We all know that gloves are essential for horse riders. Not only do they keep our hands safe and warm, but it’s also a great way to show off your horsemanship skills!
Finding the best horse riding gloves can be tricky, so what should you look for in horse riding gloves to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money?
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything from materials and benefits to sizing and price points.
List of the best Best Horse Riding Gloves
1. Heritage Performance Glove
The patented rein cut design allows for a full range of motion and keeps reins from bunching up inside the glove. This model is available in black, brown, or tan.
Its double stitching gives superior durability, the elastic cuff with adjustable strap provides a secure fit, while tone-on-tone piping adds style.
Features
- Sizes available: 3-12
- Color: Multiple options
- Sport Type: Equestrian, Schooling
- Material: Blend
- Brand: Heritage Products
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting
- Comfortable fit with stretch material
- Include double stitching for superior durability
- Keep reins from bunching up inside the glove
Cons
- None
2. Heritage Premier Show Glove
The Heritage Premier Show Glove by Dover Saddlery is an excellent option for riders looking for an affordable, high-quality show glove. It includes top-of-the-line materials and designs that you would expect from a more expensive brand.
The double-stitched critical outward seams make this show glove stand out among the rest. A stretchable flex panel across knuckles provides a comfortable fit with no bunching or pinching at the wrist area.
This model is available in black, beige, brown, white, and navy blue.
Features
- Size: 5-12
- Color: Multiple options
- Material: Leather
- Brand: Heritage Products
Pros
- Keeps your hands cool and dry during intense workouts and runs
- Rein cut design for easy use of reins without removing gloves
- Durable and resilient
- Comfortable fit with no bunching or pinching at the wrist area
- Stretchable flex panel across knuckles for comfort
Cons
- Sizing can be an issue
- Some users report poor quality stitching
3. eGLOVE eQUEST GripPro Leather Touchscreen Horse Riding Gloves
eQUEST GripPro Leather Touchscreen Gloves are stylish enough for everyday wear but also provide a high level of protection when you’re out riding. The touchscreen accessibility means that you can answer calls, change music or type messages with ease!
They have a traditional look and feel, with a soft, supple grainy leather that is comfortable to wear. The fabric on the back of the hand provides additional grip when holding onto reins or other equipment.
The palm has been reinforced with layers of leather to provide extra protection from rope burns and abrasions.
Features
- Size: X-Small
- Color: Baby Blue
- Sport Type: Equestrian
- Material: Leather
- Brand: EGlove
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Closure Type: Hook Eye
Pros
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Double stitch seams for comfort and durability
- Keeps your hands warm
- Allows you to use your phone without removing gloves
- The palm is reinforced with extra layers of leather for protection
Cons
- None
4. Heritage Crochet Riding Glove
The Heritage Crochet Riding Gloves is perfect for any rider looking to keep their hands comfortable when riding. They are stitched with a cotton thread for extra comfort and breathability.
The open finger design allows air to circulate around the hand while providing enough weather elements coverage. The double-reinforced index finger and thumb provide added durability and grip on the reins for control over your horse.
Heritage Crochet Riding Gloves are made of premium quality materials and are designed to last. Heritage gloves have double-stitched critical outward seams.
These breathable mesh cotton top gloves feature a soft-touch palm for comfort and grip control. Available in multiple color options, they make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season!
Features
- Size: 3-11
- Color: Natural Tan, Black, Brown/Tan
- Material: Cotton/Leather
- Brand: Heritage Products
Pros
- Soft grip for more control
- The leather on the palm feels natural and soft
- Reinforced index finger and durable thumb design
Cons
- Can be too thick for riding
- The dye washes off or leaves off
5. Roeckl Roeck-Grip Unisex Gloves 7.5 Black
Their good insulation will keep your hands warm in the winter months, yet still, allow the skin to breathe when wearing them during warmer weather.
The Roeckl Roeck-Grip Unisex Gloves 7.5 Black for horse riding also has an ergonomic palm design with perforation holes to improve ventilation and moisture absorption.
These gloves are made with breathable, moisture-wicking material to keep you cool and dry regardless of the temperature. The gloves feature a Velcro closure for easy wearing and removing.
Features
- Size: 7.5
- Color: Black
- Sport: Equestrian
- Material: Mix
- Brand: Roeckl
Pros
- Keep your hands warm in the winter
- Keep your hands cool and dry for hours
- Easy grip of the reins
- Easy to remove
Cons
- None
What to look for when buying horse riding gloves
Materials
Horse riding gloves are typically made from a combination of materials like leather, suede, and synthetic fabrics. Leather is the most durable material but can be stiff and difficult to break in.
Suede is softer but also less durable than leather.
Synthetic fabrics are lightweight and moisture-wicking. While they help you stay dry when you sweat, they may not offer as much grip.
Design
Design is an essential factor in horse riding gloves.
These gloves come in various designs, from traditional fingerless gloves to half-finger and full-finger styles. Feel free to choose the design that is most comfortable for you.
Since horse riders have different shapes and sizes, they may need different types of horse riding gloves to be comfortable. For instance, some horse riders might want horse riding gloves with full fingers, while others might prefer the flexibility of fingerless models.
Grip
The grip level is another essential element of horse riding gloves. Why?
The horse you are riding may tend to spook or rearing up unexpectedly. If this happens, horse riding gloves with excellent grip will ensure that your hands stay in place and that you can pull yourself back up easily.
Riders should also opt for horse riding gloves with rubber dots or silicone grips, which allow for extra grip.
Comfort
Comfort when riding is paramount, so gloves should be comfortable and breathable for all horse riders. This would allow them to maintain a good grip on the reins while keeping their hands dry and warm (depending on the weather).
Horse riding gloves shouldn’t be too tight around your fingers or thumbs. Some models can also include cuffs at the end of each finger, which keeps air from entering in between your sleeves and glove during cold months!
Durability
Any horse riding gloves should be durable to withstand wear and tear. They should also last for a few seasons so that you don’t have to replace them often.
Leather is typically the most durable material, but it can be stiff and difficult to break in. Suede is also soft but less durable than leather.
Synthetic fabrics are lightweight and moisture-wicking but may not offer as much grip as other materials.
Price
Horse riding gloves range from $15-$50 depending on the brand, material, design, and grip level. It’s also important for horse riders not to go overboard, as horse riding gloves can become expensive very quickly, depending on their features.
Some riders may prefer to spend less money, while others are willing to splurge a bit more to get better-quality gloves.
Ventilation
Ventilation is critical in gloves to make sure the riders’ hands don’t get too sweaty. This is particularly important for horse riders who sweat a lot or during hot weather!
Since sweat can cause horse riding gloves to become slippery, a good and breathable pair will help horse riders avoid falling off their horse unexpectedly.
Weather
Horse riding gloves are made to protect your hands from harsh weather. Depending on the climate, horse riders might choose different types of horse riding gloves. For instance, insulated winter gloves would be ideal if you live in a cold climate. If you live in warmer areas, you might prefer thinner riding gloves that allow your hands to breathe.
Horse riders should also consider whether they will need waterproofing or not since some materials (like leather) do not resist water.
Wrist Enhancements
Another critical factor to consider when buying horse riding gloves is the wrist.
The best way to test the fit of a pair of riding gloves is by trying them on and seeing how they fit around your wrists.
Horse riding gloves should have elastic wrist cuffs to keep the gloves in place as well as a hook-and-loop wrist closure. This will ensure that your gloves stay on throughout your ride, no matter how bumpy it gets.
Flexibility
Horse riding gloves should also be flexible so that you can easily grip the reins. This is especially important for horse riders who do a lot of precision work, like jumping or dressage.
The elastic cuffs, hook-and-loop closures, breathable fabrics, and flexible designs are just some of the features that make horse riding gloves so important. Stiff gloves will make it difficult to grip the reins and could potentially lead to an accident.
Horse riders should also be aware of how much flexibility they need in their gloves, which will depend on what kind of activity they will engage in.
Conclusion
When choosing the best horse riding gloves there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you want your new pair of riding gloves to be comfortable so that they don’t restrict movement or feel too tight on your hands.
You also need them to be durable, even after years of wear and tear. In this case, leather is typically preferred over suede, even though it can take some time to get used to wearing it.