Winter Riding Gloves
Winter riding gloves keep your hands warm and rain-free in the saddle and around the yard without killing rein feel. The choice comes down to a warmth-versus-feel trade-off: thin thermal or pimple-grip gloves keep contact light and precise, while Thinsulate-lined, fleece-backed and waterproof gloves trade a little dexterity for serious warmth on the coldest, wettest days. Just Horse Riders stocks winter gloves from Woof Wear, Rhinegold, Shires, Aubrion and Hy Equestrian, in adult and ladies fits, from around £7.
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How do I balance warmth against rein feel?
This is the key winter-glove decision. Warmer gloves use more insulation and thicker backs, which dampen how much you feel through the reins. If you ride schooling or dressage and want precise contact, lean towards a slimmer thermal or pimple-grip glove such as the Rhinegold Winter Cotton Pimple (from £15.82) or the Woof Wear Precision Thermal (from £22.24). If you are hacking in the cold, doing yard work or simply feel the chill, a bulkier insulated glove is the better call. Many riders keep two pairs and switch depending on the weather and the job.
What is Thinsulate, and do I need it?
Thinsulate is a thin synthetic insulation that traps warmth without much bulk, so you get more heat for less thickness than fleece alone. It is a good middle ground when you want warmth but still care about feel. The Rhinegold Thinsulate Knit Cuff (from £12.58) pairs Thinsulate with a snug knitted cuff that keeps draughts out, and the Hy Equestrian Thinsulate Leather (from £21.11) combines it with a soft leather palm for grip and durability. Fleece-backed gloves are cosy and good value for lighter cold; fully waterproof or windproof gloves matter most if you ride in rain and wind rather than dry frost.
Which winter gloves are waterproof?
Look for gloves described as waterproof or with a waterproof membrane if you regularly ride or muck out in the wet — water-resistant and windproof gloves shrug off showers but soak through in sustained rain. For hard-wearing everyday yard use in the cold, the Shires Aubrion Winter Work gloves (from £7.20) are a budget-friendly option. Product pages list each glove's exact material and weatherproofing, so check the listing for the pair you are considering rather than assuming all winter gloves are fully waterproof.
Can I use my phone with winter riding gloves?
Some winter gloves have touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can use a phone without taking them off — handy for timers, maps and calls at the yard. Not every pair offers it, and the feature can wear over time, so check the individual product description if touchscreen use matters to you.
How do I get the right fit?
Winter gloves should feel snug but not tight — a little room lets the insulation trap warm air, while an overly tight glove restricts circulation and actually feels colder. If you are between sizes, or buying for a child or someone with wider hands, size up slightly for insulated styles. Ladies' patterns such as the Aubrion Patterson (from £11.70) are cut for a narrower hand. Check each product's size guide, and if you are unsure, our team is happy to help before you order.
How do I look after winter riding gloves?
Follow the care label first. As a general guide, let wet gloves air-dry naturally away from direct heat — radiators and hairdryers can crack leather and shrink linings. Knock off mud once dry rather than scrubbing it in. Leather-palmed gloves last longer with an occasional wipe and a suitable leather conditioner; most synthetic and knitted gloves can be gently hand-washed. Storing a spare dry pair means you always have warm hands even when your main gloves are still drying.
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Winter riding gloves: frequently asked questions
Are winter riding gloves warm enough for very cold weather?
Insulated winter gloves such as Thinsulate-lined and fleece-backed styles are made for cold conditions and are much warmer than standard riding gloves. For the harshest cold, choose a thicker insulated pair and accept a little less rein feel, or keep a spare dry pair to swap into. If you have circulation issues such as Raynaud's, speak to your GP about staying warm outdoors.
Do winter riding gloves work with touchscreens?
Some do — look for gloves listed as touchscreen-compatible, which have conductive fingertips for using a phone without removing them. It is not a universal feature, so check the individual product description if it matters to you.
How much do winter riding gloves cost?
At Just Horse Riders, winter riding gloves start from around £7.20 for the Shires Aubrion Winter Work gloves and rise to about £22 for premium thermal pairs like the Woof Wear Precision Thermal. Prices shown on the collection are live and may change with stock and season.
Are these winter gloves fully waterproof?
It varies by pair. Some are fully waterproof with a membrane, while others are water-resistant or windproof and cope with showers but not sustained rain. Each product page lists the exact material and weatherproofing, so check the listing before buying if you ride in the wet.
What is the difference between thermal and Thinsulate gloves?
"Thermal" is a general term for a warm, insulating glove, often fleece-backed. Thinsulate is a specific thin synthetic insulation that gives more warmth for less bulk, so Thinsulate gloves tend to keep good dexterity while staying warm. Both are winter options; Thinsulate is a strong choice when you want warmth without losing much rein feel.
Which winter gloves are best for keeping rein feel?
Slimmer thermal and pimple-grip gloves preserve the most contact. The Woof Wear Precision Thermal and Rhinegold Winter Cotton Pimple are popular with riders who want warmth while still feeling the reins clearly. Save the bulkier insulated pairs for yard work and cold hacking where warmth matters more than precision.
Winter glove advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 2026-07-12. Fit and warmth vary between people; for cold-related health concerns, speak to your GP.