Best waterproof breeches for winter riding

Choosing a good pair of winter, waterproof breeches can be the difference between having a happy or horrid winter. Once you’ve found your favourite pair, you won’t be able to fathom how you ever survived a winter or went riding in the rain without them. The best waterproof riding trousers are undoubtedly useful, especially on the yard, but waterproof breeches will give you more feel when you’re riding.

Whether you’re looking for complete waterproofness, something warm for those chilly hacks or a dirt-resistant, showerproof style, I’ve rounded up the best on the market for you.

These breeches are a brand new style and a must have for the dedicated winter rider. They are described as waterproof and windproof, which makes them ideal for all-weather riding. They are made from a breathable yet durable material, which is abrasion resistant and anti-piling, with a unique membrane that makes the rain simply bead and run off. The material has a generous stretch that offers unrestricted comfort, and the full silicone seat offers added stability in the saddle, while the soft fleece lining retains warmth on cold winter days. These breeches are also available with a knee grip style.

Described as water-repellent and dirt-resistant, these breeches are made from a four-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and have a soft fleece lining for warmth. They also feature a full silicone seat for added security in the saddle. They are available in a regular and short leg length, so if you’re a petite rider like me and struggle with the length of breeches these are worth looking at.

These breeches are described as water-repellent and wind-resistant. They are designed in a softshell fabric with a flattering high waist for a comfortable fit in the saddle. They also featuring a fleece lining to help keep you warm and full silicone seat for added security in the saddle. It’s great that beige is a colour option for competition and hunting, so you no longer need to get cold and wet while you’re out over the winter months.

These breeches have been designed to keep you warm on comfortable on those dry and cold winter days. They’re made from a thermal brushed back, four-way stretch fabric. The outer fabric is splash proof top repel dirt, dust, hair and hay ideal for keeping you clean and smart even after grooming and mucking out. They also feature a full-seat gel print for added stability in the saddle and secure side pockets with zip closure.

The best waterproof breeches will be made of a stretchy and non-restrictive material so that you can move freely in the saddle, while also having grippy knee patches or full seats to help keep you secure. Look out for styles that are windproof and have additional linings for added warmth. It’s important to know that some styles are waterproof, offering complete protection from the elements, while others are water-resistant, which in many scenarios is plenty to keep you protected. Most styles are widely available in darker colours, but some also come in beige, which make them great for hunting or winter competitions.

A waterproof pair of breeches will give you protection from rain or other water for a significant period of time, while a water-resistant material will prevent water penetration, but only to a certain level. If you’re a rider who avoids riding in the rain or will only be riding for short periods of time then a pair of water-resistant breeches may be sufficient, but if you envisage yourself riding out in all weathers, a pair of fully waterproof breeches is the way to go.

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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.

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Different styles of waterproof breeches

Waterproof vs water-resistant

Why do breeches need to be breathable?

Breeches ideally need to be breathable so that any moisture that accumulates on the inside can escape through the fabric. If the moisture (sweat) cannot escape, when it cools, it’ll leave you damp and you’ll get cold.

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