Riding Vests: Core warmth and free arms for women riders

Riding Vests: the flexible layer for women riders

Riding vests are the most practical piece of clothing for spring and autumn. They keep your core warm but leave your shoulders and arms free, so you can use the reins with feeling. We stock padded quilted gilets, soft fleece gilets, casual gilets, a high visibility vest for better visibility out hacking and a heated gilet for really cold winter days.

Padded, fleece or heated

A padded riding vest is light, warm and packs down small. Fleece gilets are soft, breathable and ideal as a mid layer under a jacket. A heated gilet with a power bank brings active warmth to your back and chest when you spend a long time at a winter show or do the early morning feeds. Riding vests are often a little longer at the back so your back stays covered when you sit. Zipped pockets keep your phone and keys safe while you ride.

Be seen out hacking

If you ride at dusk or on roads, a high visibility vest makes a lot of sense. The bright colour and reflective strips mean drivers can spot you sooner. You simply slip it on over your jacket. Combined with reflective equipment on your horse, you are far more visible in traffic. Choose a size that fits comfortably over a thick winter jacket.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a riding vest over my body protector?
Yes, as long as the gilet is cut generously enough. If in doubt, go up a size or try it on with your body protector. It must not pull while you ride and should still close easily.

At what temperature is a gilet enough?
That is very individual, and many riders wear a gilet over a long sleeved base layer in spring and autumn. You warm up while riding but cool down quickly once you untack. That is exactly why a gilet works so well, as it is easy to put on and take off.

Do I have to wear a high visibility vest when hacking?
There is no general requirement everywhere, and rules vary by country and region. It is still a sensible choice for every ride on public roads and tracks, especially at dusk, in fog or in dull weather. For riders on roads it is a simple and effective precaution.