More Christmas Gifts: Riding Apparel

November 19, 2007

Here are some more great Christmas gift ideas for that horse-crazed loved one. This set includes a variety of practical items that are good quality riding equipment and apparel. I’ve had many horsey Christmases myself and have tried a variety of brands of each of these products, and the following are my top picks.

Riding Gloves

Warm Weather: Crochet-backed, leather (deerskin preffered)

These come in a variety of styles and a variety of colors. The better the leather, the better the glove. Some have elastic wrists and some have velcro; I prefer the elastic. It’s more comfortable and more flexible, plus they’re really easy to pull on and off.

• Crochet-backed leather riding gloves at Dover Saddlery >>

Cold Weather: Good Hands Thinsulate Leather Winter Gloves
These are by far the warmest, best-quality winter riding gloves. Fleece riding gloves tend to be popular buys, but they really aren’t that warm and even more importantly are big and bulky and interfere with your riding ability. The Good Hands leather gloves are fleece lined, water-resistant and warm while being thin enough to allow better riding. They are also very durable.

• Good Hands winter riding gloves at justforponies.com >>

Anything Ariat
Ariat is the top maker of riding boots for both English and Western riders. They make cowboy boots, paddock boots, tall boots, clogs, barn wear, and fashion wear among other apparel. I have their paddock boots and love them. They are on the pricey side, but hold up much better (and are more comfortable) than their less expensive counterparts. If you really want to make your horse-persons Christmas, go Ariat! Ariat boots are ergonomically designed and provide superior support and comfort. They really are in a class by themselves. I now ride in the Ariat Heritage and will never go back to another brand.

When it come to the boots, the sizes run similarly to most dress shoes (at least for women). I usually wear a 7.5 or 8 depending on brand or style in regular shoes, but definitely only needed the 7.5 in Ariat. Ariat boots and other products are available in many online stores and are also carried by Tractor Supply and Co.

• Ariat riding boots at Dover Saddlery >>
• View all Ariat boots, gloves, shirts, jackets, accessories and more at Ariat.com >>

Warm Winter Clothing
Us crazy horse people tend to go out in all weathers, and the most dedicated really know how to layer. Fleece is warm, soft, and comfortable and great for layering now that we’re getting into the cold season. Clothing made specifically for riding is better than a generic Eddie Bauer fleece, as its contours and flexiblities are designed specifically to flow comfortably with riding activity. Bulky clothing just gets in the way when working around horses.

• Riding fleece and layers at Dover Saddlery >>

Socks
Horseback riders can never get enough boot socks and warm socks. For English riders who typically ride in tall boots, it’s nice to have thin, knee-high socks specifically designed to go under boots. Nobody can see them, but we always know when we’re wearing cute socks.

• Boot socks at Dover Saddlery >>

Earlier post with Christmas gift ideas for horse people >>

Posted in General, Recommendations