Riding gloves

Gloves for horse riding are often an over looked piece of riding kit, but in my opinion quite a vital one!! The obvious riding clothing is the riding hat, jodhpurs and riding boots, but for often only a little extra cost, a pair of appropriate riding gloves ride and one you would rather forget.

Gloves that are made for riding differ slightly from conventional gloves, the basics being a good grip on the palm to allow the rider to keep hold of the reins. There is nothing more scary than losing control of a horse because the reins slipping through your bare hands! Good quality riding gloves like the Roeckle Ulla glove will be thin enough to give feel, but tough enough not to wear quickly even when using rubber grip reins. They will be reinforced between the little finger and ring finger (to help the glove resist wear where the reins are held) across the palm and sometimes around the edge of the palm by the thumb too. They need a stretchy comfortable back and good fastening to prevent rubbing and twisting whilst in use. Again, as with everything investment in a good quality pair of riding gloves will mean comfort and years of good service from your horse riding gloves.

Gloves enhance the grip, which is essential on reins made from plain leather. On reins that have good grip such as rubber grip reins or continental web reins, the gloves serve to protect the riders hands from the reins which can easily cause rubs and blisters due to their abrasive nature.

Lastly, riding gloves can also serve the simple purpose of keeping the riders hands warm, this is especially important with young children who quickly loose the feeling in icy little fingers which is very painful for them! Cold, numb fingers are also very difficult to use effectively, and efficient and safe riding is greatly hindered by frosty fingers (and not very pleasant either)!