Equestrians understand winter layering significantly better than your average person, and we know that you’re not going to get through winter comfortably without a one of the best short riding coats or blouson jackets that you can wear around the yard, too.
Whether you choose a short riding coat or one of the best long riding coats is really a matter of personal preference. Some riders like to have both and wear them in different scenarios. If you have a pair of waterproof trousers or waterproof breeches, then it’s likely you can do without a long coat – and this might save you a bit of money, too, as with less material short coats are usually slightly cheaper than a comparable longer version.
When choosing a new riding coat, you should consider waterproofing properties and breathability of the fabrics – look for a waterproof rating of 5,000mm or higher if you want a coat that can cope with more than average rain. Other features to consider are whether you’d like a hood, and whether you want this to be detachable, while rear vents will help your coat sit nicely in the saddle if it’s not a blouson jacket that’s already gathered at the hip. Taped seams, storm plackets (to cover the zip) and storm cuffs (which prevent water entering via the sleeves) will all help keep you dry.
Best short riding coats and blouson jackets
Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (very waterproof)
Colours: Navy, Zinfandel or relic (green)
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £180
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.
This Ariat coat scored 10/10 as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket review. We found this waterproof jacket to be really stylish, and comfortable to wear both around the yard and in the saddle.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
WeatherBeeta Tania Waterproof Jacket
Colours: Black or ink
Sizes: XXS–XXL
RRP: £149.99
This technical jacket has sealed seams and a lining that utilises thermal reflection to help maintain warmth and prevent heat loss. It has a waterproof centre front, chest and hand zips and a quilted hood. It also benefits from underarm zipped mesh vents.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
Fouganza Warm 900 Riding Jacket
Colours: Green
Sizes: XS–XXL
RRP: £79.99
This jacket has additional padding on the torso, a large fleece collar and a large removable hood. The shaped sleeves are finished with long cuffs for warmth, while there are also side ventilation zips for breathability, along with an inner mesh lining on the back. There are two fleece-lined front pockets, a zipped inner pocket and an elasticated inner pocket. Machine washable at 30°C.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Dublin Trinity Jacket
Colours: Navy
Sizes: XS–XXL
RRP: £64.99
This waterproof jacket has sealed seams to dry and a polar fleece lining for added warmth. It has the classic ribbed hem and has an inner zip that gives access for easy back panel embroidery.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Ariat Stable Insulated Jacket
Colours: Teal or red
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £115
This water- and wind-resistant jacket has a lightweight quilted lining with technical insulation. It features a mock collar, fitted hem and Ariat logo embroidery, but also has an inner zip entry for embroidery to the rear. Cool Climate Insulation™ provides optimal lightweight comfort and warmth, so you don’t catch a chill when riding.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
Mackey Blouson Jacket
Colours: Navy
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £60.95
This water-resistant fleece-lined blouson has two zipped front pockets, plus a pocket on arm and an inside pocket. It has elasticated cuffs and a lining zip to allow embroidery on back panel. Available with or without the Mackey logo on back.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Whitaker Rastrick Reflective Padded Unisex Smug Jacket
Colours: Navy, black or blue
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £65
This jacket has a padded lining and small amounts of reflective detailing on the chest and back. It is shower-proof with a high fleece-lined collar and two-way zip. It also has zipped pockets at the front and an internal zipped pockets.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
You might also like:
7 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
12 pairs of gloves designed for winter riding
12 of the best long waterproof coats for riding and yard wear
The best lightweight riding jackets in a selection of styles
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