Wearing the right coat can make all the difference to your enjoyment in the saddle, especially when the weather is inclement. We take a close look at the most practical waterproof riding jackets on the market and put them through their paces.
There is nothing more irritating than getting caught in the rain: the pleasant spring hack that starts in the sunshine and yet half way round the heavens open and you get soaked to the skin. To enjoy riding you need the right clothing for the job, so whether you have no choice but to ride in the rain, or you experience an unexpected downpour, setting out with a good quality waterproof coat will make all-weather riding a lot more pleasurable.
Our team of testers has put a selection of coats to the test over the last three months. They have worn them for hacking and yard work and assessed them out of five for fit, effectiveness and value for money, giving each jacket an overall rating out of 15.
1. Equetech Utopia Long Waterproof Riding Coat
RRP £199.95
Colours: Navy, charcoal
Sizes: XS – XXXL
Fit: I can’t fault the fit of this coat – from the first time I put it on it has quickly become a favourite and the one I reach for every morning as I go to the yard. It is true to size and thanks to the slight stretch of the material it moves with you and is so comfortable to wear. 5 stars
Effectiveness: This stylish long riding coat is waterproof and warm – even when I’ve been on the yard for hours in some horrid weather I’ve remained dry. The length is good and the leg straps hold the coat over your thighs when you’re riding, keeping you comfortable. The back gusset is a good size and it sits neatly over your saddle. It also boasts reflective strips. Another big plus is that this coat is made from bluesign® fabrics and manufacturing processes, which means that it is ethically and sustainably produced. 5 stars
Value for money: Very good value – and highly recommended. 4.5 stars
Total score: 14.5
2. Le Mieux Loire Waterproof Riding Coat
RRP £199.95
Colours: Navy, black, grey
Sizes: 6 – 18
Fit: This coat fits well in the body, but it was a little short in the sleeves for me. The longer length was good, though, and the coat is comfortable to wear. The hood is a generous size and the trim is removable, which I liked. All the fittings feel as though they are good quality and they have proved to be durable. The filling inside the jacket isn’t bulky so you have good freedom of movement for yard chores and riding. 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: This coat was great during the cold and wet weather. It kept me warm and dry with no need for any additional layers. The elastic leg straps held the coat in place when I was riding so that my thighs were protected from the elements. The single riding pleat at the back of the coat is generous enough to sit over the back of the saddle comfortably. 5 stars
Value for money: Good value for a true winter coat for riding and yard work. 4.5 stars
Total score: 14
3. Hy Equestrian Synergy Long Waterproof Secure Shield Coat
RRP £119.99
Colour: Navy
Sizes: XS – XL
Fit: This coat is a good fit and is comfortable to wear. The hood is removable and the right size, and although it isn’t adjustable, it can be fastened at the front to hold it up. The two rear zips make this coat comfortable to ride in and you don’t feel restricted. 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: A smart long coat that is cut slightly longer at the back, it has proved to be waterproof and windproof and has kept me dry and warm during some nasty weather this winter. The soft fleecy lining is cosy and I didn’t need any extra layers, even when the temperature dipped below zero. The only thing that lets this coat down is the quality of the front zip – I find it fiddly to fasten. 4.5 stars
Value for money: Great value for a good looking practical coat. 4.5 stars
Total score: 13.5
4. Weatherbeeta Tania Waterproof Jacket
£127.99
Colours: Ink navy, black
Sizes: XXS – XXL
Fit: A well-fitting jacket, but I wouldn’t say the sizing is generous, although it is nicely quilted without being bulky and so you can move without restriction, whether you’re riding or doing yard work. The cuffs are adjustable and the non-removable hood is a good size and shape. Overall, this is a nicely cut jacket that is flattering to wear. 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: I have found this to be a great coat. There is no doubt that it’s waterproof and windproof and, even though it’s lightweight, it is warm too. It has a Thermi-Heat lining that utilises thermal reflection (the lining is silver). I would say that this seems to help keep the warmth in; for example, I haven’t needed to wear any additional layers in cold weather. This is a shorter style jacket and so on rainy days I wear my overtrousers to keep my legs warm and dry. 4.5 stars
Value for money: Good value for money for a smart riding coat. 4.5 stars
Total score: 13.5
5. Harry Hall All-Weather Blouson Jacket Adult Unisex
RRP £85
Colour: Dark navy
Sizes: XXS – XL
Fit: This unisex jacket is true to size and a good fit. The hem is elasticated, but not as much as other blouson style jackets I’ve had, which means that it doesn’t ride up. The cuffs are elasticated, but they aren’t too tight, meaning that you can move freely. 5 stars
Effectiveness: A great, practical jacket that has proved to be waterproof and warm, although I did wear a gilet underneath on really cold days. The Harry Hall All-Weather Blouson is a lightweight jacket that’s a real workhorse – it’s not bulky and it doesn’t have lots of features, but it does the job really well. Being a shorter jacket, I did team it with a pair of overtrousers to help keep my legs warm and dry. 4 stars
Value for money: A fair price for a functional, everyday jacket. 4 stars
Total score: 13
6. Ladies’ Ri-Dry Classic Coat
RRP £199
Colours: Navy, buff, green, black
Sizes: 8 – 20-plus
Fit: The sizing of this coat is generous, so I went down a size. It has been designed so that you can comfortably wear a competition jacket or additional layers underneath. The cut and style of this jacket is lovely – there is a belt feature on the back that gives the coat a more shaped, flattering fit. It is also a good length and has a lovely deep colour. 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: The outer material is tough, but not too rigid, which means that it moves with you when riding. It is comfortable to wear, but it doesn’t have any filling and so on cold days I had to add layers to help keep me warm. The rear pleating allows the coat to sit over the back of the saddle. This coat has plenty of practical features and it has a quality and robust feel to it. 4.5 stars
Value for money: Quite expensive, but it does a good job. An out-and-out riding coat that will protect you from the elements. 4 stars
Total score: 13
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