Horse Riding Gear Review
Do you want to know which riding clothes really perform in everyday use?
In my personal equestrian clothing test, you’ll find honest reviews of riding leggings, helmets, gloves, and more.
I use all the products myself myself – while riding, traveling, or working as a riding guide.
Here you won’t find polished marketing claims, just real insights from practice – so you know what really fits well, protects, and lasts.
Table of Contents
Helmets Tested
A well-fitting riding helmet is essential for riding. It must provide reliable protection while remaining comfortable, well-ventilated, and unobtrusive. I tested two models particularly suited for narrow head shapes, which proved themselves on numerous rides.
The Perfexxion III from UVEX is considered one of the premium models on the market. At around €260, it is not cheap, but it offers substantial features in return. This helmet is particularly suitable for narrow head shapes and is individually adjustable in height and width thanks to the 3D-IAS system.
Its robust ABS hard-shell design provides reliable protection. Six ventilation holes with plastic grilles ensure good airflow even on warm days. Especially practical is the TPU visor, which is more break-resistant than many other materials.
The supersoft interior lining with mesh inserts ensures comfortable wear. The padding is removable and washable, making the helmet particularly easy to maintain. An additional plus is the memory foam at the forehead, which adapts perfectly to the wearer.
The helmet comes in four colors, providing both safety and visual options.
Verdict: A high-quality helmet with thoughtful comfort, ideal for narrow heads. Although it’s an investment, the quality and fit justify the price—this was the only helmet that truly fit me perfectly.
The ProNova II from Felix Bühler was a comparatively affordable helmet at €99 and worked well for narrow heads. At the time, it was the only helmet that truly fit me.
While it had technical features such as ventilation, these details are no longer available online, as the helmet has been discontinued.
A drawback was the construction of the visor: it detached relatively quickly, reducing the helmet’s lifespan significantly. After a maximum of two years, I had to replace it.
Verdict: A helmet with good fit at a fair price, but limited durability. It is no longer available, so it cannot be recommended today.
The SWING H06 from Waldhausen is an inexpensive safety helmet (around €45), suitable primarily for occasional riders or as a backup helmet. It features a three-point safety harness and an adjustable sizing system.
Four front vents with insect screens and two rear vents provide decent airflow. Despite its low price, it offers solid comfort and a secure feeling while riding.
Weighing only about 450 g, it is lightweight and particularly practical for travel or as a secondary helmet. While the fit is not ideal for narrow heads, it is a very good choice as an affordable backup.
Verdict: A lightweight, inexpensive, and functional helmet, ideal for travel or as a spare. For narrow heads, other models may fit better, but in terms of price-to-performance ratio, the H06 is a reliable companion.
Overall Verdict:
The Felix Bühler helmet was a solid, affordable option but is no longer available. The UVEX Perfexxion III is considerably more expensive, but it offers excellent quality, high comfort, and precise adjustment—especially for narrow heads. The Waldhausen SWING H06, on the other hand, is an affordable, lightweight alternative, ideal for travel or backup, even though it does not fit narrow heads as precisely as the UVEX.
Performance Shirts Comparison
Here you can read about my personal experiences with various functional shirts for riding.
What matters most to me is comfort, breathable materials, and a good fit—whether training, riding, or working in the stable.
Details like zippers with chin protection, mesh inserts for ventilation, and a cut that does not interfere while in the saddle are also important.
Explore the options and discover which functional shirt suits your everyday riding needs.
This breathable top is made of 90% polyester and 10% elastane. Perforations on the chest and arms provide ventilation, and the cut is straight rather than tight. A shape-retaining collar and a slightly shorter zipper at the neck give it a sporty look.
While riding, it feels airy, especially on the arms. However, the perforations can slightly rub on the skin during high activity, and dirt from hay or straw can accumulate quickly during stable work. It is therefore less suitable for pure workdays but very pleasant for trail rides or warm days.
Verdict: Functional, airy shirt for warm conditions, with minor compromises in comfort in certain situations.
Its higher price is justified for training sessions or warm-weather rides, though more affordable alternatives exist for general use.
This stretchy, soft long-sleeve shirt features a glitter zipper and stand-up collar, with mesh inserts on the sides for good ventilation. The material is 88% polyester and 12% elastane, quick-drying, and comfortable on the skin. It is available in various, including bright, colors.
I find the shirt fits well and is comfortable, particularly the mesh under the arms. The collar on my model is slightly stiff, possibly because it was a sample piece from a leftover stock sale. Overall, it is a solid basic for both stable and riding use.
Verdict: Affordable, breathable functional shirt that performs well both visually and functionally, with a minor deduction for collar comfort.
Produced sustainably, with a slim fit and shorter cut to avoid sitting on the fabric while riding. The material is 80% nylon and 20% elastane, elastic, durable, and breathable. The stand-up collar with zipper and chin protection provides a sporty look.
The material feels smoother and firmer than many polyester shirts but hugs the body nicely. The short cut is ideal for riding, though I pair it with high-waist leggings for stable work. The collar fits snugly, so I often fold it for more comfort. Quick drying is a plus, ideal for intensive training sessions.
Verdict: Form-fitting, sporty shirt with excellent functionality. Highly recommended for riders seeking a modern look and freedom of movement.
Positioned in the higher price range, but the quality and sporty cut justify the cost, especially for those seeking a long-lasting, stylish riding shirt.
This functional shirt features a metallic all-over horse print, a stand-up collar with zipper and chin protection, and raglan sleeves for freedom of movement. The material is 88% polyester and 12% elastane, breathable and quick-drying, available in several colors, including bright variations.
It fits comfortably, slightly loose but not baggy. The collar allows airflow, which is pleasant on warm days. It retains its shape while riding and feels good throughout the day.
Verdict: Comfortable, visually appealing shirt with a fair price-to-performance ratio—suitable for both stable work and leisure.
Overall Verdict:
All four functional shirts have their strengths and differ in price and fit. The Felix Bühler and STEEDS shirts offer good comfort, solid functionality, and fair pricing—ideal all-rounders for daily use and riding.
The Royal Horsemen shirt is pricier but offers a modern fit, high comfort, and functional details such as the short cut for riding. For those willing to invest more, it is a very well-designed product.
The Etalon Vert shirt is also in the higher price range, excelling with its airy design for warm days. The cost is justified for targeted use in trail rides or training but less suitable for stable work.
Children’s Riding Gloves
Riding gloves should protect while feeling like a second skin during riding. I tested models from Roeckl and Steeds—both in children’s sizes, as I have very small hands.
Important factors were soft material, comfortable fit, secure grip, and that they remain stable without slipping or pinching.
For small hands, children’s sizes are often best, as in my case. Roeckl gloves are thin, provide good rein contact, and secure with a Velcro closure without constriction. Perfect for summer and transitional seasons.
The material (82% polyamide, 18% polyurethane on the back; 92% polyester, 8% elastane on the palm) holds up well even under daily use for at least three months, often longer.
Each model is typically available for only one season but comes in two to four colors. With a starting price of around €20, they are not cheap, but the comfort and durability justify it.
Verdict: Comfortable, durable, and pleasant to wear—ideal for small hands, despite the slightly higher price.
This lightweight glove offers high comfort and a simple design without closures. Children’s sizes come in one color, while adult sizes offer up to four.
Material (90% nylon, 10% elastane on the back; 80% polyurethane, 20% polyester) is functional and comfortable. Bonus: touchscreen compatibility, ideal for taking photos without removing the gloves.
After about two months of intensive use, slight wear appears at the thumb and index finger.
Verdict: Affordable, comfortable glove with practical features—good for occasional use, but not highly durable for daily use.
Overall Verdict:
Both models fit well and are comfortable. Roeckl gloves excel in durability, while Steeds “Glove Laki,” despite shorter lifespan, are my favorites for comfort, lightness, and riding.
Advertisement
Do you want to take a look at the Roeckl children’s riding gloves yourself?
Riding Leggings Compared
Here you will find my personal experiences with various riding leggings. For me, the most important aspects are a comfortable fit, soft and pleasant fabric, and a grip that holds securely in the saddle without sticking.
Sustainability, a fair price, and practical side pockets are also very important – because comfort and functionality while riding simply have to be right.
Get inspired and discover which riding leggings suit you best.
The Amanda riding leggings from Equilibre impress with a very attractive price-performance ratio. For around €45, you get a comfortable model, featuring airy laser-cut inserts that are especially pleasant to wear on warmer days. The fabric consists of 82% polyester and 18% elastane, feels soft on the skin, and moves with you – although it does not use recycled materials.
They are available in both dark and bright colors, adding visual variety. The cut is simple, without bothersome knee seams, and the grip is slightly stronger but doesn’t stick uncomfortably in the saddle. In my experience, the leggings ran a bit large – a size smaller fit much better.
A minor drawback is that there is only one pocket for a mobile phone, which can be slightly inconvenient for everyday use.
Verdict: Comfortable, functional riding leggings at a great price. Ideal as an entry-level model or for anyone looking for something affordable and solid. If you can forego sustainability and can manage with just one pocket, you will enjoy these leggings – especially on warm days.
These riding leggings from Felix Bühler feel as comfortable as a second skin and score with many practical details. They feature two deep side pockets for your mobile phone and an additional small zip pocket at the back – perfect for keys or treats. Even during longer rides, they sit comfortably without creating pressure points.
The fabric is made from 78% polyamide and 22% elastane and is produced sustainably. The leggings have no knee seams at all, which further enhances comfort. The color remains understated – available only in dark tones.
The grip is fairly strong, providing secure support. At times, it may feel slightly “sticky” in the saddle, but overall, the riding experience remains pleasant.
Verdict: A high-quality pair of riding leggings with functional design, well-made and sustainably produced. For €75, you get plenty of comfort, storage, and stability in the saddle – without noticeable weaknesses. If you like simple colors and value quality, this model is an excellent choice.
The Royal Horsemen riding leggings are, for me, a true everyday all-rounder. They fit like a second skin, are super comfortable, and therefore ideal for long days at the stable or on the horse. Particularly practical are the two deep side pockets for your mobile phone – nothing wobbles, and the phone stays securely in place.
The fabric is made of 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane – sustainable and pleasant to wear. An anti-slip tape at the ankle provides good support, and the full seat gives the necessary security in the saddle.
I wear my normal size, and the leggings fit very well. Even while riding, everything stays in place, and the grip holds reliably without sticking too much.
During sales, the price is absolutely fair.
A small downside: when sweating heavily, the fabric can feel a bit thin.
Also unfortunate: in the past, the leggings were available in bright, vibrant colors – now only dark shades are offered.
Verdict: Comfortable, sustainable riding leggings for everyday use. Very good value for money – if you are looking for colorful accents, the current collections unfortunately no longer provide them.
The mesh version of the Royal Horsemen riding leggings is ideal for particularly warm days.
Like the Basic version, it fits snugly against the body, has two deep side pockets, and is made from a sustainable fabric mix: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane. Again, anti-slip tape at the ankle provides additional support, and the full seat ensures good grip in the saddle. The fit corresponds to my usual size.
The mesh inserts provide pleasant ventilation in the heat – very comfortable during long summer rides.
A minor drawback: when sweating heavily, the fabric can appear thin, and depending on the color of the leggings, you should pay attention to underwear – some shades can be slightly see-through.
A major plus of the 2025 collection: the pockets are no longer made of mesh! Previously, putting your phone in the mesh pocket would quickly get it dirty – thankfully, this issue has now been solved.
Verdict: An ideal summer riding legging with excellent comfort and breathable details. The revised pocket solution is a genuine upgrade. Only those who sweat heavily should pay attention to appropriate underwear. Priced in the higher segment – for me, mostly interesting in sales or discount offers, but still a good option if you value comfort and fit.
It is priced in the higher range – for me, it’s more interesting when on sale or during discount promotions, but it is a good option if you value comfort and fit.
Overall Verdict:
All three models offer high comfort – but they differ depending on your priorities:
- Royal Horsemen fits like a second skin, offers plenty of storage, is sustainable – but expensive.
- Equilibre Amanda convinces with good fit at a low price – only one pocket is missing.
- Felix Bühler Life Cycle scores with quality, sustainability, and strong grip.
There is something for everyone, depending on what matters most to you.
Advertisement
Do you want to check out the Royal Horsemen riding leggings yourself?
Rain Overpants Test
Riding in the rain can be quite uncomfortable – especially when your clothes get soaked. That’s why I test different rain overpants from various brands to find out which models truly perform well in everyday use.
What’s important for me: easy to put on over riding pants, good protection from moisture, freedom of movement, and a comfortable feel in the saddle. I will add more models as soon as I have tested them in use.
The Glacier overpants from Felix Bühler are pleasantly lightweight and waterproof, with a rating of 20,000 mm and sealed seams to keep you reliably dry. Despite the high level of protection, they are comfortable to wear with a breathability rating of 10,000 MVP, even during longer rides.
Thanks to the long, waterproof side zippers, they can be easily pulled on, and the adjustable elastic band ensures a good fit. Two waterproof zip pockets are also practical. The subtle silicone patches provide stability in the saddle without sticking.
The pants are made of 100% polyester, are windproof, do not restrict movement, and the close fit ensures they do not add unnecessary bulk.
Verdict: A high-quality, well-thought-out rain riding pant that provides reliable protection and is comfortable to wear. Even after multiple uses, the patches remain in good condition – a clear recommendation for anyone who rides outdoors in any weather.
The overpants from Twin Oaks are wind- and waterproof and feature a light mesh lining for some ventilation. The 3/4 seat is meant to provide grip in the saddle but unfortunately wears out quickly – in my case, it was completely worn after just a few months, which also affected waterproofing.
The pants have two zip pockets and an elastic waistband at the waist and leg openings, though it is not adjustable.
With a price of around €50, they are in the low-price range and are mainly suitable as an emergency solution or for occasional use. For regular riding or longer rides, they do not offer lasting quality.
Verdict: An inexpensive rain pant for temporary use that quickly reaches its limits with intensive use. For those who ride regularly in the rain, a higher-quality model is worthwhile.
Overall Verdict:
Anyone who regularly rides in the rain should prioritize quality: Felix Bühler’s pants impress with high waterproofing, good fit, and durability – ideal for longer rides. Twin Oaks is an inexpensive alternative for occasional use but shows wear quickly under heavy use.
Coming soon in testing:
Period underwear for female riders - already tested for everyday use and stables. The ultimate riding test is still pending – a detailed report will follow soon.
* Affiliate Links / Advertising
If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission – the price stays the same for you, and you directly support my work.
Thank you so much!
English 
German 