Leather Riding Gloves
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Leather horse riding gloves give you close rein feel, a naturally grippy palm and long-lasting durability — the trade-off is a short break-in period and a little more care than synthetic gloves. Just Horse Riders stocks 18 leather and leather-blend riding gloves from brands including Shires, Equetech, Mark Todd, Hy Equestrian, Premier Equine and LeMieux, in child and adult sizes, from £14.35.
In a hurry? Quick answers
- Everyday schooling & yard: Shires Aubrion Leather Riding Gloves — from £19.12
- Showing & competition: Equetech Leather Show Horse Riding Gloves — from £19.35
- Cold-weather riding: Hy Equestrian Thinsulate Leather Winter Horse Riding Gloves — from £21.11
- Premium feel: LeMieux Classic Leather Riding Gloves — from £34.95
- Lowest price in the range: children’s leather gloves from £14.35
Do leather gloves grip better than synthetic?
Leather tends to offer a more consistent, tactile grip on the reins because the material moulds to your hand and grips well when warm and lightly worn in. Many riders find it helps them feel subtle rein contact. Synthetic gloves can grip well too, especially with silicone palm patches, but leather is often preferred for showing and schooling where feel matters most.
How long do leather riding gloves take to break in?
Most leather riding gloves need a few rides to soften and shape to your hand — often around one to two weeks of regular use. They usually feel snug at first, then relax as the leather warms and flexes. Choosing the correct size from the start helps: leather gives a little, so a firm (not tight) fit when new is normal.
Which leather riding glove should I choose?
The right pair depends on what you ride in most. Use the comparison below to weigh leather against synthetic, then match the glove to your main activity — everyday schooling, showing, or cold-weather hacking. If you are unsure about fit or you have a hand or wrist concern, ask your instructor or a qualified fitter before buying.
| Feature | Leather gloves | Synthetic gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Feel & rein grip | Close, tactile; moulds to the hand | Good, often via silicone palm grips |
| Durability | Long-lasting with care | Hard-wearing; easy to replace |
| Break-in | Softens over the first rides | Comfortable straight away |
| Care | Wipe clean; condition occasionally | Usually machine or hand washable |
| Wet weather | Best kept for drier conditions unless waterproofed | Waterproof options widely available |
| Typical price | From about £14–£35 in this range | Often a little lower |
How do I look after leather riding gloves?
Wipe off mud and sweat after riding and let them dry naturally, away from direct heat, which can stiffen and crack leather. Condition occasionally with a suitable leather product to keep them supple. Store them flat, not scrunched in a pocket. Always follow the maker’s care instructions, as some leather and leather-blend gloves have specific cleaning guidance.
Which leather riding gloves are our favourites?
A few in-stock picks across everyday, showing and winter riding:
- Shires Aubrion Leather Riding Gloves — supple everyday grip, from £19.12
- Shires Aubrion Leather Riding Gloves – Child — great-value kids’ pair, from £14.35
- Equetech Leather Show Horse Riding Gloves — smart choice for the show ring, from £19.35
- Hy Equestrian Thinsulate Leather Winter Horse Riding Gloves — Thinsulate warmth for cold days, from £21.11
- Premier Equine Mizar Ladies Leather Riding Gloves — a refined ladies’ fit, from £28.80
- LeMieux Classic Leather Riding Gloves — premium leather feel, from £34.95
Related riding glove collections
Browsing the wider range? Explore all horse riding gloves, or narrow down to ladies’ riding gloves, children’s riding gloves and winter riding gloves for cold-weather warmth.
Frequently asked questions
Do leather horse riding gloves give better grip?
Many riders find leather offers a close, consistent grip on the reins because the material moulds to the hand and grips well once lightly worn in. It helps you feel subtle rein contact, which is why leather is popular for schooling and showing. Synthetic gloves with silicone palm patches also grip well if you prefer an easy-care option.
How do I break in leather riding gloves?
Simply wear them for a few rides. Leather softens and shapes to your hand over roughly one to two weeks of regular use, so a firm but comfortable fit when new is normal. Flexing your fingers and gripping the reins helps them relax. Choosing the correct size from the start makes break-in quicker and more comfortable.
How should riding gloves fit?
Riding gloves should sit snugly with no loose fabric at the fingertips, so you keep a clear feel of the reins, but they should not pinch or restrict movement. Leather gives a little as it wears in, so a firm new fit is usual. If you are between sizes or unsure, ask your instructor or a qualified fitter for guidance.
Are leather gloves suitable for winter riding?
Yes — lined leather gloves can be a warm, grippy choice for cold days. Options such as the Hy Equestrian Thinsulate Leather Winter Horse Riding Gloves add insulation while keeping rein feel. For very wet conditions, look for waterproof or synthetic-leather styles, and browse our winter riding gloves collection for more insulated choices.
How much do leather riding gloves cost?
In this collection leather and leather-blend riding gloves start from around £14.35 for children’s sizes and rise to about £35 for premium adult pairs such as the LeMieux Classic Leather Riding Gloves. Prices vary with brand, lining and features like Thinsulate warmth, so there is a pair to suit most budgets.
How do I clean and care for leather riding gloves?
Wipe away mud and sweat after riding and let the gloves dry naturally, away from direct heat. Condition them occasionally with a suitable leather product to keep the leather supple, and store them flat rather than scrunched up. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, as some leather-blend gloves have specific cleaning guidance.
Glove-buying advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Last reviewed 12 July 2026.