Best Winter Horse
Riding Gloves of 2026
As equestrians, we know that horse activities don't stop just because of cold weather. Unfortunately, frozen fingers can make it hard to take care of and ride your beloved horse; plus, it's difficult to hold your reins correctly if you can't feel them!
Trying to choose the right gear for the winter weather in your area can be daunting, and that is precisely why our crew of equine experts has put together a list of some of the best winter horse riding gloves. We gathered information gained from using these gloves ourselves, along with plenty of feedback from our customers.
Check out our top picks so you can keep your hands and fingers warm whether your winter is mild or freezing!
Winter Riding Gloves Top Picks
| Glove | Best For | Lining | Standout Feature |
| LeMieux Close Contact | Schooling | Little to No Lining | Waterproof Shell |
| SSG Soft Touch | Showing | Silk Lining | Classic Horse Show Style |
| Heritage Leather Trail | Trail Riding | No Lining | Soft Goat Leather |
| Smartwool Active Fleece | Daily Wear | Merino Lining | Wind Resistant |
Best Gloves for Winter Schooling
LeMieux Close Contact Waterproof Riding Gloves
Best For:
Schooling rides in cold and wet weather.
A windproof and waterproof shell will keep your hands warm, and a high-grip, reinforced rein area makes sure you can maintain contact with your reins and, importantly, with your horse. Hooray for no stiff icicle fingers during your rides! The Velcro wrist closure ensures a secure fit, while stretchy fabric at the knuckles adds further flexibility to a stylish and warm glove.
| Why You'll Love Them | Potential Drawbacks |
High-Grip Design Reinforced Rein Area Waterproof Shell | No Thick Fleece Lining Not Great for Extreme Cold |
Best Gloves for Cold Weather Showing
SSG Soft Touch Lined Gloves
Best For:
Chilly weather horse shows.
Competitions are tough enough without frozen fingers! These SSG gloves are designed with a textured pebble finish that provides exceptional grip, and the light silk lining reliably keeps away the chill, making them perfect for the show ring. The classic black leather look is suitable for a variety of disciplines without adding bulk or losing that formal look.
| Why You'll Love Them | Potential Drawbacks |
Textured Pebbled Grip Classic Styling Suitable for Competition Silk Lining | Not Great for Extreme Cold Not Phone Compatible |
Best Gloves for Winter Trail Riding
Heritage Leather Trail Riding Gloves
Best For:
Cold weather trail riding or barn chores.
The Heritage Leather Trail Riding Gloves are lightly insulated and wind- and water-resistant, making them ideal for winter trail rides. The patented "Rein Cut" design removes any bulk between the fingers, so nothing stands between you and your contact with your horse. Plus, the bright color makes them easy to locate in the event that they are dropped on the trail!
| Why You'll Love Them | Potential Drawbacks |
Soft, Supple Goat Skin Leather Strong Natural Grip Durable & Versatile | Only Suitable for Moderate Cold May Not Fit Smaller Hands Well |
Best Gloves for Daily Wear
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Gloves
Best For:
Daily wear and chores in cold weather.
The Active Fleece Gloves offer a soft-brushed, insulating merino wool inner liner and a windproof shell to prevent chilly fingers, making them ideal for daily tasks. The silicone grips make chores like clipping blankets and mucking stalls easy - no slippery fingers! You'll be able to wear these gloves for every activity and chore around the barn, making your winter responsibilities much simpler.
| Why You'll Love Them | Potential Drawbacks |
Soft-Brushed Merino Wool Lining Windproof Overlay Silicone Grips on Palm | Not Suitable for Riding Only Suitable for Moderate Cold |
Winter Riding Glove Considerations
Insulation and Lining
Insulation is an important consideration when choosing winter apparel, especially gloves. Cold hands can make everything harder, so finding the right level of warmth is key. Most riding gloves feature a lightweight, brushed fleece lining that provides warmth while allowing you to comfortably close your fingers around the reins. Chore gloves, on the other hand, can have thicker insulation since maintaining a secure grip on the reins is less of a priority.
Weather Resistance
If you regularly face harsh winter weather, weather resistance can be just as important as insulation. For frequent exposure to rain, snow, or wind, consider windproof and waterproof gloves to help keep your hands dry and protected from the elements.
Fit
Different styles and brands offer a variety of fits, so finding the right one for your hands is important. Riders with slimmer hands or fingers may prefer gloves with an adjustable Velcro closure for a more secure fit. Those with larger hands may find a roomier cut or more flexible material more comfortable, allowing for easier movement without feeling restricted.
How to Measure for Horse Riding Gloves
To find your horse riding glove size, measure the circumference of the widest part of your palm (thumb excluded) in inches with a string or soft measuring tape. The circumference of your palm will be your glove size; for example, a hand measuring 7.5" in circumference equals a 7.5 glove size. Please keep in mind that glove sizing varies by brand, so it is best to refer to the brand-specific size chart.
Your horse riding gloves should fit like a second skin but with enough flexibility for you to be able to comfortably bend your fingers. If your gloves are too loose, they will limit your control when holding the reins or other equipment. Look for a close-contact fit; however, we encourage you to go with the larger of two options if you fall between glove sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which winter gloves are best for me?
Buying gloves online can be tricky for some customers, as it's hard to know for certain whether something will feel right until it's in hand (or in the case of gloves, on hand). It might take trying a few different glove styles and sizes to find your perfect pair. You can consider what is important to you in a winter glove to narrow down the choices, such as touch-screen compatibility, insulation, or waterproofing. The best winter gloves for you are the ones that offer both warmth and hand dexterity!
What other winter gear do equestrians need?
In terms of accessories, equestrians planning on horseback riding during the winter definitely need a good pair of socks! We also encourage you to take a look at our best winter jackets for men and women, best winter tights and breeches, as well as our best winter riding boots. Outfit yourself with the appropriate winter gear, and you're sure to be more comfortable while spending time with your horse during the colder months.
Do I have to wear a winter-specific glove?
You don't have to wear a winter glove if you don't want to, even though we recommend having the option on hand! For some people winter gloves are not as comfortable as a summer glove. If you don't like riding in winter gloves you may like to have them available for grooming, tacking, and chores!
Closing Thoughts
We hope this buying guide offered you more insight into an accessory that's necessary for cold winter rides: gloves! They help make life just a little easier when we're out with the horses during those chillier days. Should you have any questions regarding our winter riding glove selection, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. In the meantime, happy winter riding!
