Best Equestrian Summer
Gloves of 2026
Our hands are one of our most important tools for communicating with our horses, whether we're riding, mucking stalls, or loving on our favorite equine. Yet, many of us do not adequately protect our hands while at the barn or in the saddle. We encourage you to care for your hands to maintain that vital connection with summer riding gloves.
When shopping for gloves, we suggest focusing on key features, such as UV protection and technical materials. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and allow air to circulate. Materials like polyester, spandex, and mesh are great options. In addition to keeping you cool, these technical fabrics provide better UPF protection than natural fabrics like cotton. Technical fabrics are typically thin but durable, making them ideal for summer horseback riding.
With these important features in mind, it shouldn't be hard to find the perfect pair of gloves to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the warmer months. To help you further narrow down the right pair of summer gloves, the RW Crew has put together a list of our favorites!
Samshield VSkin Hunter Blazon Elegant Riding Gloves
The Samshield VSkin Hunter Blazon Elegant Riding Gloves are made for high temperatures and high standards! With their sleek all-black profile and subtle tone-on-tone Blazon logo, they have that classic hunter look, but the real magic is how they handle the summer heat. VSkin means they are ultra-thin, extremely lightweight, and the second-skin feel (which we are obsessed with) makes you forget you are even wearing gloves. This gives you that perfect feel for connection with your horse, but with a strong suede palm for a steady grip even in summer weather. Add in Lycra panels for stretch and elastane at the wrist, and you have got a glove that flexes with every rein adjustment and half-halt.
These gloves are our top-tier pick for the summer season at a price point that is actually very reasonable for the amount of technical features, sophistication, durability, and summer comfort you get. So treat your hands to a little luxury in and out of the show ring. Trust us, they are worth every penny!
| How They Fit & Feel |
All-Black Design Perfect for the Hunter Ring & More Featherlight, Second-Skin Feel Gives a Close Hand-to-Horse Connection High-End Construction & Materials at a Great Price Point Perforated Synthetic Leather for Excellent Airflow & Breathability |
Dublin Pull On Cool Mesh Riding Gloves
If you are the type of rider who immediately peels off your gloves the second you are done riding because the gloves feel bulky, sweaty, and restrictive, you are going to want to grab a pair of the Dublin Pull On Cool Mesh Riding Gloves. These gloves are for the rider who craves simplicity. No straps, no bulk, no fuss. Just a whisper-light mesh back that moves with you and has unbeatable breathability. If you are sensitive to pressure at the wrist (same here!), you will appreciate how these gloves hug gently without the bulk of a Velcro strap!
Grip where you need it, air where you want it, and a design that feels so close to a second skin that you forget you are even wearing them until you realize your reins aren't slipping. Simple, breathable, and grippy, just how summer riding gloves should be!
| How They Fit & Feel |
Ultra-Lightweight & Breathable Second-Skin Feel Durable KT-Serino Leather-Look Palm for Lasting Grip Lycra-Air Mesh on Back for High Ventilation & Less Sweat Pull-On Elasticized Wristband for Comfort & Fit Touchscreen Compatible |
Correct Connect Tackified Coppertech Leather Glove
When it comes to summer gloves, the riders here at Riding Warehouse are picky because we know how miserable slippery reins, sweaty palms, and stiff leather can be when temperatures rise. After testing many options, the Correct Connect Tackified Coppertech Leather Gloves clearly deserve a place in our top summer riding gloves for 2026. Why? First off, the digitized tackified full-grip leather provides a seriously secure hold without sacrificing breathability, keeping your hands exactly where you want them, even on the hottest, most humid days. Plus, the mesh upper enhances airflow.
But what really makes these gloves stand out is the Copper Tech Lining! It supports circulation, reduces soreness, and eases that end-of-day hand fatigue, especially if you ride multiple horses or deal with arthritis. We have definitely felt the difference after long days, and we know you will too! Seriously grippy, ultra-high quality, highly breathable, and with therapeutic support on top of it all, these gloves are everything you could ask for and more in a summer glove!
| How They Fit & Feel |
Premium Cabretta Leather with Ultra-High Tacky Grip Palms Strategically Placed Reinforced Leather Between Rein Fingers Moisture-Wicking to Eliminate Chafing & Odor Boosts Circulation, Reduces Fatigue & Pain *Fit Note: Runs Small, We Do Recommend Sizing Up* |
SSG "The Original One" All Weather Riding Gloves
We know why "The Original One" All Weather Gloves by SSG continue to be one of our best-sellers at RW year after year! Suitable for any equestrian discipline, The Original One is designed with an Aquasuede Plus palm that offers exceptional grip and will not shrink or stiffen after drying. Breathable and comfortable, the faux suede material wears better than leather and absorbs moisture well for a dry feel all day long. The stretchy, elasticized back, available in many fun colors, is comfortable against the skin and offers a customized feel—all at a great price, too!
| How They Fit & Feel |
Aquasuede Plus Palm Durable, Breathable, Good Grip - Wet or Dry Elasticized Back for Comfortable Fit Unisex Sizing Fun Color Choices! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wear riding gloves in the summer? Won't I be cooler with bare hands?
Many equestrians opt for gloves year-round. Focusing on the riding element, gloves will typically provide a more secure grip on the reins than bare hands, especially if you or your horse is sweating. No one wants to be fumbling with their reins at a critical moment. If only for your and your horse's safety, consider wearing gloves.
Many of the latest gloves use technical fabrics like polyester, elastane, and spandex. These fabrics are moisture-wicking and provide a cooling effect. Don't assume that going bare-handed will be cooler than wearing gloves. Try a pair of summer-specific gloves; you may be surprised how comfortable your hands feel!
Gloves with a high UPF rating will protect your hands from sun damage, including sunspots and wrinkles. No one wants hands that look older than our face or arms! Many equestrians must wear gloves in cooler seasons. In certain parts of the United States and Europe, it's simply too cold to ride in bare hands for much of the year. In such cases, it may be best to continue to wear gloves through summer for a consistent feel.
What are the best gloves for horseback riding?
The best glove for you comes down to your personal preferences. Key considerations include the time of year and the weather in your location. Look for summer gloves that are lightweight and breathable. If you wear gloves consistently, you'll want gloves you can wash, as they do get soiled quickly.
Like all apparel, gloves also provide an opportunity for you to show your individual style. Perhaps you love color; if so, many brands offer both neutral and fun color options. If you're headed to a competition, opt for more traditional colors (e.g., black gloves for the hunter/jumper show ring, and white or light-colored gloves for the dressage court).
If you've gotten comfortable in your summer gloves, be prepared to switch to their warmer cousins when the leaves begin to drop. Winter gloves provide warmth, typically without too much bulk. Check out our Best Winter Horse Riding Gloves if you're reading this article as fall and winter approach.
How do I know what size gloves to wear?
The picture guide below can help you determine your glove size. As noted toward the bottom, sizing tends to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Use your measurement as a general guide, taking into account any brand-specific differences.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article has encouraged you to treat your hands with care, since they are the only pair we get! As fellow equestrians, we understand how important it is to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun, high temperatures, and humidity. Failure to do so can lead to a range of negative health effects that may impact us and our ability to care for our equine companions.
Riding glove options are numerous and ever-changing; however, if you focus on key features, such as UV protection and technical materials, you're certain to find a summer glove that will keep you cool and comfortable. If you are in need of further assistance, please feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or at 1-800-620-9145. Happy riding!
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