The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Waterproof Riding Jackets

As a team of outdoor people, Hiking, Cycling, Golf and Horse riding are activities which feature in our lives and those of our consumers. Our collection of outerwear, particularly our Waterproof city walker, is often used for any one of these activities so we thought we would add our run-down of what we think are the main requirements for choosing a coat to keep you warm and dry and which also fits perfectly with the world of horses.  

Like all the other activities mentioned above, horse riding is a sport that demands the right gear to ensure comfort, safety, and be able to adapt well to the demands of this specific sport. One of the essential items for riders is the waterproof jacket, a critical piece of attire that protects against the elements regardless of whether you favour a long waterproof riding coat or one of the shorter cuts available in the waterproof outerwear market. If you’re riding in a drizzle or braving a torrential downpour, a good ladies equestrian waterproof jacket can make all the difference to your ride and your health in avoiding chills and colds after a day out under our great British skies. As technical clothing experts with a passion for horses and riding. we have detailed some of our essential considerations when making your decision on what type of waterproof outerwear is right for you.

The Specific Needs for Horse Riding Outerwear

1. Protection from the Elements: Obviously this is one of the main factors when selecting your jacket to make sure you don’t end up a soggy shivering mess when you finish your ride! Don’t forget that wind resistance is as important as waterproofing in our opinion. As any regular rider knows being on a hill on your hack racing across the countryside, you can be very heavily exposed to the wind chill factor. This is the fastest way to get cold and miserable before we even discuss rain. A women’s waterproof riding jacket which has a laminated (but breathable) wind block membrane ensures that the wind is kept completely at bay but imperatively allows body moisture to escape through its microporous construction. This type of technology avoids the build-up of sweat inside your jacket which, when it does happen, can actually make you feel cold, damp and clammy in addition to the effects of downpours.

2. Enhanced Comfort: Consider outerwear which has stretch properties to it. Many waterproof outerwear pieces (our city rider included) are engineered to move with you on account of their stretch qualities. The difference is big. As a rider, you know how much unrestricted movement you need mounting, riding, unbridling along with the mountain of other active jobs which require unrestricted movement whilst maintaining your horse. Comfort is essential in our minds and wearing a piece of outerwear which moves with you, feels soft and feminine and doesn’t come with a rustling noise is on the top of our agenda when selecting any coat.

3. Durability: High-quality waterproof jackets are designed to withstand the rigors of horse riding. They are made from materials that can endure the wear and tear of regular use but no longer need to be stiff, harsh or heavy in their hand-feel. Choosing a lightweight stretch option doesn’t mean a compromise on durability, modern fabrics are designed and tested to endure the wear and tear of brambles, loose branches and hedgerows that we all get tangled up in from time to time.

4. Easy care: This is a given around horses. Your jacket needs to be easily washed, dried and back on duty on a regular basis. Waterproofing finishes applied to the outside of technical weather-gear does wear off after multiple washes but using products such as Grangers wash and Repel or Nikwax’s equivalent products are easily found online or in outdoor and hiking shops and these maintain the repellent finish on your jacket

5. Versatility and smartness: The market in waterproof outerwear is changing and technical clothing that protects from the weather no longer needs to look and sound like a crunchy stiff crisp packet! Event riding is a part of many horse riders experience and a jacket which looks clean, smart and stylish suits the occasion and doubles up as a coat you would want to wear going about your daily business

Key Features to Look for in a Waterproof Horse Riding Jacket

1. Material: Look for jackets made from breathable yet waterproof materials like Gore-Tex or other advanced synthetic fabrics. These materials prevent water from entering while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you dry from both rain and perspiration.

2. Sealed Seams: To ensure no water seeps through, opt for jackets with sealed seams. Fully seam sealed jackets are more expensive to purchase but the waterproof tape which is heat applied to cover every seam ensures no water comes through the stitch holes and does make a difference in ensuing you are completely dry at the end of your ride.

3. Fit and Mobility: A good riding jacket should fit well but allow for a full range of motion. Look for designs that are tailored for riding, with either articulated sleeves, or fully body stretch and a longer drop back hem may keep you better covered while in the saddle. Length of sleeves is also a consideration for obvious reasons when riding. Adjustable cuffs are a good idea to secure sleeves in place as well as keep out the rain and wind.

4. Ventilation: Even in cold weather, riding can be a sweaty activity. As we have suggested above many high quality waterproof jackets have breathability engineered into the fabric. Some outerwear however such as waxed and rubber forms of weatherproofing aren’t as advanced and, if this is the style you choose, do ensure ventilation features like zippered vents under the arms can help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable. At the very least we would always check the sleeves tie around your waist comfortably so you can take your jacket off on your ride when the temperatures rise.

5. Visibility: Riding in low light or poor weather conditions especially when the days get shorter can be risky. Although most people don’t want to compromise on their colour choice (bright colours aren’t necessarily a sophisticated choice), Jackets with small reflective elements can enhance your visibility and could be a good idea dependent on your riding times and habits

6. Pockets and Storage: Practical storage options are essential for carrying small items like your phone, keys, or snacks. All pockets need to be zipped secured for safety and waterproof zippers or flaps over pockets are a good thing to look out for as they will keep your belongings stay dry.

Care Tips for Your Waterproof Jacket

1. Regular Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your jacket. Horse riding jackets by their nature need regular cleaning to keep looking their best. Regular washing can also help maintain its waterproof and breathability properties by de-clogging your jacket of any muck and residue. Choosing a jacket with a carbon free water-resistant finish applied to the surface of the waterproof fabric does help to keep your jacket cleaner for longer. The finish acts like a Teflon coated pan and any marks or dirt just brushes off the surface which helps with minimal washing. 

2. Reproofing: However, over time, the waterproof coating on your jacket may wear off. Reproofing sprays or washes can restore its effectiveness and are readily available online or in any outdoor hiking or sports shop. We recommend our jacket to be reproofed every 6 months to keep them in optimal condition. All this involves is adding the solution directly into your washing machine at 30oC and your jacket outer layer is revived

3. Proper Storage: Store your jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding it tightly to prevent damage and ensure it is well ventilated after being outside in the rain. Modern jackets are often anti-microbial in nature but any build-up of mildew on any clothing is very hard to remove – so avoid at all costs

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality short or long waterproof riding coat is essential for any rider who faces the elements on a regular basis. With the right jacket, you can ensure a comfortable and dry ride, no matter the weather and it encourages you to get out more often knowing you’re in your protected shell. Consider the features and options available to find the perfect jacket that meets your needs and enhances your riding experience. Stay dry, stay comfortable, and here’s to hours of happy riding!