Freezing under pressure? Time to change clothes.
Horse showing in the winter can push even the most hard-core competitors to the brink. Frozen snot on your upper lip, ice chest arenas, and dismounting onto frozen toes… not to mention fresh horses.
We've engineered the winter horse show apparel you need to turn up the heat from head-to-toe. Staying comfortable in the show arena starts with a good foundation that means a winter show shirt and fleeced show breeches, yes you heard us right? A winter show shirt exists and tan winter show breeches exist too!
Bundle up, read our top tips, and prepare to experience winter horse shows the right way!
1. Winterize Your Show Ring Style
You put in the time to memorize your course, pluck the shavings out of your horse's tail, and polish your boots until they gleam. Don't let freezing temps distract you precisely when it's your time to shine—heading into the show ring.
Winter Circuit Show Coat
$129.00
$159.00
Cool your show nerves but keep everything else toasty during winter competitions with this cold-weather version of your favorite, flattering show coat. ClimaLuxe™ stretch-woven fabric unveils a soft fleece interior, and a wind and weather-resistant exterior that keeps you ready… read more
● Wear a Winter-Savvy Show Coat and Shirt: Our fleece-lined Winter Circuit Show Coat and Winter Circuit Show Shirt are perfect for horse showing in colder weather. Super soft and stretchy, this knit top combines classic design with cutting-edge performance. We also have a Kids Winter Horse Show Shirt to keep little equestrians warm and happy.
● Invest in Brushed Fleece Breeches: Kerrits 3-Season Tailored Breeches (knee patch and full seat) combine a fleece-lined interior with a wind and water-resistant exterior so you can concentrate on your course—not keeping your vital organs functional. These are the perfect tan winter show breeches.
● Keep Your Toes Toasty: From wool winter socks to insulated boots, warm feet are the (literal) foundation of a cold-weather show outfit. Pick up some disposable heated insoles at your local ranch store, or splurge for battery-powered insoles you can reuse them all season long.
● Retain Hand and Head Heat: Fleece-lined gloves, like our Winter Circuit Riding Gloves, improve circulation and avoid those dreaded numb fingers. Adding a hat liner or headband under your helmet insulates your ears and keeps head heat from escaping.
2. Beyond The Show Arena: Horse Show Clothing Layering
There's no better way to get a leg up on the competition than effective layering all weekend long. When you’re not in the ring, you’ll want the right layers to retain essential body heat and adjust to changing conditions, so you can stay focused and perform your best.
● Trap heat: The right clothes, in the right order, make the most of your natural body heat.
● Adjust on the fly: Quickly add or remove layers as temperatures and activity levels change.
● Wick and warm: Clammy chills have no place in your championship class, and the right layers keep your skin dry—even if you work up a sweat.
The Layering Trifecta
Combining three strategic layers helps keep your mind on your ride from warm-up to victory lap. Let's break it down.
Base layer
On-skin softness meets wicking wonder in the best base layers. Without this garment, sweat from grooming your gray gelding (who undoubtedly rolled overnight) can leave you chilled all day.
Primary Purpose: Wick sweat away from your skin
Where to Wear It: Closest to your body
Ideal Fabrics: Base layers come in a variety of fabrics, from synthetics (e.g. polyester, nylon) to natural fabrics like Merino wool.
Weight: As long as you choose a wicking material, base layer fabric weight comes down to personal preference. Some base layers are thinner like long underwear, while others are thicker and warmer.
Fit: Snug, but not tight, against your skin
Mid layers act as the bridge between your wicking base layer and your weather-proof outer layer. It should be a hard-working garment that efficiently traps body heat so you can groom, warm up, and enter the show ring in comfort.
Primary Purpose: Heat retention
Where to Wear It: Over your base layer, below your outer layer
Ideal Fabrics: You have many options for mid-layer fabrics, including synthetic and natural fibers (e.g. wool, wool blends). Fleece tops and insulated "puffer" jackets are also popular.
Weight: The thicker (read: puffier) the garment, the warmer it will typically be.
Fit: Semi-fitted so it breathes and traps heat
Outer Layer
Choosing a quality top layer is critical, as it needs to shield you from wind, rain, hail, sleet, and snow. If you forgo this layer, or if it doesn't perform, wind and water can penetrate to lower layers and result in teeth-chattering chills.
Primary Purpose: Wind/water protection
Where to Wear It: On top of all other layers as a shell
Ideal Fabrics: Outer layers range from ultra-durable waterproof/breathable shells to soft shells to tightly-woven nylon or polyester jackets. Make sure it's treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) so moisture beads and rolls off the fabric if it gets wet.
Weight: They come in a variety of weights, but the best outer layer is the one you feel most comfortable in. If you pick a thicker option, look for venting or zippers that help ventilate and temperature regulate.
Fit: Should be flexible so you retain full range of motion in the saddle.
3. Stay Flexible
Flexibility is an important factor to consider when choosing the best winter horse show clothing. Not only can clothing affect your basic mobility and comfort, it can help (or hurt) your ability to perform your best in the saddle.
You need to be able to move with your horse, adjust your position, and push yourself to the limit without feeling restricted.
Pro Tip: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and be uncomfortable, so look for options that are snug—but not too tight.
Flexibility is critical for both show tops and bottoms. Breeches and tights, be they full seat or knee patch, should hug your body without feeling constricting. Grip areas should provide your preferred amount of stick without feeling bulky.
Product Spotlight: 3-Season Tailored Breech
$139.00
The perfect winter breech is designed with beautifully tailored stretch-woven fabric and a fleece-lined insulated interior. This winter riding pant features thoughtfully placed pockets, a traditional front zip and belt loops to add structured sophistication. This cozy winter breech stretches… read more3-Season Tailored Knee Patch Riding Breech
Shop Tan Winter Show Breeches
4. Water out. Warmth in.
It's not enough to wear fifteen fleece jackets. Even a light snow or wintery drizzle can result in "wet cold" air that chills you to the bone.
Waterproof (or, at least, water resistant) apparel helps protect you from the elements and keep you dry, warm, and comfortable. Waterproof clothing also helps protect your other layers from becoming wet and extends the life of winter gear.
Pro Tip: Be sure to pack at least two layers with waterproofing technology, such as a waterproof/breathable membrane or a durable water-repellent finish.
If you do accidentally spray yourself while filling buckets, remove wet layers immediately. Pay special attention to whether your wicking base layer was compromised, and you need to swap it for a fresh garment.
$119.00
Designed to be worn over breeches or tights, these completely waterproof pants can be fully unzipped and pulled off without removing boots for a mud-free quick-change. Drawcord at the ankle can be cinched in to help prevent pant hem from… read moreWaterproof All Around Rain Pant
5. Be a Wind Stopper
Even darting between the barn and the arena can be enough to chill you for the day if a cold wind penetrates your layers. It's just one of the challenges of horse showing in the winter.
Checking the temperature before you get dressed is helpful, but you also check the wind chill. This number describes how the air temperature feels on your skin. The colder the air temperature, and the higher the wind speed, the colder it feels when you're outside.
Wearing a windproof layer helps protect you when you move between indoor and outdoor facilities. In addition to providing warmth, windproof clothing also helps to protect your skin from the drying effects of wind.
6. Perfect the Puff
Winter insulation is an art, not a science. Insulated clothing keeps you warm by trapping heat next to your body that provides a barrier between your body and the cold air. Insulated clothing is typically made of down, synthetic materials, or wool blends.
Down insulation is a popular choice when it comes to English horse show clothes for cold weather because it's lightweight and quite warm. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are a budget-friendly, easy-care alternative. Wool is a natural insulator that is warm and breathable, making it yet another good choice for cold weather clothing.
Some riders like to be toasty warm all the time, but others "run hot" and prefer less mid layers. Don't be afraid to try a few different weights before adding them to your show packing list.
Shop Equestrian Jackets & Vests
7. Remember to Breathe
Many riders overlook breathability when they choose winter show clothing. Breathability refers to the ability of a fabric to allow moisture vapor to pass through, which helps regulate your body temperature and prevent sweating.
When you're active in cold weather, like schooling your winter-fresh jumper in a chaotic warmup arena, your body generates heat and sweat. If your clothing isn't breathable, that moisture can get trapped, leading to a feeling of chilly dampness and discomfort.
Breathable base layers help wick away moisture and allow it to evaporate, keeping you dry and comfortable. Moisture-wicking materials can also help prevent chafing.
8. Adjust by Activity
It's important to adjust your English horse show clothes for cold weather based on your daily agenda. You'll need different layers if you're sitting in the stands watching classes than if you're actively schooling and showing.
Generally, if you're going to be more active, choose lighter layers that allow for greater mobility. If you'll be more stationary (e.g. braiding, spectating), opt for thicker layers to maximize insulation.
Pro Tip: Always pack a layering vest that fits well over your winter show clothes. It's an easy way to keep your core temp regulated during your warm up without sacrificing freedom of movement. Then slip it off when it's your turn to show!
9. Evaluate Endurance
Winter conditions—and horse riding, in general—can be tough on clothing. Choose show clothes that are durable enough to withstand the demands of our sport.
High-quality materials and attention to detail (e.g., seam stitching) separate quality show apparel from underperforming garments. In addition to durability, consider the type of activity you'll be doing and the level of wear and tear your clothes will experience.
For example, an insulated jacket you wear to groom, warm up, and muck out needs to be more durable than a show coat you pull on at the entry gate and wear for five minutes.
Dressing for success isn't about chasing trends, it's about expressing yourself and feeling good so you can ride your best. We love helping women of all sizes and shapes radiate confidence every time they enter the show ring.
Identify what colors, silhouettes, and fabrics you are drawn to and what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Pro Tip: Check the rules for your specific discipline so you aren't accidentally penalized for a fashion faux pas.
Showcasing your personal style is easy with our classic black Waterproof Rain Jacket, Waterproof All Around Rain Pant, and Waterproof All Around Rain Jacket—specifically designed so it's easy to have them locally embroidered with your name or team logo. These pieces also work well as outer layers during multiple seasons.
Round Out Your Packing List
Proper apparel is critical to a successful winter horse show experience, but there are several additional items you should pack.
● EQ Duffle Bag: Roomy enough for all your layers, with a hidden shoe pocket to boot, this is one piece of luggage you won't be able to live without come show season.
$99.00
This soft-sided equestrian duffle bag is constructed from a durable fabric that wipes clean with ease. Kerrits exclusive Chevron Bits pattern is subtly embossed on the outside; inside there is ample storage space, with multiple thoughtfully placed pockets, and printed… read moreEQ Equestrian Duffle Bag
● Winter Accessories: Keep body heat from escaping through your extremities by keeping winter accessories in your ring bag. Wear insulated Winter Circuit Riding Gloves that work as hard in the ring as they do on the trek back to the barn. Swap your helmet for a warm, winter hat once you're done showing. Your cold weather boot socks can stay put, since they're designed to stay warm and dry all day long. (Shop All Accessories)
● Waterproof Boots: Cold feet are the gateway to show day shivers, and warm socks are only half of the equation. Pack a pair of waterproof, or better yet, waterproof and insulated boots to change into when you're done riding. Make sure they're waterproof in case you have to trudge through snow or freezing puddles, or slosh water all over your feet while filling buckets. (Shop Footwear)
Cold-Proof Your Body
Cold-weather athletes must also take proactive steps to keep their bodies in tip-top shape. When you exercise (or horse show!) in cold weather, it's harder to regulate your core body temperature and humidify the cold, dry air you're breathing.
Sweating pulls moisture from your body and can cause the dreaded "clammy" feeling unless you have a proper wicking base layer. Regardless, sweating in the winter dehydrates you, causes fatigue and muscle cramps, decreases circulation, and makes it harder to regulate your temperature.
- Even if you're not thirsty, drink water, warm tea, and/or electrolyte drinks throughout your show day.
From numb fingers to frozen water buckets, cold weather horse showing takes hard work and sacrifice. But with winter horse show apparel from Kerrits, you can stay on budget and pursue your competitive goals without cutting corners on performance or style.
Investing in quality gear that keeps you comfortable when the pressure is on? Talk about a blue ribbon strategy