The best equestrian fleece jackets are comfortable and versatile. This makes them perfect for layering during transitional seasons along with the best gilets and winter riding jackets. They also make brilliant loungewear after long, wet days at the stables.

We’ve got you covered for every eventuality, whether it’s for riding, walking the dogs or when you need something a bit smarter! Discover our top picks for these essential fleecey additions…

Best equestrian fleeces: H&H’s quick guide

Best value everyday fleece: Shires Aubrion React Half Zip

Best fleece for colder weather: LeMieux Clara Hybrid

Best premium fleece: Holland Cooper Country Quarter Zip

Best water-repellent fleece: Ariat Rebar Lightweight Sweatshirt

Shires Aubrion React Half Zip Fleece

Sizes: XXS–3XL

Colours: Shade or Shadow

RRP: £30

Reasons to buy

• Great value
• Wide size range

Reasons to avoid

• If you want a full zip

This soft fluffy fleece features a half zip and practical zipped pockets. It has a regular fit and is finished with smartly embroidered logos.

LeMieux Clara Hybrid Fleece

Sizes: UK 6–18

Colours: Rosemary or Damson

RRP: £79.95

Reasons to buy

• Stylish
• Warm
• Thoughtful pocket placement

Reasons to avoid

• You might struggle to wear a jacket over the top

This warm and cosy top offers a looser but still flattering fit. It pairs super soft bonded polar fleece with hard-wearing ripstop nylon for extra durability and protection, while the ripstop panels repel debris. It also features zipped pockets at the waist and chest.

Holland Cooper Country Fleece Quarter Zip

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colours: 6 options

RRP: £109

Reasons to buy

• Wide size range
• Warm and comfortable

Reasons to avoid

• It’s pricey but if your budget allows its worth the splurge

Combining heritage design with modern functionality, this stunning fleece is made from premium deep pile fabric and has a double-faced bonded fleece lining for added warmth and comfort. It has slimmer fit and is finished with smart faux leather trims and elbow patches.

Ariat Rebar Lightweight Fleece Sweatshirt

Sizes: XS – XL

Colours: Black

RRP: £50

Reasons to buy

• Water-repellent material

Reasons to avoid

• No zipped pockets
• If you want a zipped style

Made from water-repellent Workman fleece, this soft-yet-durable crew is perfect for everyday wear. It has a slightly shorter length that sits at the hips, and a kangaroo pocket with jersey lining. It offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for those chilly mornings or evenings on the yard.

Schöffel Burley Fleece Jacket

Sizes: UK 6–22

Colours: Navy, mulberry, forest or port

RRP: £210

Reasons to buy

• Breathable
• Machine washable and quick drying
• Two-way zip

Reasons to avoid

• More of an outerwear item

This versatile fleece is made from premium Italian-milled fleece, which is renowned for its warmth, durability, and breathability. It features a two-way YKK front zip and zipped pockets perfect for keeping your valuables secure.

Felix Bühler Laura Fleece Jacket

Sizes: XS – XXL

Colours: 8 options

RRP: £34.90

Reasons to buy

• Great value
• Longer cut at the back to prevent it from riding up
• High collar for extra coverage

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in full length zip style

This super-soft fleece jacket has a longer cut at the back and high collar, zipped pockets and cuffs with thumb holes. It features an anti-pilling finish.

Pikeur Womens Teddy Fleece Jacket

Sizes: UK 4–18

Colours: Black or greige

RRP: £169.95

Reasons to buy

• Attached hood
• Warm material

Reasons to avoid

• Longer length makes it less versatile as a mid-layer

With its longer, looser fit, this Pikeur teddy fleece jacket offers a casual, cosy vibe. This functional jacket features an array of pockets, hood, and subtle Pikeur embroidery. The material retains heat, which is perfect for those who easily feel the cold.

How to choose the best equestrian fleece

With so many fleeces on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. However, by focusing on the key features you need – including your preferred colours and desired additional details – you can easily narrow down your options and make an informed decision.

You might also like:

12 of the best long waterproof coats for riding and yard wear

A challenge to fair-weather riders: relish the rain (and stay dry)

7 pairs of the best wellies we’ve tried, tested and approved

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best riding tights and leggings have proved to be very popular in recent years. An alternative to jodhpurs and breeches, riding tights are more to a pair of leggings you might wear at the gym or a yoga class. They should be lightweight, very comfortable and offer great freedom of movement. Being pull-on in design and usually made of a four-way stretch material means they’re easy to get on, too.

Most will feature some sort of grip to help you remain secure in the saddle and this could be in a full-seat or knee-patch style. Other features to look out for include flat seams (unless seamless), reflective detailing and mesh panelling. Many come with pockets on the thigh to fit your phone in while riding, but some styles also offer zipped pockets on the leg or at the back of the waistband for added security.

Best riding tights: H&H’s quick guide

Best riding tights overall: Ariat Ascent Half Grip

Most comfortable riding leggings: Mochara Technical

Best water resistant riding leggings: Holland Cooper Chiltern

Best technical riding leggings: Horzehoods V-Seam Air2

Best riding leggings for petite riders: Flexars Original

Best value riding tights: Dublin Everyday

Best riding tights and leggings for the summer

Ariat Ascent Half Grip Riding Tights

Colours: Navy or black

Sizes: XS–XL

H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Smart sporty look
• Technical fabric that’s supportive
• Secure phone pockets

Reasons to avoid

• Regular length came up a bit short

These tights are designed with flattering compression panels to offer additional support to your muscles and joints. They have a deep rise design to promote core strength and provide ultimate comfort, a half-seat grip and an envelope closure pocket on each thigh.

H&H’s features editor Martha Terry tested these leggings and found them to be really comfortable and supportive both in and out of the saddle. She liked the look and feel of them and found the envelope flap on the phone pocket reassuring.

Read H&H’s review of the Ariat Ascent riding tights.

Mochara Technical Riding Leggings

Seat: No grip

Colours: Mauve, berry, burgundy or khaki

Sizes: XXS–XXL

H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Side phone pockets
• SPF 40+ sun protection
• Ideal for use at the gym

Reasons to avoid

• You want extra grip in the saddle

These riding leggings are designed to be suitable for other sporting activities, too. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and treated to prevent UV penetration for sun protection and to reduce heat absorption. They also have two phone-sized pockets. Same style available with recycled fabric.

H&H’s deputy art editor Sophie Cheeseman tested these leggings and found them to be comfortable and flattering. Sophie tested them for all sorts of activities and received so many compliments.

Read H&H’s review of the Mochara riding leggings.

Holland Cooper Chiltern Leggings

Seat: Full seat

Colours: Black, ink navy, dove grey, spring green or washed red

Sizes: XS–L

Reasons to buy

• Water repellent
• Wide range of colours
• Elastic tape on inner waist

Reasons to avoid

• Logo on the leg might not suit your style

Crafted from high-performance stretch fabric, while the water-repellent finish ensures protection in all weathers. Signature Holland Cooper branding along the leg. Featuring a secure phone pocket, silicone knee grips. Ideal for use in and out of the saddle.

Horzehoods V-Seam Air2 Riding Leggings

Seat: No grip or full seat

Colours: Black, grey/black, navy, mulberry/black or blue/black

Sizes: XXS–XXXL

Reasons to buy

• Flattering v-seam design
• Stretchy and breathable fabric
• Wide range of sizes

Reasons to avoid

• Due to the lightweight fabric they can be perceived as slightly generous so double check size chart before ordering

Breathable, super stretchy, quick-dry fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. The V-seam design at the crotch provides a flattering fit and breathability when astride. Available with or without grip.

Flexars Original Riding Leggings

Seat: No grip

Colours: Black, navy, red, green, plum, grey, navy, chocolate or olive

Sizes: XXS–XXL, in regular or shorter leg

Reasons to buy

• Supportive, flattering fit
• Stain resistant, durable material
• Available in regular or short

Reasons to avoid

• This particular style is only available without grip

Comfortable and flattering, these leggings are super-soft and high waisted, which means they’ll stay up. Plus there’s extra knee padding and flat-lock stitching for comfort, too. The material is stain-resistant, breathable, fast-drying and durable, and there is a large buttoned phone pocket on the leg.

They are available in a shorter length so if you’re are a petite rider there is no need to roll up the ends. I’m 5ft4in and have a pair of the shorter leggings, which are the perfect length on me. I also love how supportive they feel and I don’t feel conscious at all.

Dublin Everyday Riding Tights

Seat: Full seat

Colours: Black, beige or naval academy

Sizes: UK 6–16

Reasons to buy

• Technical fabric to keep you cool
• Useful side pockets

Reasons to avoid

• Mid-rise waistband might not suit your style

These mid-rise riding tights are made of a wicking fabric that helps to keep you cool, comfortable and dry. They also feature thigh pockets and a full gel-grip seat. Also available in children’s sizes.

Pikeur Linnet Riding Tights

Colours: Sandstorm, nightblue or black

Sizes: 18–32in, in regular or long leg

Reasons to buy

• Practical pockets
• Available in regular and long
• Body sculpting

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point

These super-stretchy riding tights have a wide elastic waistband, screen printed full seat and no knee seam. There is a large mobile phone pocket on the outer thigh.

Woof Wear Original Riding Tights

Seat: Full seat or knee patch

Colours: Petrol blue, black, navy, slate or stone

Sizes: UK 6–18

Reasons to buy

• Wide size range
• Available with knee or full seat grip
• High supportive waistband

Reasons to avoid

• Not available with no grip

Designed with a supportive high waistband and a silicone grip, these high-waisted riding tights are made with a four-way stretch breathable fabric. They have a flattering silhouette and feature a large, discreet phone pocket with an embossed logo on each leg.

Shires Aubrion Optima Air Riding Tights

Seat: Full seat

Colours: Navy, black, beige or white

Sizes: XXS – XXXL

Reasons to buy

• Technical fabric offering excellent moisture management
• Geometric design full seat silicone print
• 360º contour support

Reasons to avoid

• If you don’t like the second-skin feel

Made with ultra-stretch, wicking fabric with high waisted, anatomical design. These tights offer a second skin feel with contoured support for added confidence. The fabric is UPF50+, highly breathable and quick drying, and the tights feature a perforated thigh logo and ankle cuffs for comfort.

LeMieux Lydia Mesh Leggings

Seat: Knee grip

Colours: Aqua, black, dusk blue, walnut or navy

Sizes: UK 6–18

Reasons to buy

• Seamless design for added comfort
• Wide size range
• Elasticated waistband

Reasons to avoid

• Mesh side panels might not suit your style

These leggings feature mesh panels on the sides to boost airflow and keep the rider cool and comfortable. They have a seamless design, are made from four-way stretch fabric and have an elasticated waistband.

Toggi Sculptor Curzon Riding Tights

Seat: Knee grip

Colours: Deep blue

Sizes: 24–34in

Reasons to buy

• Supportive waistband
• Knee grip

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one colour

These riding tights have a high waist with drawcord and two side pockets. They are made from technical, supportive fabric that is designed for maximum freedom of movement. Finished with metallic prints.

Hy Equestrian Fordwich Riding Tights

Seat: Full seat

Colours: Beige or navy

Sizes: XS–XL

Reasons to buy

• Less bulk around ankles
• Flattering wrap around waistband

Reasons to avoid

• Perforated lower leg might not suit your style

These tights have a high waistband with a wrap over design and full silicone grip seat. They feature a non-bulk mesh sock ankle for optimum comfort, and a phone pocket. Also available in children’s sizes.

Aztec Diamond Core Riding Leggings

Seat: No grip, knee grip or full seat

Colours: Black, navy, beige, mauve, green, forest, ash blue, petrol or fawn

Sizes: UK 4–16

Reasons to buy

• Different grip options available
• Medium weight material

Reasons to avoid

• You prefer a wide waistband

These premium riding tights are made with recycled fabric riding tights and feature sculpting panels for a flattering fit. They are high-waisted and sweat-wicking, with quick-dry properties, and have silicone grip and a side pocket.

Mountain Horse Jayne Tights

Seat: Full seat

Colours: Grey

Sizes: XS–XXL

Reasons to buy

• Quick drying fabric
• Full seat silicone grip

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one colour

Crafted from a full-stretch, quick-drying fabric, these pull-on riding tights offer a slight silicone grip at the seat, inner leg, and knee area for enhanced stability. They also have a wide waistband and pockets on both legs.

Horseware FormFit Riding Tights

Seat: Full seat or knee grip

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: UK6–22

Reasons to buy

• Antibacterial fabric
• UPF 50+ sun protection

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in dark colours

Designed with premium stretch, moisture-wicking fabric for unrestricted movement and a supportive fit, these lightweight, breathable tights incorporate added ventilation and laser perforations on the lower legs to enhance cooling. They also have deep mesh thigh pockets and offer UPF 50+ protection.

What’s the difference between breeches and riding tights?

Riding tights or leggings are an alternative to breeches. More like leggings you might wear to the gym, riding tights do not have any front or zip closure, but still usually feature either a grip full seat or knee patches – although not all do – to help you stay secure in the saddle. Riding tights are also often available in a wider range of colours and styles.

This guide is all about summer riding tights, but if you’re looking for something warmer for the cooler weather, check out this selection of the best winter riding tights.

How to choose the best riding tights

When thinking about all the popular features mentioned earlier on, the first consideration you’ll need to make is how much grip you want. Leggings are inherently less grippy than breeches as the material is usually smoother, but you’ll be able to choose between full seat, knee patch and no additional grip – if you want more security in the saddle, go for more grip.

Secondly, it’s important to consider the style – do you prefer high-waisted or like the look of mesh inserts? There are lots of variations to choose between. Finally, the small but everyday practicality differences, such as pocket size, are what will make a good pair of leggings a great pair that you love to wear. Some pockets are large enough to hold the bigger phones, while others have zips or envelope flaps to make them more secure – these are all features you should look out for and that our testers have considered.

Some of the riding tights were tested by the H&H team so we can give you a great insight as to what they’re really like – find out more about how we test products.

You might also like:

Our pick of the best riding tights on a budget

8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter

15 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season

10 pairs of breeches that are worth adding to your summer wardrobe

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Mountain Horse Flora Tech Riding Tights

These Mountain Horse Flora Tech riding tights are lightweight and practical, ideal for summer on the yard. When I first put them on, they had an almost slippery, silky feel – which is very nice on the skin but I was concerned they would not be robust enough for a day’s yard chores and riding. They felt ideal for whizzing out on a run! But despite their lightweight appearance and feel, they stood up well to all a day’s work and were comfortable both in and out of the saddle.

Comfort

A highlight is how comfortable these tights are. With the wide elastic waistband, they are easy to pull on and it’s a bonus in hot weather particularly not to feel constricted round the waist. They are very stretchy, so although they look tiny when you pull them out of the packaging, they conform nicely round the leg and bum. I was surprised how flattering they are given they so lightweight, but they are supportive in the right places!

For summertime they are ideal, because the lightweight fabric doesn’t overheat you despite being close-fitting.

Mountain Horse Riding Tights: in the saddle

Riding-wise, my concerns over their slipperiness were quickly allayed. The silicon grip pimples extend right from the seat down to mid calf, and do their job well. I unintentionally brushed past some brambles and branches and the fabric stood up well with no snagging. An additional bonus was when I was washing my horse down afterwards and spraying myself accidentally, the fabric dried almost immediately.

There are mobile pockets on each leg, and I found them to be at a suitable position not to be noticeable when riding, but within easy access. They held firmly without sagging when I was mucking out, too.

The look

These are a flattering pair of tights, but they are quite thin and lightweight for those who prefer a more robust look in their riding wear. The dark navy colour is smart and I’d be happy to wear these both on the yard for every day and for lessons or clinics in summertime.

Sometimes riding tights come up a bit short, but these are a good length, going down to the jodhpur boot. I tried a size EU36 (UK 8 or S) and found it to be spot-on. I am a UK8 and while I wouldn’t want them any smaller, they fitted well.

Verdict

A great pair of summer riding tights. They are lightweight and stretchy, so you feel well supported within a snug fit. They have a silky feel when you put them on, but the silicone grip gives you good security in the saddle.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at statelinetack.com

Who tested these riding tights?

Martha Terry is Horse & Hound’s features editor. She has a horse and is at the yard every day. She is currently producing a four-year-old ex-racehorse with a view to eventing after several years off the circuit.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

What is a first look review?

These are our first impressions of a piece of kit or clothing based on spending some time with it. We will have had our hands on it and given it a really thorough going over before trying it on ourselves or our horses and using it. The information we can give you after this first look will give you some sense of what it’s like to use, even if it’s only an initial view. As soon as we’ve given it a more thorough test, we will update the review with a full scoring and additional thoughts.

You might also be interested in:

15 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out

8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter

Breeches vs jodhpurs vs riding tights: which is the best choice for you?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Our reviewer found this a perfect mid-layer addition to her wardrobe and it kept her cosy on chilly mornings

I tested the Horseware Keeva Technical fleece in a size medium. This fitted jacket is made from an anti-pilling polyester material, which creates a super soft and cosy fleece. The jacket is windproof and very comfortable to wear, making it a must-have for around the yard.

This jacket features flattering embossed contrast side panels, which gives it an attractive, sporty-looking appearance. The jacket also has two practical and secure zipped front pockets, which are perfect for your phone, keys, or treats. These pockets are also well hidden along the lining of the embossed panels — so they don’t look unsightly. In addition to this, the jacket also has a contrast zip up the front and contrast cuff detailing, adding to its attractive appearance.

Aside from its attention to detail, my favourite thing about this fleece jacket is just how breathable and easy it is to ride in. Traditionally, I find wearing fleeces while riding extremely hot and sweaty, however this fabric wicks away any sweat and the embossed side panels are also ventilated, meaning that you do not overheat in the saddle.

This versatility makes it the perfect mid-layer garment or, on those slightly warmer days, it is perfectly adequate as your everyday yard jacket. I even find this jacket smart enough to wear over your competition shirt when warming up at an event, or to wear to the shops after you have been to the yard.

The only downfall of this jacket is that the fabric sometimes bunches up in areas, however, this is not a major point and does not affect the jacket’s performance.

Buy Now: Horseware Keeva Technical Fleece at Ebay from £35.95

Verdict

Overall, this jacket is a really nice addition to any rider’s wardrobe

Our reviewer liked this stylish and comfortable jacket and found herself wearing it both on and off the horse

I have tested the Ariat Ladies Cloud 9 Jacket in black. This type of jacket is not normally what I would go for, the soft arms and the quilted body is more of a sporty look that I am used to. Although, I was excited to try this well-made, quality product.

When on, this jacket is flattering and stylish but very comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement at all. It is short and therefore feels great in the saddle. The jersey sleeves meant that I have complete freedom of my arms. I felt very comfortable when doing dressage, showjumping and cross-country training.

There is a secure, robust zip up the middle and two perfect-sized zip-up pockets for your phone. In the past when riding, I have struggled to find a place for my phone that isn’t impossible to retrieve or risks it falling out — however, there is no such problem with this jacket.

I also loved the flexibility of this product. I can wear it during the summer, with the benefit of a long sleeve and good pockets, without getting hot. It also has performed as a great layer under a larger coat due to the non-restrictive jersey arms and lightweight but warm body.

I feel that this product will be most helpful to me during the winter as a layer. I have also wearing it off the horse, especially when I have gone on a rare run

Verdict

Overall I have been pleasantly surprised by this chic and comfortable jacket, which has been worn in a variety of situations. I would definitely recommend it to a friend

Equestrian safety brand Champion has developed a new clothing collection.

The Aintree blouson jacket is fully waterproof and breathable with taped seams and an anti-pill fleece lining for extra warmth.

The Goodwood full zip hoodie is made from breathable anti-pill fleece to help riders maintain a consistent body temperature and has long cuffs complemented by practical thumb loops.

Also in the collection are the Uttoxeter Smart and Southwell Sash polo shirts, a cross-country top with reflective branding, Champion socks and a baseball cap.

“The whole range is very functional, combining technical performance fabric with fit and design features especially tailored for riders,” said Sarah-Jane Fedarb, managing director of Champion.

The collection is available from equestrian retailers in the UK and Ireland.

More information on Champion’s new range

The owner of a new business selling vintage and classic riding wear says she is seeing “massive demand” for her products and services.

Mia Woodford, who set up The Vintage Tack Room earlier this year, says side saddle habits and men’s hunt coats are selling particularly well.

Mrs Woodford has a showroom in West Sussex, on the Leconfield estate and sells items through her website.

The Vintage Tack Room incorporates Field and Country Antiques, which she bought from Louise Chatterton-Crane earlier this year.

“Vintage can often be a euphemism for second-hand rubbish — but mine is most definitely not,” said Mrs Woodford.

“Vintage means the best of its kind. I have just got in a hunting coat, made by Sandon in 1914 for a chap who survived the First World War. It is complete with all his stocks and breeches,” she added.

“The other day I found a hunting whip with initials on it — I spent ages on Google researching it and eventually found it was the eighth birthday present for the daughter of Lord Ingleby in 1923. Where I can, I will write down the story and send it with the item to the new owner.”

The Vintage Tack Room also stocks items that Mrs Woodford calls “vintage in the making” — made of such quality that they are likely to be sought after in 50 year’s time. These include Oliver Brown breeches and moleskin stocks and shirts.

The showroom also hires out vintage kit for clients who would like to try hunting or side saddle.

Gifts suitable for riders — such as prints and jewellery — are planned for next year.

Visit www.vintagetackroom.com