The best horse riding coats and jackets will keep you sufficiently protected from the elements while still allowing you to perform. Whether you’re riding in the pouring rain, cold, some storm-force gales or snow, a good jacket can turn your time in the saddle from just-about-bearable to enjoyable – and if you look stylish at the same time, then even better.
If you’re here looking for a hi-vis riding jacket, check out our selection of the best hi-vis for riders.
Best winter riding coats: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall winter riding coat: WeatherBeeta Kyla
Best value winter riding coat: Shires Aubrion Woodford
Most waterproof winter riding coat: Equetech Utopia
Best short winter riding coat: Ariat Coastal
Smartest winter riding coat: LeMieux Loire Waterproof
The best horse riding coats we’ve tested
WeatherBeeta Kyla Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 5,000mm (waterproof)
Colours: Navy, pine or black
Sizes: XXS–XXL
H&H Review: 10/10, H&H Approved
This jacket has sealed seams, lined inner quilting and waterproof centre front, chest and hand zips. The funnel high neck keeps the wind out and houses a tuck-away lined hood, while the zipped external and internal pockets keep valuables secure.
I tested this jacket and really put it through the mill. I wore it in some terrible weather and despite not having the highest waterproof rating it kept me dry. Don’t be fooled by the studio pics you’ll see on websites – this coat is really quite smart and flattering. Read the full WeatherBeeta Kyla Waterproof Jacket review.
Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (very waterproof)
Colours: Navy or Zinfandel
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
This highly waterproof jacket has an earth-friendly waterproof finish, as well as sealed seams and zips for extra protection. It benefits from Ariat’s Cold Series technology, which helps to keep the body warm. Other features include a two-way zip, removable hood, saddle vents, zipped hand, chest and internal pockets.
We found this waterproof jacket to be really stylish, and comfortable to wear both around the yard and in the saddle – read the full Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket review.
In the UK? Buy direct at ariat.com
LeMieux Loire Waterproof Riding Coat
Waterproof rating: 8,000mm (very waterproof)
Colours: Black, navy or grey
Sizes: UK 6–18
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This coat has a discreet magnetic opening at the back to ensure comfortable wear for riding. It also has elastic leg straps underneath to keep the side panels secure in wintery conditions, adding a layer of waterproof warmth over the rider’s legs. The coat is filled with an eco-friendly synthetic filling, which is described as having the warmth of down with the bounce-back durability of cotton, retaining fullness even after washing. There is also an additional fleece lining on the back, pockets and collar for added comfort. Other features include taped seams, a double front closure, two-way zip and waterproof sealed pocket zips, plus a detachable hood with further detachable faux fur trim.
I tested this jacket – it’s really gorgeous and feels luxurious. It’s pretty technical too, and there are plenty of features to keep you dry. I found it a little tight across the shoulders, but I am definitely going to enjoy having this as an option for when I need something practical but a bit smarter. Read the full LeMieux Loire Waterproof Riding Coat review.
Equetech Utopia Long Waterproof Riding Coat
Waterproof rating: <15,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Navy or charcoal
Sizes: XS–3XL
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This coat is Equetech’s most technical coat to date – with all the qualities of the Venture, but with added stretch. It is made with Bluesign fabrics, which is a system that provides safer and more sustainable environments for people to work and everyone to live in. The coat features a two-layer storm flap that conceals the front zip, a rear gusset with reflective opening, double front zipped pockets, Velcro leg straps and storm cuffs.
We loved how protective this coat was and our favourite features was the zip-away gusset with reflective strips and the magnetic pocket closures. Read the full Equetech Utopia review.
Shires Aubrion Woodford Coat
Waterproof rating: 5,000mm (waterproof)
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Colours: Charcoal
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This padded riding coat is described as lightweight but warm. It features a concealed rear riding pleat that can be zipped open when required to offer extra weather protection to the rider and greater freedom of movement in the saddle. It also has a two-way zip with storm flap, one inner and two outer zip pockets, a zip-off detachable hood, inner adjustable drawstring waist, and inner stretch thumb hole wrist warmers with adjustable outer cuffs.
We loved the padded hood as it stayed up much better than others have done, and we thought this coat was priced very fairly – it’s the cheapest coat in this guide and you’ll definitely be able to find it for under £100. Read the full Shires Aubrion Woodford review.
Harry Hall All-Weather Long Jacket
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Navy
Sizes: XS–3XL
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Made from fully waterproof and breathable fabric with taped seams, this coat also features a fully adjustable elasticated drawcord waist, cosy filling, internal storm cuffs, a large rear riding vent, detachable hood, two-way front zip, generous front pockets and a hidden chest pocket.
We tested the previous version of this jacket and thought this was smart, practical and stylish, and it became a go-to choice for our tester who reached for it every time she left the house – be it for riding, yard work or walking the dog – and it’s lasted really well. Read the full Harry Hall All-Weather Long Jacket review.
Mark Todd Performance Long Waterproof Coat
Waterproof rating: 5,000mm (waterproof)
Colours: Navy, black or autumn brown
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This long waterproof coat is made from a sturdy outer fabric with a 200g soft filling in the body and 125g in the arms. It has taped seams and features a high collar, which is designed to help keep the wind out, as well as a fleece lining, waterproof two-way zips, storm cuffs and a removable hood. There is also a vent at the back and subtle branding.
We found it kept us extremely warm and dry – and was suitable for riding or walking the dog, while looking smart, too. The fabric doesn’t mark easily, and water just runs off, and it is resilient against scratches. It proved to be durable as, despite being worn round the yard, in the mud and muck, it still looked smart after a few months’ wear. Read the full Mark Todd Long Waterproof Coat review.
What makes a good riding jacket?
When you’re choosing a new winter horse riding jacket it’s important to consider exactly what you plan on wearing it for and, therefore, what style might suit you best. They tend to be either quilted or waterproof (this guide includes both), and if your riding jacket needs to double up as a general yard jacket, then some level of water resistance is going to be an essential. We’ve listed all the waterproof ratings that we can get our hands on to help you work compare the options. It’s also worth weighing up the benefits that one of the best long riding coats will bring – the extra warmth and protection – against whether it will get in the way of the type of riding you’re doing.
Likewise, check whether the coats you’re looking at are made from any technical materials – these will help keep you cool and moving freely. You might even come across some made of recycled or sustainable materials – another added bonus to make you feel better about your new purchase. Taped seams, storm cuffs and plackets, which cover the zips, will all help keep water out, while rear vents, a two-way zip and leg straps (for long coats) will all help to increase your comfort in the saddle.
Consider whether you’d prefer a hood to be removable – many riders like the option of having one when on the ground, but would prefer to ride without from a safety point of view. Other features, such as zipped pockets, might seem insignificant but you’ll soon notice when they’re missing. Finally, the look of the jacket is important and you’ve got to like it – the better you feel in it overall, the better you’ll ride.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best long waterproof riding coats, best short winter riding jackets and best lightweight riding jackets to help you find the perfect coat for you.
Waterproof vs water-resistant
A waterproof coat will give you protection from rain or other water for a significant period of time, while a water-resistant material will prevent water penetration, but only to a certain level. If you’re a fair-weather rider who avoids riding in the rain then a water-resistant coat may be sufficient, but if you envisage yourself riding out at the yard in all weathers, a fully waterproof coat is the way to go.
Many manufacturers will provide waterproof ratings – and we’ve listed all the ratings we can get our hands on (for coats that claim to be waterproof or resistant) with each product in the guide below.
Waterproof ratings explained:
- 0–1,500mm = water resistant/snowproof, suitable for very light rain
- 1,500–5000mm = waterproof, suitable for light to average rain
- Over 5,000mm = very waterproof, suitable for moderate to heavy rain
- Over 10,000mm = highly waterproof, suitable for heavy rain
You might also like:
12 of the best long waterproof coats for riding and yard wear
7 short winter jackets designed for wearing in the saddle
The best lightweight riding jackets in a selection of styles
10 pairs of boots to help tackle yard life
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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