Stay stylish in this practical lightweight riding jacket

Our reviewer liked the look of this comfortable lightweight riding jacket

The Mountain Horse WPS Pro lightweight Silence Tech jacket combines a very stylish appearance with a number of clever elements that lift it above your average jacket.

I’m a size 10 and found the small is a good fit that allowed me to wear either a short or long sleeve base layer or thin sweater underneath, making it ideal for wet days during late spring, summer and early autumn.

The tailored appearance of the jacket is maintained thanks to tidy flaps covering the zipped pockets and the front fastening, which is a two-way zip. The flap is held in place with small Velcro tabs, with a single press stud at the top to ensure it does not pull open accidentally. Initially I was concerned that the Velcro tabs might not be up to the task, especially if they gathered horse hair, hay seeds and other equestrian debris in wear, but this hasn’t been the case so far.

The zips have a robust Mountain Horse toggle attached to the pull, making them easy to hold, even when wearing riding gloves. The two front pockets are generously sized to easily accommodate your keys, phone, wallet etc. There is also a internal breast pocket, which is a good size for most phones.

The collar, which has a super-soft lining that is very comfortable against your neck, can be worn turned up against the elements or down in better weather. This soft lining extends over the top of the zip for added comfort.

The cuffs are elasticated and secured with two Velcro tabs, which make them both comfortable and easy to adjust.

The main body of the jacket has a soft silver lining that looks to aid breathability. It has no filling making it ideal for the warmer weather. The shoulder panels include vents to the rear to help allow any moisture to escape.

The shaped hood is generously sized with a stiffened peak and an elastic cord to allow it to be tightened when necessary. The back of the hood has a Velcro tab, which allows you to pull the hood back off your forehead if required. The hood is secured to the jacket with three robust press studs, plus Velcro tabs that fit neatly into small pockets at the front.

The rear of the jacket has an elastic panel at the waist to enhance the fitted appearance, with a double-vented flap, which covers both your bottom and the cantle of your saddle as needed.

I’ve worn the jacket around the stable yard and while riding in both light summer rain showers and in heavy rain. My torso did remain dry in all situations, including across my shoulders, but I’m still yet to find a jacket where I can school for an hour in heavy rain and not end up with damp lower arms. It is possible that this moisture has travelled up the inside of the arms from my riding gloves, rather than soaking through the jacket, but I can’t be sure about that.

The jacket has washed well, but as with any item of clothing that includes Velcro, it’s important to ensure that ALL Velcro tabs as closed to avoid them snagging on other items in the wash. It might also be worth washing the jacket inside out, or on its own, to try to avoid accidental snags from occurring on other clothing.

Buy Now: Mountain Horse WPS Pro lightweight Silence Tech jacket at Amazon.co.uk from £119