Winter Riding Gloves: Four Pairs for Cold Reins
A winter glove for riding has a harder job than a winter glove for walking: it has to keep the hand warm without taking away the feel of the rein. Four pairs from Roeckl and Uvex, from a thin fleece-lined classic to a glove with Thinsulate insulation, and what separates them.
The thinner the glove, the finer the contact; the more insulation, the warmer the hand. Choose by how cold your mornings really get.
What a winter riding glove has to do
Three things matter, in this order. Warmth, because cold fingers lose feel on the rein faster than any glove does. Grip, on the palm and between the ring and little finger, where the rein runs. And fit: a riding glove should sit close, with no loose fabric at the fingertips.
Every extra layer of warmth costs a little contact. That is the real choice between the four gloves below.
Thin and warm: Roeckl Roeck-Grip Winter
The winter version of Roeckl’s Roeck-Grip keeps the light, elastic material of the original and adds a warming fleece lamination. Roeckl describes the fit as a second skin, so the feel for the rein stays. A Velcro tab closes the wrist, it is touchscreen compatible, and it goes in the washing machine. Roeckl recommends washing it once a week, because some horse-care products attack the material.
It suits riders who want to keep riding in their usual glove feel through autumn and mild winter days. Available in seven colours, from black to white.
Polartec, two ways: Roeckl Warwick and Roeckl Weldon
Both are made from Polartec Power Stretch Pro, a soft, warm and very elastic material.
The Warwick is built entirely from it, with a silicone-coated palm and riding reinforcements for grip, and Roeckl’s Comfort Cut. It is the glove you keep on after the ride.
The Weldon uses a particularly heavy Polartec quality for more warmth and has a slimmer fit. The palm is siliconised with Roeckl logos, with an extra silicone zone between the ring and little finger for the rein. It is touchscreen compatible, has a red siliconised pull-on tab and a reflective Roeckl logo.
The most insulated: Uvex Sportstyle Winter
The only glove here with Thinsulate insulation, plus a fluffy inner lining. The outer is a highly elastic PU material for grip and a fine feel, and it is breathable. Machine-washable at 30 °C on a gentle cycle; not for the tumble dryer.
It suits the coldest mornings and riders who spend a long time in the yard before and after the ride.
Choosing, sizing and care
- Mild winters (as on Mallorca, or autumn anywhere): Roeck-Grip Winter.
- Cold, dry days: Warwick or Weldon.
- Frost and long yard hours: Uvex Sportstyle Winter.
- Size: close-fitting, no loose fingertips; the retailer shows the size chart per product.
- Care: wash regularly, as the makers recommend, and dry away from the heater.
Delivery conditions for your country are shown by the retailer at checkout.
- A winter riding glove balances warmth against feel on the rein.
- Roeck-Grip Winter: thin, fleece-laminated, closest contact.
- Warwick and Weldon: Polartec Power Stretch Pro; Weldon in a heavier quality with extra rein grip.
- Uvex Sportstyle Winter: Thinsulate insulation and a fluffy lining for the coldest days.
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