The best water-repellent horse riding jacket will keep you properly protected from the wind and rain, while still allowing you to perform at your very best.
April showers, storm-force gales and sunny spells are all expected weather fronts in this interchangeable and energetic season. But whether you’re riding in snow, sleet, rain or sunshine, good waterproof jackets can offer protection from the elements in serious style.
When you’re choosing a new equestrian riding jacket, it’s important to consider exactly what you plan on wearing it for. This will determine the style and type of jacket you choose.
Most riding jackets tend to be either quilted or waterproof, and if you need a riding jacket for general yard work, then some level of water resistance is essential.
Consider the added features you might want in a jacket. If you’re looking for extra warmth in cold weather conditions, a long jacket would be more suitable. Exterior zip pockets or an inside zip pocket would be useful if you’re carrying your most essential items and valuables. Would a hood help you to stay warm and dry? Or would a removable hood suit you better?
It’s important to think about the kind of activities you want to conduct in your jacket and which features (stylistic or functional) you’ll benefit from most. It’s also crucial to feel and look good in the jacket too – the better you feel in it, the better you’ll ride!
It’s important to know that there is a big difference between whether something is waterproof or water resistant.
Water resistant jackets will typically be fine in drizzle or light showers, but won’t be suitable for heavy downpours. Whereas, a waterproof jacket will always keep you dry if you’re ever caught out in the rain or snow.
Here is a handy comparison table which explains what to spot when you’re choosing your next riding jacket. You can also check the fabric care label on the inside seam of the coat, which will state if it is a waterproof material or not.
Waterproof | Water Resistant |
Suitable for heavier rainfall | Suitable for light showers/drizzle |
Indicates high water protection | Indicates low water protection |
Taped seams | No taped seams |
The fabric has been treated with DWR (durable water repellent) | The fabric has been treated with DWR (durable water repellent) |
Features a waterproof fabric membrane | Does not feature a waterproof fabric membrane |
If you spend a lot of the time at the yard in all weathers, it would be worth investing in a waterproof coat. But if you avoid riding in the rain where possible, a water resistant one should suffice.
There are other technical materials to keep an eye out for too, such as rear vents and two-way zips. These can help you stay cool, prevent water coming in and increase comfort in the saddle, dependant on the chosen feature.
At Edgemere, we have a wide variety of waterproof and water resistant horse riding jackets to choose from, including parkas, gilets and competition jackets. We’ve picked out the best ones below.
Sacha’s pick: Cavalleria Toscana Team Patch Hooded Bomber
Sacha, Purchasing Manager at Edgemere, recommends the Cavalleria Toscana Team Patch Hooded Bomber – “I love this coat because it is comfortable, super lightweight and warm. It’s also waterproof and comes with a handy hood. This is my go-to jacket for riding and doing my horses.”
Amy’s pick: LeMieux Ladies Elite Crew Jacket
Amy, Social Media Manager at Edgemere, recommends the LeMieux Ladies Elite Crew Jacket – “This is a great price for a functional and stylish jacket. It’s also easy to wear and wash every day.”
Waterproof fabric ǀ Colours: Forest Navy ǀ Key features: Lightweight, removable hood, adjustable waist
The LeMieux Maisie Lightweight Riding Jacket is the perfect layer for those warm yet rainy spring and summer days. This lightweight jacket is fully waterproof, so you’ll stay completely dry, even in the heaviest downpours.
For the style conscious, it features an adjustable waist for a flattering, bespoke fit, along with a removeable hood and soft brushed lining for ultimate comfort.
Water resistant ǀ Colours: Navy ǀ Key Features: Detachable hood, lightweight, adjustable draw string waist
Not only will you be toasty warm whilst standing around on the yard or at a show, the Kingsland Classic Down Jacket is also breathable, allowing you to jump on and ride without overheating. The detachable and adjustable hood provides improved practicality, and the storm cuffs add extra warmth and protection from rain on drizzly days.
While this jacket doesn’t feature a fleece lining, the Kingsland Down Jacket is filled with 70% Down and 30% feathers, making it a super cosy coat whether you’re in or out the saddle.
Waterproof fabric ǀ Colours: Navy ǀ Key Features: Wind resistant, underarm zipped ventilation, zipped pockets
Perfect for on or off the yard, the LeMieux Ladies Elite Crew Jacket is both waterproof and wind resistant. Featuring fully taped seams and a double collar, it is designed to provide extra protection from the elements.
This classic jacket is ideal for all weathers and features underarm zipped ventilation to keep you cool while on the move. It also boasts an array of zipped pockets for your valuables.
Waterproof finish ǀ Colours: Navy ǀ Key Features: Classic silhouette, insulated, faux fur lined hood
This Ariat Women’s Tempest Insulated Parka H20 features a classic silhouette with built-in comfort and protection technology from hood to hem. It’s insulated to keep you warm to the core, without being overly bulky.
Its earth-friendly waterproof finish with sealed seams and zippers, and a removable faux-fur lined hood, make it perfect for helping to shield you from the elements.
Breathable fabric ǀ Colours: Navy or Black ǀ Key Features: Adorned with rhinestones, flattering fit, bi-elastic fabric
The Pikeur Isalie Ladies Competition Jacket is made from breathable and elasticated softshell material for maximum comfort and optimum performance at competitions.
This stunning show jacket boasts tonnes of features that demonstrate style and elegance, including eye-catching rhinestone application on the pockets and nape of the jacket.
Waterproof fabric ǀ Colours: Navy or Black ǀ Key Features: Windproof, lightweight quilted polyfill lining, reflective details
The Ariat Ladies Waterproof Team Stable Jacket is a water and wind resistant classic blouson style jacket with a lightweight polyfill quilted lining to keep you warm on everyday spring rides.
The jacket also features a mock collar and fitted hem, logo embroidery and reflective details to the back yoke and back sleeve seam. The front zip and fitted cuffs offer additional protection from wet weather too.
Waterproof fabric ǀ Colours: Navy or Black ǀ Key Features: Wind resistant, lightweight quilted polyfill lining, reflective details
The Ariat Men’s Stable Waterproof Team Jacket is a staple jacket that stays in Ariat’s range all year round, and is available in navy or black.
It has a lightweight polyfill quilted lining and features a mock collar and fitted hem. It has the Ariat logo embroidery on the arm and a zipped entry for team embroidery. It also has zipped underarm ventilation, which you can open up if you get hot.
This jacket is available in women’s and children’s sizes, making it perfect for a team or for a ‘mini me’ match!
Waterproof fabric ǀ Colours: Black ǀ Key Features: Performance stretch fabric, removable hood, two-way zip
Made for the rider who’s going to ride no matter the weather, the Ariat Prowess Waterproof Jacket features three-layer stretch for maximum mobility, as well as a multitude of technological details that make riding in inclement weather a breeze.
Ideal for wear both in and out of the saddle, this jacket is equipped with rear saddle vents to keep you cool, plus a two-way zip. A removable hood provides extra coverage when you need it the most, and the performance stretch fabrication with articulated sleeves allow you to move freely.
Wrinkle resistant fabric ǀ Colours: Black or Navy ǀ Key Features: Flattering fit, contemporary design, 4-way stretch fabric
The EGO7 Elegance Men’s Show Jacket captures the dynamics of the equestrian sport. A masterful blend of classic masculine style, fashion appeal and pioneering innovation, creates this ultimate contemporary show jacket, which is Italian designed to flatter the male figure.
Beautifully crafted, made with rich materials, signature detail buttons, embossed logo and captivating finishing touches, this plush jacket is ideal for any discipline.
Quilted body ǀ Colours: Navy ǀ Key Features: Zipped pockets, roller band edging on hem and sleeve cuffs, quilted core section
The Pikeur Arvid Men’s Hybrid Jacket is perfect for lovers of fashion and functionality! Featuring a bi-elastic fabric, which provides great protection from chill, it also includes stylish detailing with a large Pikeur emblem on the chest and a smart quilted body section.
It’s a great choice for men who love a sporty style and enjoy excellent ease of movement and comfort when they’re riding out.
We have a huge selection of riding jackets and coats to choose from. Whether you need a jacket for spring, summer, or even a winter horse riding jacket, you can count on Edgemere for great value riding wear.
If you need any more help choosing a waterproof riding jacket, please get in touch. We’d be more than happy to help you.