female rider wearing All Purpose riding gloves in black.

Horse Riding Gloves – The Ultimate Guide.

Trust the Specialists

The team at Just Chaps have been designing horse riding gloves for more than 20 years. With this level of experience, you can rely on us to provide the ultimate guide to buying equestrian gloves. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about horse riding gloves. We will look at why you need riding gloves, how they should fit and what size is best for you. As well as this we look at buying different gloves for different weathers and and why we use the fabrics that we do.

Why We Need Horse Riding Gloves

Horse riding gloves are essential for several reasons:

  1. Grip and Control: Gloves provide a better grip on the reins, especially in wet or humid conditions.
  2. Protection: They protect your hands from blisters and chafing caused by rubbling of the reins.
  3. Comfort: Gloves add an extra layer of comfort, cushioning your hands against the pressure of the reins.
  4. Warmth: In cold weather, gloves keep your hands warm, ensuring that you maintain dexterity and control.
  5. Summer: In warmer weather, gloves protect your skin from UV and make sure your grip is not compromised with hot sweaty hands.
  6. Safety: A good pair of gloves can prevent injuries by providing a firm grip, reducing the risk of the reins slipping from your hands.

Which horse riding gloves should I buy?

We have a complete selection for you to try. Here’s a brief description of each, with more detailed information to follow:

  1. All Purpose Riding Gloves. As the name suggests, these gloves are no one trick pony. Perfect for riding, they’re warm and comfortable. Ideal for yard duties, they’re not bulky for jobs yet offer protection.
  2. Summer Lightweight Gloves. Our latest addition to the range and perfect for the warmer months. Also ideal for anyone who prefers a lightweight option.
  3. Competition Gloves. Made from the latest faux leather, with a fantastic fit. Perfect for smart days out.
  4. Winter Gloves. Wonderfully warm without bulk. With hi-viz for road work and extra warmth at the cuff.

What makes Just Chaps’ Horse Riding Gloves unique?

  • Fit: All of our gloves are designed in-house and made to our unique requirements and shape. This means that we give much thought to the fact that gloves should fit snugly without being too tight. As well as this they should allow for full movement and dexterity.
  • Specialism: Our factories offer specialist seamstresses for such accurate work.
  • Material: Common materials include leather, synthetic leather, and technical fabrics. Leather offers durability and a classic look, while synthetic options are often more flexible and breathable. More on that to come.
  • We think long and hard about the shape of our gloves to ensure you get the best fit. We offer adjustable closures at the wrist to ensure a secure fit. Of course, gloves should be non-restrictive and allow for complete range of movement.

Different Gloves for Different Weathers

Summer Gloves

  • Material: Lightweight and breathable materials like mesh or light synthetic fabrics.
  • Features: Ventilation panels, moisture-wicking properties, and UV protection.
  • Example: Mesh gloves with synthetic leather reinforcements.

Winter Gloves

  • Material: Insulated materials such as Thinsulate or fleece lining.
  • Features: Waterproofing, windproofing, and thermal insulation.
  • Example: Leather gloves with fleece lining and waterproof outer layer.

All-Season Gloves

  • Material: Versatile materials that provide a balance of warmth, breathability, and flexibility.
  • Features: Moderate insulation, breathable panels, and durable construction.
  • Example: Synthetic gloves with a balance of insulation and ventilation.

The Just Chaps Range

Let’s look at each product and why you will love them.

All Purpose Riding Gloves

Our All Purpose gloves are an all-round winner. Read here why Horse & Hound voted them as Best Winter Gloves. In a nutshell:

  • Material: All Purpose are made from a stretch softshell material with a Thinsulate lining for warmth. Thinsulate is a wonderful textile because, as the name suggests, it adds a THIN layer of insulation. This give the rider warmth without bulk.
  • Fit: The shaping of these gloves is perfect and the stretch from the fabric ensures a close fit.
  • Features: Warm and non-slip with a good long cuff to keep out the cold. All of our gloves are washable and are mobile friendly.

Summer-weight Riding Gloves

Perfect for riding in the warmer weather or for anyone who likes a lightweight option.

  • Material: Summer-weight Gloves are made from a lightweight yet strong stretch-mesh top which allows for maximum breathability. We use a fine synthetic leather for the palm and fingers. This technical fabric, the latest of its kind, prevents the reins from slipping even when wet. It is the perfect light weight for summer yet is able to cope with the rigours of riding.
  • Fit: Yet again, the fit of our gloves is excellent. The design is well thought through and expertly put together by experienced seamstresses who can cope with such intricate work.
  • Features: Ventilated and non-slip with an adjustable cuff for a perfect fit. Washable. Mobile friendly.

Competition Riding Gloves

Perfect for posh days out and loved by riders who prefer a more traditional look.

  • Material: Competition Riding Gloves are our smartest option and when you try them we are sure you will love them. Made from the latest synthetic leather with finger reinforcements. This textile – the latest of its kind – gives the rider a flexible feel with superior grip.
  • Fit: all of our gloves are made to our own tried and tested shape. The fit is fantastic – comfortable yet very close-fitting.
  • Features: Durable and breathable with excellent non-slip grip even when wet. Washable.

Winter Riding Gloves

Our latest addition to the gloves range and already very popular. Perfect for months of cold weather.

  • Material: Made from top notch softshell, perfect for providing warmth and a super comfortable fit. Softshell has a little “give” and for that reason is perfect for riding gloves. The fit can be snug yet non-restrictive at the same time.
  • Fit: Snug and cosy with a long elasticated cuff to keep out the drafts.
  • Features: Non-slip palm and finger reinforcements. Water resistant. Wind-proof. Hi Viz panels for road work.

What size will fit me?

Finding the right size equestrian gloves is crucial for comfort and performance. Here’s how to find your best size:

How to Measure for Horse Riding Gloves

  1. Measure Your Hand Circumference
    • Step 1: Using your tape measure…
    • Step 2: Wrap the tape around the widest part of the knuckles
    • Step 3: Note the measurement in inches. The tape should snug but not too tight.
  2. Check the sizing chart or product page
    • Compare your hand circumference to the sizing information on the product pages. You will find this information further down in this guide also.
    • If your measurements fall between sizes, consider the material and fit. Leather and some synthetics may stretch slightly over time, so a snug fit might be ideal. For gloves made of materials that do not stretch, a slightly looser fit could be more comfortable.

Choosing the right horse riding gloves involves considering the material, fit and specific features. By selecting gloves that meet your riding needs, you can ensure better grip, protection, comfort, and overall performance. Whether you’re riding in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, the right gloves can make a significant difference in your riding experience.

Typical Glove Size Chart (Circumference Measurement)

Hand Circumference (inches)Glove Size
6 – 6.5XS (Extra Small)
6.5 – 7S (Small)
7 – 7.5M (Medium)
7.5 – 8L (Large)
8 – 8.5XL (Extra Large)
8.5 – 9XXL (Double XL

Top Tips for the Right Fit

  1. Try Them On: Try on the gloves so that you can check for comfort, flexibility, and how well you can grip the reins.
  2. Check for Dexterity: Ensure you can move your fingers freely and maintain a good grip on the reins.
  3. Consider the Activity: Different riding activities might require slightly different fits. For example, competition gloves might need to be more snug than an All Purpose glove.
  4. Account for Layering: If you plan to wear liner gloves in winter, ensure there’s enough room to accommodate them without making the gloves too tight.

Conclusion

Choosing the right horse riding gloves involves considering both material and the fit. By selecting gloves that meet your riding needs, you can ensure better grip, protection, comfort, and overall performance. Whether you’re riding in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, the right gloves can make a significant difference in your riding experience. We hope this guide help when buying horse riding gloves.

If you’d like to chat to us before you buy, do call our expert, friendly team on 01403 820887 or email info@justchaps.com.