LeMieux Anya Waterproof Riding Coat
The LeMieux Anya long waterproof riding coat really surprised me when it arrived. It looks so stylish and smart that I’ve worn it to the yard but also out every day and for dog walking. It’s quite weighty, with a velvety lining, but once on feels super cosy and comfortable and is perfect for those low temperature, frosty mornings on the yard.
The LeMieux Anya has an official waterproof rating of 8,000mm and has kept me warm and dry in heavy rain and colder temperatures.
I’m 5ft6in and a size 12 and tested the size 12 and found it was a good fit, even with winter layers underneath. It was a decent length, coming down to around my knees covering the top of my wellies. It’s available in UK6–18.
The colour gives off shooting jacket vibes, and is a waterproof twill fabric, which I wasn’t convinced would be hugely waterproof, but it definitely held its own in torrential rain and I stayed pretty dry. However, I did find the cuffs and hem did collect a bit of water, which resulted in soggy knees and gloves but apart from that I was warm and dry underneath.
It comes with a removable fur trim for the hood, which I removed quite easily as my whippets took a fancy to and I didn’t want them to damage it. The hood also packs away neatly into the back of the collar for safety when riding. When I was dog walking in the rain it would have been nice for the hood to have a bit more of a peak to keep my face dry, but it does fit over a cap or hat, too.
The collar is nice and high, keeping wind and rain out of my neck efficiently. The front of the coat has a two-way zip and popper close, teamed with a clever magnetic close on the back to keep your saddle and legs dry.
When riding the coat was a lovely length and kept my legs warm and dry. It has two zip pockets on the outside, and one internal pocket. The coat also features elastic leg straps, which when secured round your leg whilst riding keep it in place, reducing any flapping.
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The coat was quite bulky to ride in, and I preferred wearing it out hacking to in the school as I felt it limited my movements a bit while schooling due to the thickness. I wore it while warming up in the school (walking and stretching), however, and found it to be a good layer until I started to warm up.
It really kept me very warm out hacking – the length of it and the amount it covered my legs was perfect – and I was toasty even in minus temperatures and riding in walk.
It is easy to remove when in the saddle and the weight of it meant it stayed on the fence and didn’t blow away!
The vent at the back was super easy to adjust when in the saddle with one hand, as it just uses a magnet close. I found the two way zip at the front a bit tricky to do up, you have to hold both zippers quite securely at the bottom and as they are big this can be fiddly. But, once done up it is easy to open and close both zips and they don’t move from their positions when riding.
I haven’t washed the LeMieux Anya yet, but it is described as machine washable at 30°C. I have found that dirt and grease sticks to the fabric and doesn’t wipe off very easily so am hoping it washes well.
The LeMieux Anya coat is similar to the LeMieux Loire which Georgia at H&H tested last year read the full review here.
Verdict
*H&H Approved* Overall I really love this coat, it looks and feels smart and good quality and I have received so many compliments while wearing it.
Who tested the LeMieux Anya Waterproof Riding Coat?
Sophie Cheeseman is Horse & Hound’s Deputy Art Editor, who has ridden since she was 4 years old thanks to a family friend. Having non-horsey parents, Sophie worked her way through riding schools in exchange for lessons during the early years, then built relationships with a few different owners through her teens. Sophie then loaned a PSG gelding for a few years, produced a 3yo Connemara to sell and rode various hunters, showjumpers and dressage horses. After a year out of the saddle to have a baby, Sophie is now exercising a lovely Billy-bred mare over the winter, getting back into the swing of things around mum life!
Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products
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LeMieux Loire Waterproof Coat review *H&H Approved*
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