloves will strike the perfect balance of insulation and tactility to keep you warm but allow feel on the reins. They should offer a good grip, whatever the weather, to make them suitable for riding in the rain.
Waterproof qualities are not necessarily a must-have, like they might be if you were looking for the best yard gloves, but they are certainly a bonus if you’re likely to be riding outdoors. Similarly, touchscreen compatibility will make your day-to-day life considerably easier if you need quick, easy and regular access to your phone. A good, snug fit is really important as no one likes an uncomfy, restrictive or poorly fitting glove.
How to measure your glove size
Gloves are measured in inches. Using a tape measure, measure around the widest part of your hand (at your knuckles) without including your thumb. This measurement (in inches) is your glove size – most brands offer sizes 6–11 and include half sizes. Some brands sell their gloves in universal small, medium or large sizes, but usually have a size guide that will convert to glove sizes.
Best winter horse riding gloves available right now
Uvex Sportstyle Winter Gloves
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: 5–11
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
These highly elastic riding gloves have excellent grip, while being breathable, durable and comfortable. They have a Thinsulate fleece lining and are machine washable at 30°C.
We put these gloves to the test and thought the design and comfort was excellent — they look both sporty and stylish. They provided plenty of protection in the cooler weather, particularly from the wind, and kept hands really warm. They also had really good grip.
Read H&H’s independent Uvex Sportstyle Winter Gloves review.
Ariat Insulated Tek Grip Gloves
Colours: Black or bark
Sizes: 6–11
H&H Review: 8/10
These gloves have been popular for a long time. They are constructed with Polartec Wind Pro stretch fleece for maximum insulation, with a hardface coating on the fleece for abrasion and water resistance.
When testing these gloves, we found them to be really warm, even on a cold day on a steady hack. They are water-resistant rather than waterproof, but are perfect for use in light rain, keeping hands dry. They offer a good amount of movement and grip, making them suitable for both hacking and schooling, where more feel is often desired.
Read the full Ariat Insulated Tek Gloves review.
In the UK? Buy direct at ariat.com
Just Chaps All Purpose Riding Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £25
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Described as perfect for winter riding yet tough enough also to cope yard life, these gloves from Just Chaps are double layered. They have a Thinsulate lining that adds warmth and a long enough cuff to keep out the drafts. They are touchscreen compatible and washable, while the palm and fingers are super grippy and reinforce.
When testing these gloves, we found that they were really comfortable and kept hands really warm. We wore them for both riding and yard work, and they stood up to regular wear really well.
Read H&H’s independent Just Chaps Riding Gloves review.
Dublin Synthetic Leather Thinsulate Waterproof Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
These leather-look gloves have a waterproof lining that helps to keep in the warmth. They are touch-screen compatible and have an extended elastic cuff to prevent draughts and offer a snug fit.
Woof Wear Precision Thermal Glove
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: 6–9½
These gloves from Woof Wear offer warmth and grip with the help of a Reintex thermal palm. They feature reinforcement between the rein fingers, have a stretchy back for added comfort and are fastened with an easy-to-adjust wrist tab. Machine washable.
LeMieux Waterproof Lite Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: S–XL
These LeMieux gloves benefit from Thinsulate thermal insulation and a micro-membrane that prevents heat and sweat build up, whilst providing an effective waterproof barrier. They are flexible enough to feel the reins and have a silicone grip, so can be used for riding.
Uvex CRX700 Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: 6–10½
These softshell gloves from Uvex are designed to control moisture, retain heat, and are wind and water repellent. The inner fleece material is soft, while the durable and abrasion resistant PU material on the palm offers good grip in damp weather. They also have a small amount of reflective print that helps to enhance visibility.
Harry Hall Riding Glove With Fleece Lining
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: S–L
These gloves have a soft fleece lining that provides great warmth without compromising contact, and a soft and supple PU outer fabric remains soft to aid good fit. They feature glitter detailing on the wraparound cuff closure, which creates a secure fit.
Hy Equestrian Polartec Glacial Riding Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
These non-bulky gloves from Hy are made from Polartec material, which makes them wind resistant, soft, warm and highly elastic. They have excellent wicking properties as well as grippy siliconised palms and fingers for extra grip on the reins.
Roeckl Wismar Glove
Colours: Black, hi-viz yellow or black/purple
Sizes: 6–11
Warm, windproof and highly water-resistant, these softshell gloves are not bulky and give good tactility on the reins. The long knitted cuff for aids heat retention and all colours feature reflective elements. Machine washable.
SSG Winter Lined Digital 2150 Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: 6–10
RRP: £39.99
Designed for everyday winter wear, these SSG gloves are fleece lined and have a palm that is designed for uncompromising rein control, exceptionable grip and wear.
Fouganza 100 Warm Riding Gloves
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £13.99
These gloves have a brushed fleece lining for warmth and comfort, while the long cuffs keep cold air out and make them easier to put on. A great option if you’re on a budget.
You might also like:
Protect your hands this winter with these yard gloves
7 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
6 pairs of waterproof trousers to keep you warm and dry in the saddle this winter
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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