The Best Winter Horse
Riding Gloves of 2023

As equestrians, we know that horse activities don't stop just because of cold weather. Unfortunately, freezing 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!

Equestrians need a particular kind of grip for reins and slippery pitchforks, and any old pair of winter gloves simply won't work for us. Our summer riding gloves with no insulation usually won't be enough for harsher winter weather either. (That said if you live in a temperate climate or if you're just hoping to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the warmer months, take a look at our best equestrian gloves for summer!)

There are many equestrian-specific accessories available to keep you comfortable in even the coldest temps. We know 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.

Whether your winter is mild or freezing, we have the right gloves to help keep you warm this season!

SSG Ride 'N Ranch Winter Riding/Work Fleece Gloves

The Ride 'N Ranch is our favorite glove for winter work around the ranch. The premium goat skin leather offers excellent grip while the Lycra back ensures mobility and ventilation. The fleece insulation keeps fingers warm through stall cleaning and turnout. We love the versatility of the wrist strap on bitter days when you need a more air-tight fit. Plus, these soft gloves are ready to ride in when your work is done!

Classic Equine Barn Gloves

We love these barn gloves by Classic Equine for the flexibility they offer, because we hate not being able to move our fingers around in bulky winter gloves! Durable but soft, these gloves are super easy to put on and take off; plus, they hold up well to chores around the barn. Offering comfortable flexibility and insulation, the Classic Equine gloves are versatile enough that they can take us from the barn to the saddle and everywhere else in between.

B Vertigo Rahel Thinsulate Lined Winter Riding Gloves

We are big fans of the B Vertigo gloves for their professional look that ups our style when schooling. The Thinsulate lining ensures our fingers don't freeze while we're in the saddle, and the grip is both soft and flexible. We especially appreciate being able to feel the reins without our fingers getting chilled! A simple snap closure lets you get in the irons and go, and the addition of reflective piping along the back of the hand helps keep you visible during those darker winter evenings.

Kunkle Fleece Lined Winter Riding Gloves

Competitions are tough enough without frozen fingers! We know the challenge of finding warm gloves that also meet the attire standards for competition. Kunkle designed a winter glove with a textured pebble finish that provides exceptional grip, and the fleece lining keeps the chill out reliably. The classic black leather look is suitable for a variety of disciplines, without adding bulk or losing that formal look. You can even machine wash these gloves and use your phone with them!

Heritage Arctic Winter Riding Mitten Gloves

When the snow and ice set in, we turn to the Arctic Winter mitten gloves by Heritage. The 80 grams of 3M Thinsulate provides exceptional protection from the cold, and a zippered pocket for a hand warmer offers even more heat when you need it. The unique design allows you to hold firmly onto whatever you need to, whether it be reins or tools, while making sure your body heat doesn't escape. Whether your snow days entail working or horseback riding, we think these Heritage gloves are the perfect partner!

Heritage Polarstretch 2.0 New Winter Riding Gloves

Cold winter weather doesn't have to keep you from the trails! The Heritage Polarstretch 2.0 gloves make the ideal riding companion when you're out and about. We like how the stretchy design provides full freedom of movement, and the grippy pattern keeps our hands on the reins in case of a sudden spook! Minimizing bulk without sacrificing warmth, the Polarstretch 2.0 gloves are perfectly suited to any winter adventure. If you're out during the early morning or night, the reflective piping along the back of the hand helps keep you visible too.

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.

Q: How do I know which winter gloves are best for me?

A: 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!

Q: What other winter gear do equestrians need?

A: In terms of accessories, equestrians planning on horseback riding during the winter definitely need a good pair of socks! We invite you to check out our best winter equestrian socks for insight on keeping your feet toasty warm, alongside your hands. 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 with your horse during the colder months.

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!

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