Very few riders (and horses, for that matter) actually enjoy riding in the rain, but whether it’s out of necessity or through training, we all have to go through it at some point! The beautiful British weather is always keeping us on our toes, so whether it’s the middle of summer or the depths of winter, it’s always wise to prepare for a shower of some sort.
Riding or tending to your horses in the rain doesn’t need to be as miserable as it sounds. With the right equipment, both you and your horse can enjoy being out and about in the wet weather.
With these wet weather staples, nothing can dampen your day.
Whether you’re mucking out, working in the yard or riding your horse in the rain, it’s essential to stay warm, comfortable and – above all – dry. There’s nothing worse than soggy socks or wet hair when you’ve got hours of work ahead of you, so beat the odds by investing in some great rainy day essentials that will take you well beyond the stables.
Rainy rating: Suitable for torrential rain!
Weatherbeeta are known for their high-quality riding gear, and the Kyla Jacket is no exception. Smart enough for general wear yet packed with technical abilities, the Kyla jacket is a great all-rounder for Autumn through to Spring. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, this jacket has sealed seams and lined inner quilting. With a high funnel neck and tuck-away hood, you’ll be well protected if you get stuck in the wind or rain. This jacket is ideal for wearing around the yard, while taking the dog out for a walk or on a cold morning ride. We love that the length of this jacket is perfect for fitting over the saddle, yet not too long for mounting and dismounting.
Rainy rating: Suitable for torrential, non-stop rain!
Every rider – no, every human – needs a lightweight rain jacket in their wardrobe, and this Unisex H20 Jacket from Horseware ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re heading out on a hike, tacking up your horse or on a ride, this sleek and stylish performance jacket is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. Made from stretch-woven polyester with a TPU membrane, it’s lightweight and breathable yet warm and windproof. Most importantly, it’s 100% waterproof and comes with a detachable hood that can be stowed away when the sun comes out. A great bit of kit to keep at the stables, in the car or in a backpack for those sudden downpours that leave you soaked to the skin.
Rainy rating: Suitable for icy showers!
Unless you’ve been stuck in a shower while you’re on a ride, gloves might not be the first item that comes to mind for protection against the rain… But they’re essential! Not only can the rain make your grip less effective, but the cold can be pretty painful on your bare hands. The Dublin Thermal Riding Gloves feature a PU gel print at the palm for added grip, which is excellent for all kinds of weather (…hello, sweaty summer palms!). The cosy knit material will also keep your hands warm while riding. We always like to keep a pair of these in our jacket pocket, just in case.
Rainy rating: Suitable for torrential, non-stop rain!
Get stuck in with these all-terrain boots, suitable for riding, working in the yard and going for a stroll to the shops. These tall boots feature an all-terrain thermo rubber sole unit and an adjustable Cordura gaiter to keep your feet and legs cosy and warm in all weather. It doesn’t matter how many puddles you wade through or how much mud splashes you on a ride as the Toggi Columbus Boots contain a Veridex waterproof membrane system and removable foot bed. The upper is made from tumbled leather with a beautiful grain for style and practicality, making these just as wearable outside of the yard. These boots are waterproof and breathable, but if any water does get into your boots, you can easily remove the foot bed and clean it or hang it on the radiator for speedy drying.
Rainy rating: Suitable for heavy showers!
If there’s just a light Autumnal shower or you can see the weather clearing up, a pair of half-chaps will keep your legs warm and dry while giving you full flexibility in the saddle. Chaps protect the legs when riding, including protection from light rain. The Ariat Unisex Concord Smooth Chaps are sleek and supple, made from an unlined full grain leather with a suede inner panel for extra comfort. They feature a stretch skirt over the instep for neater integration with your boots, and have been cut with a high, Spanish topline for an elegant and sophisticated look. Wear these over your favourite trousers or jodhpurs for the most comfortable ride in the rain, with the full-length elastic panel ensuring a close fit to keep out the rain.
Rainy rating: Suitable for torrential, non-stop rain!
When the rain is persistent but life goes on, only overtrousers will do. Keep a pair of these unisex overtrousers at the stables to throw on top of your leggings, jodhpurs or jeans on particularly rainy days. Made from a breathable, rustle-free fabric with the perfect amount of stretch, you’ll be ready to work around the yard, go on a ride or clear out the stables without worrying about being wet or cold. The elasticated waist is comfortable and roomy for tucking in a base layer or jumper, and the taped seams mean you’ll never experience leaks. We love the zipped pockets to keep your phone and other valuables safe and try, plus the zipped legs for easy removal. A must-have for rainy weather.
Healthy horses can naturally withstand bad weather, but they will most likely head for cover if they’re outside – unprotected – in torrential rain. While it’s natural for your horse to be outside in the rain, it’s still important to make sure they’re as happy and as comfortable as possible. Before the weather gets too cold, we like to take out our horse gear and check what needs to be cleaned, mended or replaced. A threadbare jacket isn’t going to do much to prevent rain rot or discomfort, so maybe it’s time for an upgrade?
Rainy rating: Suitable for icy showers!
This best-selling Amigo turnout rug is waterproof, breathable and comfortable. With Surefit Neck design and V-Front, your horse will have the freedom to move and graze as they please without any discomfort, plus the added benefit of being protected from the rain. The leg arches and wipe-clean tail cord are great for rainy, muddy weather, keeping your horse clean and dry throughout the day. This particular style has 250g of fill for a snug Autumn jacket and a strong 1200D outer shell for protection against the elements. When the rain is over and you remove your horse’s turnout, their mane will be clean, dry and shiny thanks to the anti-bacterial, anti-static and shine-enhancing polyester lining. This style also comes in a 0g fill for the warmer months and 400g fill for winter.
Rainy rating: Suitable for heavy showers!
A rug that will transcend the seasons. Combo necks are an excellent idea for cooler climates and wetter weather. As we all know too well, we can experience all the seasons in a matter of minutes in the UK, so having a rug with a detachable neck is a real time saver. This Gallop Trojan Xtra 100 Turnout rug is made from a strong 1200D ripstop material with taped seams for optimal protection. Waterproof and extra lightweight, your horse will have complete freedom of movement while being sheltered from the harsh wind and rain.
Rainy rating: Suitable for heavy showers!
The clue is in the name. Weatherbeeta is renowned for its top-quality products, and this combo turnout rug is undoubtedly capable of going up against the weather and reigning supreme. This Comfitec Classic Combo Neck rug has been hydrostatic pressure tested to 2000mm plus and moisture vapour tested to 2000g/m2 plus, which means it’s one of the most waterproof options on the market. Breathable, lightweight yet super strong – you really can’t go wrong! The 220g of warm polyfill helps to insulate your horse without overheating and allows them to feel comfortable with the freedom to graze and move around as they please.
Rainy rating: Suitable for torrential, non-stop rain!
A reflective turnout rug is a must-have for dark rainy days, and this Amigo Bravo 12 Reflective Plus Medium is one of our favourites! Not only will it help you to locate your horse in the field in low light, but it’s also for your horse’s safety. This fantastic rug features reflective yarn woven into the polyester outer which illuminates at night for maximum visibility. Made from a strong 1200D polyester waterproof and breathable outer, this rug is perfect for all-weather – particularly in the rain! It also features an anti-bacterial, anti-static, shine-enhancing polyester lining, so your horse’s coat will have a healthy sheen to it when you remove the rug. This rug includes 250g fibrefill in the body and hood for extra warmth in cooler weather, so it’s a must-have for Autumn and Winter.
Rainy rating: Suitable for heavy showers!
Having an extra hood on standby is always a good idea. This turnout hood is made from a 1000D polypropylene outer, tightly woven to repel water and wind efficiently. The inner fabric is anti-static and anti-bacterial to keep your horse comfortable and clean – the perfect match for your favourite turnout rug.
Rainy days can make us question what it was that drew us to horses or riding, but if you’ve got the right gear for yourself and your horse, surviving (and thriving) in the rain is easier than you’d think! We also like to take the opportunity to check our tack on rainy days and opt for inside jobs, such as washing and drying rugs and stable sheets, making sure the stables are cosy and clean and checking our own equestrian wardrobe for repairs. Whether you’re inside or out, there’s plenty to love about a rainy day when you’ve got the right gear to get you through it.