Three Non-Horsey Brand Rain Coats That Continue To Keep Me Dry

Waterproof Horse-Riding Rain Coats

One way or another if you're around horses enough, you're going to inevitably spend some time in the rain.

I'm pretty lucky that I have the luxury of an indoor for most places where I train and ride. Unfortunately when we show we're at the mercy of the elements, so when it comes to rain jackets I don't mess around.

What Type Of Rain Jackets Do I Use?

Because I coach and then also ride, I tend to stick with shells or jackets without fill. That way I can layer up with say vests and fleeces to keep warm and remove items according to the temperature.

This list of recommendations might be short but I've spent enough long days in the wind and rain to appreciate a rain coat that will keep me dry.

You'll notice that this list is made up of non-horsey brands, this is simply because the options I have as a male rider in North America are limited. Equine Couture has a great women's range of equestrian rain jackets but not so much for men, so through trial and error I found the best ones that work for me.

Helly Hansen Men's Seven J Hooded Rain Jacket

I've had a couple of these rain jackets over the last few years and have loved them for riding and I've seen a lot of riders use them. They're lightweight and breathable, and they look great which is important to me when we go to a show, making them one of my favorite brands to wear.

I thought it was such good value for money that I bought a second one a couple of years ago when the other one started to look a little tired. But don't let that make you think that they're not hard-wearing jackets. I wore my first one a lot, from schooling at home out in the grass field, to long show days in less-than-perfect weather.

Here's me with Amorniek in one of our first classes together a few years ago, and yep it was pouring with rain.

I was lucky enough to find these jackets on sale each time I wanted one but even at their regular price they were a really good purchase for riders.

HH Seven J On Amazon

Helly Hansen Men's Crew Midlayer Sailing Jacket

So yes, this is essentially a sailing jacket, but I have owned this thing for years and it simply won't give up. Mine is in red, which they discontinued but it's definitely a jacket I would buy again if the mine ever dies.

It's still as waterproof as the day I bought it and because it's mid layer it has some warmth to it also. I've actually used it for snowboarding too and it's been great for that.

The only real downside for me is that it doesn't have a hood so if I'm spending a long day outside and I know it's going to rain a lot it may not be the first one I reach for.

I found the sizing a little off too. My other half finds it very easy to buy clothes for me as she knows I'm a size small in almost everything, but this coat is definitely a little more snug than the rest of Helly Hansen's range, in other words, buy a size up from your normal.

That said it's still a wonderful coat and even after at least seven years of ownership I still use it, and although it's red, it has hardly faded after years of use and countless cycles through the washing machine.

HH Sailing Jacket

Arc'teryx Alpha FL

I'm literally saving the best til last here. Don't get me wrong, I love my Helly Hansen coats and will continue to wear them, but when the going gets tough, and you're faced with weather that would make regular people simply stay at home or cancel their day then this is the outerwear you're going to want to use.

Yes, they're expensive, so you probably won't want to buy their full range, but you won't need to. This'll be one that will last you a long time, mine is grey so it looks great with almost everything I wear, and is extremely durable.

I chose this model, which is actually designed for rock climbing, as it has all the features mentioned above but the hood is made to fit over a helmet, making it perfect for riding.

It's also a shell, which I like, so I can wear vests or fleeces underneath to keep me warm, but it's breathable enough that I can still use it on those warm but wet spring days if I've left my Helly Hansen at home.

Arc'teryx Alpha FL

See also:

Horse Riding Gloves; The Best And The Worst