If the glove fits, get a grip!
As horseback riders, we understand the importance of wearing great riding gloves. They help protect our hands, keep us from getting blisters, and help us grip the reins better.
Finding a great pair of gloves can be a struggle. You want to find a pair that fits your hands well, is within your budget, and is comfortable to wear. If you are wondering how to find the best gloves for horseback riding, let us help you navigate the endless options of riding gloves and find something that will work perfectly for you.
Riding Gloves: Why Might You Need Them
Riding gloves serve many different purposes. Riding gloves keep your hands warm in winter, and help provide grip on your reins if your hands get sweaty in the summer.
They will protect your hands should your horse pull suddenly on the reins and help prevent you from getting uncomfortable blisters.
Photo Cred: Canva
Riding Gloves Basics
Riding gloves are commonly made from leather, especially riding gloves intended for showing purposes. In contrast, some gloves will be fleece-lined for wear during the winter months or made of a cotton blend, which will be more comfortable during warmer weather months.
Glove sizing will vary by brand, so it is important to look at the size guide for the gloves you are intending to purchase.
Some gloves will come in small, medium, or large sizes while others will have numerical sizes. You may need to use a cloth tape measure to ensure that you select the correct size.
| Category | Product | Price Point | You’ll Love Them If: |
| Best Gloves for English Riding | Ariat Unisex Air Grip Glove | $$ | You are looking for a quality riding glove at a good price point |
| Best Gloves for |
SSG Schooler Gloves | $ | You are looking for a durable glove that is great to take on any sort of trail rides |
| Best Gloves for Winter Riding | Kerrits Ladies Hand Warmer Gloves | $$ | You are looking for a great winter glove to keep your hands warm while riding |
| Best Gloves for Barn Chores | SSG Equestrian Barn Glove | $$ | You need a great quality barn glove for barn chores such as cleaning stalls and moving hay |
| Best Gloves for Horse Showing | Roeckl Roeck-Grip Unisex Gloves | $$$ | You are looking for a great quality and comfortable show glove |
| Best Gloves for Summer Riding | OEQ Cool Mesh Glove | $ | You want a breathable glove for very warm climates that will keep your hands cool |
| Best Gloves for Budget Shoppers | SSG Fleece Lined Gripper Gloves | $ | You are looking for a great pair of gloves on a smaller budget |
$: 0 – 25
$$: 26 – 50
$$$: $51 +
Best Riding Gloves
Roeckl Roeck- Grip Unisex Gloves
These Roeckl gloves are perfect for showing. They feature a soft and supple material that is breathable and comfortable through all seasons.
The gloves feel like a second skin and provide an excellent grip on the reins.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Excellent grip
- Allows for movement and flexibility
- Stylish
CONS:
- Sizing can be tough to figure out
- Slightly expensive
SSG Equestrian Barn Gloves
These SSG barn gloves are a great way to protect your hands while working hard around the barn.
They provide great protection while cleaning stalls, moving feed, or even bringing horses in and out of the barn.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Provide great grip
- Warm for the winter months
- Durable
CONS:
- Not very waterproof
- Thick material so they can get warm
OEQ Cool Mesh Glove
These gloves feature a mesh back with synthetic suede palms that will help to provide grip while keeping your hands cool. The mesh backs will allow air to flow in and out of the glove.
These are a great option for riding in hot temperatures!
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Adjustable wrists
- Airy material
- Excellent grip
CONS:
- Only whole sizes
Kerrits Ladies Hand Warmer Gloves
These gloves by Kerrits are perfect for those chilly winter riding months. They are made to keep your hands warm while riding, but still allow you to use your touchscreen smartphone so you never have to take them off.
Customers rave about their comfort and insulating properties!
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Fleece-lined for warmth
- Reinforcement for handling your reins
- Suede palms that stretch
CONS:
- Less precise sizing
Ariat Unisex Air Grip Riding Glove
These Ariat riding gloves are an excellent choice for any English riding discipline from
An added bonus? They are very breathable, making them a great choice for hot weather.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Fit well
- Great mobility in hands when wearing
- Grip on palms and fingers
CONS:
- Sizing is small – you may want to go up a size
SSG Schooler Glove
This SSG glove is not only at a great price point, but it is also durable. Whether you are going for a quick trail ride or schooling in the arena, these gloves are perfect.
You can also use them to do any chores or work around the barn.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Durable
- Great grip on palms
- Versatile option at a value price
CONS:
- Hand wash only
SSG Fleece Lined Gripper Gloves
These gloves are cotton-backed, and fleece lined to provide extra warmth if needed, but also function as a great riding glove for those on a smaller budget.
They are made of lightweight material and are reinforced in important areas to ensure they hold up to riding.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Warm if needed
- Good grip
- Lightweight
CONS:
- Finding the right fit can be tough
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best gloves for horse riding?
The best gloves for horse riding will be whichever ones are the most comfortable and match what you need them for. It is a great idea to try on different sizes and fabrics so you can find a pair that fit you well and you still feel comfortable wearing them while riding.
Q: Should you wear gloves when horse riding?
It is a good idea to wear gloves when riding and working with horses to protect your hands. Gloves can aid in grip, prevent blisters, and keep hands warm in colder temperatures.
Q: What do horse riding gloves do?
Horse riding gloves protect your hands from both injury and the elements. Gloves can keep your hands warm during the winter months and protect them from sun in warmer months. Riding gloves can also protect your hands from blisters or rope burns (especially when leading or longing!)
Q: What are the warmest horse riding gloves?
The warmest horse riding gloves will be gloves that are fleece lined with a wind-proof exterior. They will protect an added layer of warmth if you are riding in a colder climate.
Q: How do you measure for riding gloves?
Riding gloves will all have different size charts, so it is important to read their size chart to find out what measurements they are basing their sizing off of. Some brands will have you measure the length of your hands and others will have you make a fist and take the measurement around your first.
Source: Canva
Parting Thoughts
Finding the perfect pair of riding gloves can feel overwhelming since there are so many options out there. Hopefully this list helped point you in the right direction!
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