What to Wear Horseback Riding in the Winter

There’s something magical about riding through fresh snow, the only sound being your horse’s steady breath and hooves crunching over frozen ground. But anyone who’s spent time in the saddle come winter knows—without the right gear, that magic turns cold fast.

That was the lesson Jamie learned the hard way. She’d just moved to Montana, eager to explore her new ranch on horseback. But her first winter ride left her fingers numb and her toes frozen stiff. Determined to do better, Jamie started asking around, researching what to wear horseback riding in the winter. That’s when she discovered Heat Holders®. Now, every ride is a cozy adventure.

A Warm Ride

Here’s how Jamie gears up—and how you can too—for warm, safe, and enjoyable winter rides.

Start with the Right Base: Stay Warm from the Inside Out

Black #color_black

Before anything else, Jamie pulls on her CERAMIC Infused Base Layers. Designed to trap heat while wicking away moisture, they keep her warm without overheating—especially important when she’s tacking up or working hard in the saddle. The ceramic particles woven into the fibers reflect body heat back toward the skin, offering an added layer of cozy insulation.

Whether she’s out for a quick loop or a half-day trail ride, Jamie doesn’t skip this step. It’s her not-so-secret winter armor.

Mid-Layers That Move with You

Next, she layers up with the ORIGINAL™ Zip Jacket. Its sleek cut fits comfortably under a jacket. It doesn’t bunch or ride up when she’s in motion.

The shirt keeps her core warm, but its breathable design ensures she doesn’t overheat while riding or grooming her horse.

Outerwear that Shields from the Elements

Winter winds don’t stand a chance against Jamie’s Heat Holders® Puffer Jacket. Lightweight but packed with thermal protection, it blocks out cold gusts and light snow while giving her the flexibility she needs to ride confidently.

And with its wind-resistant outer shell and plush inner lining, she stays warm without feeling bulky.

Feet First: Toasty Toes in the Saddle

Heat Holders® Women's patterned thermal socks

Frostbite-prone toes are a thing of the past thanks to Jamie’s go-to: Heat Holders ULTRA LITE® socks. These bestsellers are over three times warmer than regular cotton socks and are made to fit in tighter footwear, like riding boots. Whether she’s riding or mucking stalls, her feet stay dry and warm inside her boots.

She even keeps an extra pair in her tack box—just in case.

Don’t Forget the Fingers, Ears, and Neck

For reins-ready warmth, Jamie uses Heat Holders® Converter Gloves. They offer the dexterity of fingerless gloves with a mitten flap she can pull over when it’s extra cold. No more taking gloves on and off to check straps or open feed bags.

Her cowboy hat stays in place, but under it? A snug pair of Heat Holders® Ear Muffs. Slim and low-profile, they slide under her hat without discomfort and keep her ears fully protected from icy winds.

Finally, Jamie wraps up with a Heat Holders® Neck Warmer—an easy-on, easy-off solution that’s safer than a long scarf and just as effective at blocking wind and trapping heat.

Saddle Up with Confidence

Now when Jamie heads out for a ride, she’s not thinking about how cold she is—she’s focused on the rhythm of the ride, the crisp smell of pine, and the peaceful hush of snow-covered trails.

Winter riding doesn’t have to mean shivering in the saddle. With the right layers, you can enjoy every moment—just like Jamie.

So if you’ve been wondering what to wear horseback riding in the winter, now you know: layer smart, dress warm, and count on Heat Holders® to keep you cozy from the barn to the back country.

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Women’s Ceramic Base Layer Pants Women’s Ceramic Base Layer Pants
Women’s Ceramic Base Layer Top Women’s Ceramic Base Layer Top
Women's Penelope Puffer Jacket Women's Penelope Puffer Jacket
Women's ORIGINAL™ Zip Jacket Women's ORIGINAL™ Zip Jacket
Women's ORIGINAL™ Zip Jacket
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