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 coat 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.
Our team is made up of real riders and horse owners. We’ve put these coats to the test, both in and out of the saddle. All the coats featured in this guide have scored at least 9/10 overall when tested and have been awarded “Horse & Hound approved” status.
Best winter riding coats: H&H’s quick guide
Best value winter riding coat: WeatherBeeta Kyla II
Most waterproof winter riding coat: Ariat Valor 2.0
Best short winter riding coat: LeMieux Brooke Hybrid
Smartest winter riding coat: Equetech Stratus
The best horse riding coats we’ve tested
WeatherBeeta Kyla II Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Black, redwood or navy iris
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Provides good coverage when in the saddle
- Good size range
- Lots of features to keep you protected
Reasons to avoid
- The high funnel neck style might not suit everyone
This jacket is back and better than ever. It offers the same great fit as the Kyla now with updated styling and waterproof rating of 10,000mm plus additional padding for warmth. It features 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.
H&H’s head of ecommerce Georgia Guerin tested both the original Kyla model and the updated Kyla II, and she really put them through the mill. She’s worn the Kyla II and it’s stood up to the job. Her review has so much praise for the jacket – and she’s recommended it for anyone who wants a real all-rounder for riding and yard work without compromising on fit and style. She also thinks it looks better on (once you’ve used the toggle) than it does in WeatherBeeta’s studio images.
Read Georgia’s full WeatherBeeta Kyla II Waterproof Jacket review.
Ariat Valor 2.0 Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: 20,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
This highly waterproof jacket has top-tier waterproofing, warm insulation, sealed seams and zips for extra protection. It benefits from a wide cinched waist, which helps to keep the body warm. Other features include a two-way zip, removable hood, saddle vents, zipped hand, chest and internal pockets.
Becky Murray tested this coat and found it stood up well during heavy rain and cold, she didn’t feel restricted in the saddle or when carry out general yard chores and she liked that she didn’t feel restricted both around the yard and in the saddle – read the full Ariat Valor 2.o Waterproof Jacket review.
LeMieux Brooke Hybrid Jacket
Waterproof rating: 5,000mm (waterproof)
Colours: Black, navy, ash or alpine
Sizes: UK 6–18
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- 3-in-1 waterproof coat
- Comfortable
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a coat with riding vents
This practical 3 in 1 waterproof coat has you covered for whatever weather throws at you. It’s a gilet, it’s a lightweight jacket, and it’s a heavyweight winter coat, with a detachable hood. It features taped seams, two-way zip, waterproof zips and recycled fill in the gilet. The zip in and out inner gilet is perfect for adding extra warmth when needed turning it into a heavyweight coat.
H&H’s products editor Franchesca tested this jacket and I said “I loved this jacket from the moment it arrived. I really underestimated how much I would wear this and it’s my go-to jacket most days!” The coat is comfortable and smart – read the full LeMieux Brooke Waterproof Hybrid Jacket review.
Equetech Stratus Padded Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof rating: >16,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Graphite
Sizes: XS–3XL
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Technical material
- Beautiful style
Reasons to avoid
- Fitted style might not suit everyone
This is Equetech’s new contemporary waterproof padded jacket, designed with style and functionality that combines a flattering tailored fit. The coat features a magnetic storm flap that conceals the two-way front zip, double zip vents and gussets to the back to aid freedom of movement in and out of the saddle, zipped pockets, storm cuffs and double pillow collar for added comfort and warmth.
H&H’s Georgia tested this jacket and loved how stylish and technical it was. One of her favourite features was the magnetic storm flap, and it’s one of the more waterproof coats in this guide. Read her full Equetech Stratus review.
LeMieux Anya Waterproof Long Riding Coat
Waterproof rating: 8,000mm (very waterproof)
Colours: Alpine or petrol
Sizes: UK 6–18
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Great if you feel the cold
Reasons to avoid
- It feels heavier compared to some of the other long jackets
It features a twill outer fabric with a faux fur half lining, taped seams and a deep pile faux fur half lining traps a layer of warmth next to your body. The detachable hood has a removable faux fur trim. It also has a deep back hem vent with discrete magnetic closures and inner adjustable leg straps to ensure comfortable wear for riding. Other features include taped seams, a double front closure, two-way zip and waterproof sealed pocket zips.
H&H’s art editor Sophie Cheeseman tested the Anya and rated it 9/10. She said: “Overall I really love this coat, it looks and feels smart and good quality and I have received so many compliments while wearing it.” She found when riding the coat was a lovely length and kept her legs warm and dry.
Read the full LeMieux Anya Waterproof Riding Coat review.
Ariat Tempest Waterproof Insulated Parka
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Relic
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Cosy, warm lining
- Clever hood design
Reasons to avoid
- Diagonal zipped pockets needed two hands to open
The Tempest features a classic parka silhouette with insulation that keeps you warm without being overly bulky. It has an “earth-friendly” waterproof finish, sealed seams and zippers, as well as a removable faux-fur lined hood.
Carol Philips, our website editor, tested this coat and found that although this isn’t the cheapest long winter riding jacket on the market, it is stylish, really warm, and has clever design elements, so is worth the investment if your budget will stretch to it.
Franchesca Slack, our Products editor, tested this coat and found the features practical, the coat performed very well and kept her protected from all weathers while keeping her warm. If you feel the cold this coat is the one for you.
Read the full Ariat Tempest Parka review.
Pikeur Renee Rain Coat
Waterproof rating: 8,000mm (very waterproof)
Colours: Night blue or rumba red
Sizes: UK 4–18
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Warm
- Great coverage
Reasons to avoid
- Better suited to cold dry days
This coat features a waterproof exterior, with flexibility and breathability built into the design. Fitted with 100% recycled padding for added warmth, side poppers for extra comfort in the saddle.
Georgia Guerin tested this coat and it really changed her mind about what she looks for in a coat. She loved the coverage offered when in the saddle and it fitted well overall. This coat kept her very warm. Read her full Pikeur Renee Rain 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
Reasons to buy
- Large gusset for riding
- Excellent quality
Reasons to avoid
- Leg Velcro fastening are a but fiddly
This coat has 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.
Becky Murray tested this coat and she loved how protective this coat was and her favourite features were the zip-away gusset with reflective strips and the magnetic pocket closures. Read her full Equetech Utopia review.
How to choose a winter riding coat
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 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.
If you’re here looking for a hi-vis riding jacket, check out our selection of the best hi-vis for riders.
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
- 1,500–5,000mm = 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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