Riding Gloves: A soft feel on the reins and protection for hands

Riding Gloves: grip, feel and protection

Riding gloves protect your hands from blisters and friction when the reins run through your fingers or a horse pulls on the lead rope. At the same time they improve your hold, because the palm is grippy and does not slip even when your hands are sweaty or wet from rain. Depending on the weather, you will want thin, airy styles for summer or lined winter gloves for frost and wind.

What makes a good riding glove

A riding glove fits closely like a second skin so you can feel every subtle rein aid. Reinforcements between the ring finger and little finger absorb the friction from the reins. Stretchy panels on the back of the hand provide freedom of movement, and a hook and loop fastening keeps the glove secure at the wrist. Touchscreen compatible fingertips are handy if you want to check your phone quickly at the yard. Many gloves are washable and dry quickly.

Summer, all round or winter

On warm days summer gloves with a mesh back are pleasant because your hands sweat less. All round styles can be worn from spring to autumn. In winter, gloves lined with thermal or fleece fabric keep your fingers warm, and some are wind and water repellent too. For very cold temperatures there are also heated gloves with a battery. Whatever you choose, you should still have enough feel for the reins.

Frequently asked questions

Why should you wear gloves when riding?
They protect against blisters and rope burn if the reins or lead rope slide quickly through your hand. They also improve grip, especially in the rain or with sweaty hands. Gloves are particularly important when lungeing.

How tight should riding gloves be?
Tight enough that there are no creases on the fingers and the fingertips do not overhang. Nothing should pull or cut in when you make a fist. Leather gloves stretch a little, while synthetic materials hardly do.

How long do riding gloves last?
That depends on how often you ride and how much yard work you do in them. Typical wear points are the fingers where the reins lie. When holes appear there, it is time for a new pair.