Ariat Tempest Waterproof Insulated Parka *H&H Approved*

Ariat Tempest Waterproof Insulated Parka

My first impressions of the Ariat Tempest long waterproof jacket were overwhelmingly positive, and they remain so after wearing it for a couple of months, including during a full week of sub-zero temperatures, which is unusual here in the UK. It has become my first-choice coat to wear to the stables during cold winter weather and I’ve received complements from friends on its appearance.

I particularly like the soft snug cuffs at the wrists, which prevent drafts going up the arms and help keep hands warm, while the outer arms are of sufficient length to protect the cuffs from getting wet in the rain. I’m also a big fan of the plush and quilted lining, which is really warm. I’ve rarely needed to put on a thicker jumper underneath it to deal with the cold.

The double-vented rear can be easily opened and shut with zips, making it equally suitable for riding as wearing around the yard. This coat is very comfortable to wear both in and out of the saddle, although I’ve found it is too warm for wear for a full schooling or jumping session. However, it is ideal for wearing out hacking on cold, inclement winter days, especially as it easily covers the top of two-thirds of my thighs, as well as the back of my saddle, while I am riding.

The jacket has plenty of pockets, which is always a plus for an equestrian jacket. On the outside there is one with a zip on the left chest, which I find useful for my phone, then two lower down on either side – one that opens at the top and secures with two press studs and then a diagonal one over the top of that with a zip.

I’ve found the diagonal ones a little awkward to open and close with one hand, while I’m always concerned about things falling out of pockets that are only secured with a flap and press studs. Also, because the pockets overlay each other, it’s not easy to know which pocket the item you are looking for is in, which can be annoying when you dive into one to get something and then realise it is in the other, however my ability to remember what I’ve put in each pocket has improved with time. There is also a pocket on the inside over the left chest, which is secured with a zip fastening.

The jacket comes with a removable and adjustable hood, which is secured with hidden press studs to maintain a stylish appearance and has the same plush lining as the body of the jacket. Once removed, there is a clever flap that covers the studs, which is secured via hook and loop fastenings to maintain the sleek appearance of the jacket. The size of the hood can be adjusted via a hidden toggle fastening at the rear of the hood. I can confirm the robustness of this elastic and toggle fastening after my horse got hold of said toggle and decided to tow me around the stable as a source of his own entertainment! Much to my relief, everything emerged unscathed as I had images of said toggle disappearing down his throat, never to be seen again…

I am a UK size 8, have the small size jacket on test and it is a good fit with room to wear a thick jumper underneath if needed. If you prefer your jacket to be nipped in around the waist, there is an internal elastic adjustment (shown above) so you can tailor the fit to your preference.

The jacket has washed well on a cold delicate cycle in my washing machine, coming out looking as good as new.

We also tested the AW24 version

Our products editor Franchesca Slack, also tested this jacket she is a UK size 12/14 and tested a size large, which gave her plenty of room to wear a thicker layer underneath if needed – which is rarely needed with the warm lining.

The features that she really loved included the faux-fur lined hood, neck and upper body, which kept her super cosy. She also liked that the hood can be adjusted by a toggle to prevent it falling down and this has proved to work even during gale-force winds.

Franchesca felt the coat offers good coverage in the saddle and was pleased that it doesn’t flap. This is the coat she grabs when she knows she’s going to be outside for long periods of time and the temperature is going to be low. It has also kept her dry dry during heavy downpours.

It is an expensive coat but it is worth the investment as it is designed to last and it really does keep you protected from the elements.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* With a RRP of £310, this isn’t the cheapest long winter riding jacket on the market, but is it stylish, really warm, with clever design elements and it currently looks as good as when it first arrived, so I would say it was worth the investment if your budget will stretch to it.

Who tested the Ariat Tempest Waterproof Insulated Parka?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse kept at livery, who she rides most days.

Franchesca Slack is Horse & Hound’s products editor, she has ridden since a very young age thanks to having a mum who was a riding instructor. Franchesca now keeps her three horses on DIY livery – an Irish Draught and two Shire horses who she enjoys hacking around the countryside. Regularly riding up to five times a week. She is also a member of her local riding club and competes her friends horse “Barbie” in dressage, showjumping and cross-country.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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