Wet weather can make riding, mucking out, teaching lessons and yard work uncomfortable. However, the right waterproof riding wear makes a real difference. Waterproof riding trousers and full chaps are designed specifically for equestrian use. They help keep you dry and comfortable in all weathers.
This guide explains the different types of waterproof riding wear and the benefits of each. It explains how to choose the right option and which features to look for. It also compares waterproof riding trousers with full chaps.
You’ll also find sizing advice and answers to common questions.
Just Chaps has over 20 years of experience helping riders stay comfortable in wet weather. Our award-winning Dri-Rider range includes everyday riding waterproofs, winter protection and waterproofs for children.
What is Waterproof Riding Wear?
Waterproof riding wear keeps riders dry and comfortable while riding or working around the yard. Manufacturers design equestrian waterproofs specifically for riding, hacking and yard work. This makes them more practical than ordinary waterproof clothing.
For example, waterproof riding wear comes in several styles, including riding trousers and full chaps. Riders can wear some options over breeches or jodhpurs, while others also work as everyday waterproof trousers. The range includes sizes for adults, children and toddlers, helping riders of all ages stay protected from the weather.
For more detailed advice on child and toddler options, read our guide to choosing waterproof riding wear for children.
Overall, modern riding waterproofs are lightweight and breathable. Riders can wear them throughout the year to stay dry and comfortable in changing weather.
Why Do Riders Need Waterproof Riding Wear?
Anyone who spends time with horses knows the weather does not always cooperate. Staying dry makes riding, teaching, mucking out and turning horses in and out far more enjoyable.
Good waterproof riding wear protects your clothing from rain, mud and splashes. It also allows you to move freely while riding or working around the yard. By blocking wind and rain, it helps you stay warmer and makes long days outdoors more comfortable.
Reliable waterproofs allow riders to continue riding and caring for their horses in wet weather. They can enjoy the whole day instead of cutting it short when the rain arrives.
Waterproof Riding Trousers or Waterproof Full Chaps?
One of the most common questions riders ask is whether they should choose waterproof riding trousers or waterproof full chaps. The right choice depends on how and where you’ll be using them. For a more detailed comparison, read Waterproof Riding Trousers or Full Chaps: Which Are Right for You?
Waterproof riding trousers offer all-over protection from the rain. Riders can wear them over jodhpurs, breeches or everyday trousers, or on their own. This makes them practical for riding, yard work and other outdoor activities.
Waterproof full chaps protect the full length of each leg from the rain. Riders can put them on quickly and remove them easily, even while in the saddle. This makes them ideal for changeable weather.
In addition, fleece-lined waterproof full chaps provide extra warmth and protection from the rain. They suit riders who spend long hours outdoors or continue riding throughout the winter.
Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers
Our award-winning Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers are designed specifically for riders who want dependable waterproof protection without compromising comfort or performance. Whether you’re riding, mucking out, teaching, or simply spending a wet day at the yard, the right waterproof riding wear can make all the difference.
Designed with the needs of riders in mind, they feature a non-slip riding seat, shaped knees for comfort in the saddle and adjustable, removable stirrup straps to help keep the trousers securely in place. Available in three leg lengths, they can be worn over jodhpurs, breeches or everyday trousers, or simply on their own.
Made using our advanced waterproof and breathable Dri-Rider fabric, they are lightweight, easy to care for and require no reproofing.
For a closer look at their technical features, fit and practical uses, read our guide to why riders choose Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers.
For help comparing women’s UK sizes and choosing the right leg length, read our guide to Choosing Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers for Women.
Best for
- Riding in all weather conditions
- Everyday yard work
- Riders who want full waterproof protection
- Those who want a non-slip riding seat, shaped knees and adjustable stirrup straps
Dri-Rider Country Trousers
The Dri-Rider Country Trousers are made to the same high standard as our award-winning riding trousers and use the same advanced waterproof and breathable fabric. As a result, they offer dependable protection from the rain whilst remaining lightweight and comfortable.
They are ideal for spectators and outdoor enthusiasts. However, they do not feature a non-slip riding seat or shaped knees. They are an excellent choice for walking the dog, watching competitions, country walks and everyday outdoor activities.
Like the Riding Trousers, they can be worn over everyday clothing or on their own, are available in three leg lengths, feature a generous leg zip for easy changing over boots and require no reproofing. For more information about this non-riding option, read our guide to Dri-Rider Waterproof Country Trousers.
Best for
- Spectators
- Dog walkers
- Country walks
- General outdoor wear
- Anyone looking for lightweight, breathable waterproof trousers
Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps
Many riders choose waterproof full chaps because they provide excellent protection from the rain whilst being quick and easy to use. Designed to be worn over your jodhpurs or breeches, they provide waterproof protection for your full leg, helping to keep you dry and comfortable when riding or working around the yard.
One of the biggest advantages of full chaps is their convenience. For example, riders can put them on quickly and remove them just as easily, even while in the saddle. This makes them ideal for changeable weather or unexpected showers.
Our Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps are lightweight, breathable and designed specifically for riding, offering dependable waterproof protection without restricting movement. They are a popular choice for everyday riding, hacking and general yard duties.
Best for
- Everyday riding
- Hacking
- Competitions – helping to keep your competition clothes clean and dry before going into the ring
- Yard work
- Riders who want waterproof protection that’s quick and easy to put on and remove
Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps with Fleece Lining
For riders who spend long hours outdoors during the colder months, the Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps with Fleece Lining provide the same waterproof protection as our standard full chaps with the added benefit of a warm fleece lining.
In particular, they are ideal for winter riding, early mornings at the yard and anyone who feels the cold. The fleece lining helps retain warmth whilst the waterproof, breathable outer fabric keeps rain and wind at bay, allowing you to stay comfortable whatever the weather.
Like our standard full chaps, they are quick to put on and remove, even whilst in the saddle, making them a practical choice for riders who want extra warmth without the bulk of additional clothing.
Best for
- Winter riding
- Winter competitions – helping to keep you warm, clean and dry before going into the ring
- Early mornings and late evenings at the yard
- Riders who feel the cold
- Long days outdoors in cold, wet weather
For more practical advice on combining waterproof riding wear with suitable layers, read our guide to staying warm and dry while winter horse riding. Read more about the features and uses of Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps with Fleece Lining.
Children’s Waterproof Riding Wear
Keeping children warm, dry and comfortable makes time at the yard much more enjoyable, whether they’re riding, helping with the horses or simply spending time outdoors. That’s why we’ve developed the Dri-Rider children’s range to offer the same waterproof protection and practical features as our adult products, in sizes suitable for younger riders.
Our range includes Children’s Waterproof Riding Trousers, Children’s Waterproof Full Chaps, Children’s Fleece-Lined Waterproof Full Chaps and Toddler Waterproof Riding Trousers, so there’s an option for every age and every season.
The children’s riding trousers are ideal for young riders who want full waterproof protection when riding or helping around the yard, while the waterproof full chaps are a popular choice for everyday riding and competitions, as they are quick to put on and remove.
For colder weather, the fleece-lined full chaps provide extra warmth without adding bulk, helping young riders stay warm throughout the winter months. Our toddler waterproof riding trousers are perfect for keeping little ones warm and dry at the yard.
Best for
- Young riders who enjoy riding whatever the weather
- Keeping children clean and dry at the yard
- Competitions – helping to keep young riders clean and dry before going into the ring
- Winter riding with the fleece-lined range
- Keeping toddlers warm and dry at the yard
What Makes Dri-Rider Waterproofs Different?
Our Dri-Rider range has been developed specifically for equestrian use, combining waterproof protection with comfort, durability and practicality for riding and around the yard. Every product is designed to perform in the demanding conditions riders experience, whether you’re riding, working around the yard or enjoying the countryside.
Unlike many waterproof garments, Dri-Rider products use a waterproof and breathable fabric. This helps prevent rain from getting in whilst allowing moisture from the body to escape, keeping you more comfortable during active use.
All Dri-Rider waterproofs feature fully taped seams, helping to prevent water from penetrating through the stitching. The lightweight fabric is designed to be hard-wearing without feeling bulky, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Another benefit of the Dri-Rider range is that it is easy to care for. The waterproof fabric does not require reproofing, so your waterproofs can simply be machine washed following the care instructions, making them practical for regular use throughout the year.
Over the past 20 years, Dri-Rider waterproofs have earned an excellent reputation with riders across the UK and worldwide, receiving multiple industry awards for their quality, comfort and performance.
Why riders choose Dri-Rider waterproofs
- Award-winning design
- Waterproof and breathable fabric
- Fully taped seams
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Machine washable
- No reproofing required
- Developed specifically for equestrian use
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the correct size is important for comfort and performance.
Our waterproof riding trousers and country trousers can be worn either over your normal riding clothes or on their own. Our waterproof full chaps are designed to be worn over jodhpurs or breeches, so it’s important to allow sufficient room for a comfortable fit without being too loose.
Waterproof riding trousers and country trousers come in three leg lengths to help you achieve a better fit. Full chaps fit comfortably over your existing riding wear.
If you’re unsure which size to choose, our Size Calculator and Sizing Guides will help you find the right fit before ordering.
Caring for Your Waterproofs
Looking after your Dri-Rider waterproofs is simple. They are machine washable and designed for regular use, making them easy to care for throughout the year.
To keep them performing at their best:
- Machine wash at 40°C
- Do not use fabric conditioner
- Allow them to dry naturally
- No reproofing is required
Following these simple care instructions will help keep your waterproofs performing at their best.
For detailed washing instructions, read our guide to washing and caring for Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers and Full Chaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dri-Rider waterproofs really waterproof?
Yes. Every Dri-Rider product is made using waterproof fabric with fully taped seams to help keep rain out whilst remaining breathable and comfortable.
Will I get too hot wearing them?
No. The breathable fabric allows moisture from your body to escape, helping you stay comfortable whilst riding and working around the yard.
Should I choose riding trousers or full chaps?
If you want full lower-body protection, riding trousers are an excellent choice. If you prefer something quick to put on and remove, waterproof full chaps are ideal.
Which waterproofs are best for winter?
For colder weather, our fleece-lined waterproof full chaps provide extra warmth whilst still offering the same waterproof protection.
Are Dri-Rider waterproofs suitable for children?
Yes. Our children’s range includes waterproof riding trousers, waterproof full chaps and fleece-lined full chaps, with toddler waterproof trousers also available for younger children.
Find the Right Waterproofs for You
Whether you’re hacking through the countryside, training at home, competing, carrying out yard work or simply enjoying a walk with the dog, there’s a Dri-Rider waterproof designed to suit your needs.
At Just Chaps, we’ve been helping riders choose the right waterproof clothing for over 20 years. If you’re still unsure which product is right for you, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Browse our full range of Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers, Country Trousers, Waterproof Full Chaps and Children’s Waterproofs, or use our Size Guide to find your perfect fit.
Our aim at Just Chaps is simple. We want to help every rider make informed decisions when choosing their equestrian kit. We hope this guide has left you better informed and made choosing the right waterproof riding wear a little easier.