Top Tips for Riding in Bad Weather | Stay Dry and Comfortable in the Saddle

Top Tips for Riding in Bad Weather | Stay Dry and Comfortable in the Saddle

    Because rain doesn’t cancel horse life — it just adds puddles.

    With the right equestrian clothing and weather proof riding gear, you can tackle even the worst of British and Irish weather.

    If you ride horses in the UK or Ireland, bad weather isn’t just likely — it’s inevitable. Whether it’s misty mornings, sideways rain, or days where you can’t tell if it's summer or November, equestrians face the elements head-on. But the right water-repellant equestrian riding gear can make all the difference.

    Here are some real-life, rider-tested tips to help you stay warm, dry, and in the saddle — because we all know horses don’t stop for the weather, and neither do we!

    1. Wear Water Resistant Riding Gear That Actually Works

    Let’s be honest: most of us have tried layering a hiking jacket over breeches and hoped for the best. But general outdoor gear just doesn’t cut it in the saddle. It rides up, soaks through, and never quite feels right.

    That’s exactly why Charlene, the founder of World Equestria, created the EQUISUIT® — a waterproof horse-riding suit designed for women who ride in all weather. She was fed up with changing outfits three times a day — from school runs to the yard to the office — and none of them did the job properly. The EQUISUIT® was born from soaking-wet mornings and the frustration of gear that looked great in the shop but fell flat in the mud.

    What makes it different? Key Features of the EQUISUIT®

    • Water-resistant, windproof outer layer for full-body protection
    • Breathable equestrian fabric that doesn’t leave you clammy
    • Smart enough for town, tough enough for turnout
    • Fleece-lined equestrian gear with ski pant bottoms to fight off the chill

    It’s an all-in-one solution for practical equestrian wear in bad weather — designed by someone who lives it.

    “I wanted something that worked as hard as I do, because the horses still need fed and the kids still need lifted — rain or not.”

    – Charlene, World Equestria founder

     

    2. Don’t Forget Your Legs – Water Repellent Riding Gear for Bad Weather

    It’s not just your top half that suffers in the rain. Wet breeches make for a miserable ride and cold knees don’t belong in a saddle. Look for equestrian over-trousers or full-body waterproof riding suits with:

    • Reinforced inner legs and seat
    • Easy on/off design
    • Water-repellent materials — not just “showerproof”

    Many riders swear by layering thermal leggings underneath waterproof trousers, but with the EQUISUIT®, you don’t need to faff with extra layers. It’s already fleece-lined and roomy enough for winter thermals — no more wrestling in the tack room.

     

    3. Choose Boots That Stand Up to the Storm - Selecting the Best Waterproof Equestrian Footwear for Riders

    Your feet are first to suffer when the puddles hit. The best waterproof riding boots for wet weather are:

    • Fully sealed around the foot
    • Insulated for warmth
    • Designed with grip soles for yard work and safe stirrup use

    Wellies might be fine for mucking out, but they don’t offer the control you need for riding. Look for riding-specific waterproof boots, and keep them treated with waterproofing spray if needed. The right boots help prevent water from running down into your socks — especially when paired with the EQUISUIT®.

    4. Stay Seen, Stay Safe - Riding Safely in Low Visibility

    Low visibility and grey skies can make you nearly invisible on country lanes or woodland tracks. Add hi-vis equestrian safety gear like:

    • Reflective strips on your jacket, arms or boots
    • A high-vis vest layered over your coat
    • Lights clipped to your helmet or horse’s bridle

    Luckily, the EQUISUIT® is available in elegant, rich colours like navy and burgundy — but still designed to pair well with safety accessories for equestrians without the bulkiness, so you don’t have to choose between style and sensibility.

    5. Gloves Matter More Than You Think -Why Waterproof Riding Gloves Are Essential for Comfort and Safety

    There’s nothing worse than soggy, freezing hands mid-hack. Invest in a good pair of waterproof horse-riding gloves with:

    • Non-slip palms for reins
    • Warm linings that don’t add bulk
    • Adjustable wrist closures to keep water out

    If you're not riding but still doing yard work, keep a spare pair in your grooming box — one for mucking out, one for riding. Because dry gloves = happier hands.

     

    6. Let Your Gear Dry Out Properly – Why Proper Care of Your Riding Gear is Essential for Longevity

    • After a long day in the rain, resist the urge to dump your gear in a heap by the back door (we’ve all done it). Instead:

      Hang your equestrian weather proof clothing to dry in a warm, airy space

      Avoid radiators or heaters – they can damage water-resistant riding fabrics

      Brush off mud while it’s damp to avoid staining

      If you have chosen the EQUISUIT®, refer to the care guidelines to make sure you are taking good care of it

      High-quality riding gear for wet weather lasts longer when it’s treated well — and that's a win for both your comfort and your bank account.

      And if you’re wearing your EQUISUIT®, you’ll be warm, dry and ready for whatever the forecast throws your way. From early-morning turnouts to late-night rug changes, it’s designed to keep up — because rain never stopped a real rider.

    Stay dry, stylish, and ready for anything with the EQUISUIT® — the weather proof equestrian clothing solution made for real horsewomen.

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