Women's Riding
Jackets & Gilets
Boots, jodhpurs, jackets and competition wear for women — designed to work as hard as you do.
Women's Jackets & Gilets
A riding jacket has a harder job than an ordinary coat: it needs to keep the weather out while you are in the saddle, mucking out and leading in from the field, without bunching at the waist or pulling across the shoulders. The main choice is between a waterproof jacket for wet days, an insulated jacket for cold ones, a softshell for everyday schooling and a gilet for layering over any of them. Just Horse Riders stocks women's riding jackets and gilets from brands including Hy Equestrian, Dublin, Toggi, HKM and Ariat, from around £12.
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Women's jacket and gilet advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed July 2026.
Choosing a women's riding jacket or gilet
| Choice | What it means |
|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Keeps rain out for hacking, turnout and yard work — the sensible first buy for British weather. Longer styles give better coverage when you are on the ground. |
| Insulated or padded jacket | Down or synthetic fill for cold, dry days. The warmest option, but the bulkiest in the saddle, so many riders save theirs for yard duties. |
| Softshell | Stretchy, windproof and quiet — ideal for schooling and milder days, though most will only shrug off light drizzle rather than proper rain. |
| Gilet | Warms your core and leaves your arms completely free for rein contact. The classic layer over a softshell in autumn or under a waterproof in winter. |
| Reflective and hi-vis details | Reflective trims and hi-vis panels are designed to help drivers pick you out sooner when you hack on roads or ride in fading light. |
What a riding cut gives you
Women's riding jackets are shaped differently from high-street coats: a longer back hem that covers the gap at your lower back when you lean forward, sleeves cut so they do not ride up when your arms are out on the reins, and often a two-way zip so the front can open over the saddle. If you mostly wear yours on the ground – mucking out, poo-picking, leading in – prioritise pocket space, and check the hood works with a riding hat before you rely on it.
Fitting a jacket over a body protector
A body protector adds real bulk through the chest and back, so a jacket in your usual size often will not close comfortably over one. Try the jacket on over your protector where you can, and expect to go up at least one size for anything you plan to ride in over the top. A stretchier softshell, or a gilet bought a size up as a dedicated over-layer, also works well and keeps your arms unrestricted.
Women's jacket and gilet favourites
- Everyday gilet: Gallop Equestrian Womens Gilet (from £28.31) — simple core warmth for yard jobs and layering without a big spend.
- Schooling softshell: HKM Softshell Jacket Sport Ladies (from £44.01) — windproof and easy to move in for everyday riding.
- Value waterproof: Hy Equestrian Elevate Mizs Waterproof Jacket (from £49.76) — the one we would hand most riders first: wet-day cover without a three-figure price.
- Cold-day insulation: Toggi Womens Lofty Down Jacket (from £98.29) — down fill for genuinely cold, dry mornings.
- Winter workhorse: Dublin Everyday Waterproof Jacket (from £116.99) — the widest size and colour choice in stock right now.
- Premium pick: Ariat Womens Coastal Waterproof Jacket (from £160.00) — Ariat quality for riders who practically live in their jacket.
Frequently asked questions
What size riding jacket should I buy if I wear a body protector?
Try the jacket on over your body protector before you decide. Most riders go up at least one size for anything worn over a protector, and a two-way zip makes it much easier to sit comfortably in the saddle. If you would rather not size up your main jacket, a gilet bought a size larger makes a good dedicated over-layer.
What is the difference between a gilet and a riding jacket?
A gilet keeps your core warm while leaving your arms completely free, which many riders prefer for schooling and yard work. A jacket adds weather protection for hacking and turnout duties. Most riders end up using both – a gilet over a long-sleeved top from autumn to spring, with a waterproof jacket over the lot when the weather turns.
Are all riding jackets waterproof?
No. Softshells, fleeces, padded jackets and most gilets are shower-resistant at best. If you need to stay dry through a wet hack or a morning on the yard, choose one specifically described as waterproof and check the product page for details, as waterproofing varies between styles.
Can I just ride in a normal coat?
You can, but most riders find a riding cut noticeably more comfortable. Riding jackets sit longer at the back to cover you in the saddle, the sleeves are shaped so they do not ride up when you hold the reins, and many have a two-way zip that opens over the pommel. A standard coat tends to bunch at the waist and let draughts in at the back.
Not sure whether you need a gilet, a waterproof or both? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and the team will help you choose.