Cold weather doesn’t have to mean cutting rides short or wearing bulky layers that restrict movement. Instead of piling on multiple jackets, staying warm while horseback riding in winter is about what you wear closest to your skin. A well-chosen baselayer helps regulate body temperature, manage moisture, and makes every other layer work better.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to layer effectively for winter riding, why baselayers matter more than most riders realize, and how to choose the right pieces to stay warm without sacrificing feel, flexibility, or performance during your ride.
What are baselayers?
Baselayers are performance garments designed to be worn directly against your skin to regulate temperature. Typically made with technical synthetics or merino wool for cold weather, baselayers keep you warm when you’re standing still and help release heat and moisture once you start working. Unlike cotton or everyday long-sleeve shirts, baselayers manage sweat, retain warmth, and stretch with your body without bunching up.
Why baselayers matter when riding in cold weather
Winter riding requires warmth, freedom of movement, and reliable moisture control. What you wear closest to your skin affects how every other layer performs, and during colder rides, poor layering can also interfere with posture, flexibility, and comfort.
Key benefits of wearing baselayers for horseback riding:
- Temperature regulation: Baselayers help your body retain heat when it’s cold and release excess warmth when you start working. This balance is crucial during winter rides, especially in drafty indoor arenas or outdoor rings.
- Moisture management: Sweat happens even in freezing temperatures when you’re working hard. Baselayers wick moisture away from your skin, which helps prevent that cold, clammy feeling once you slow down or dismount.
- Comfort and mobility: Designed with flat seams and flexible fabric, baselayers move with you as you ride without bunching, rubbing, or stiff fabric that chafes skin and restricts movement.
- Layering efficiency: A proper baselayer allows your mid-layers and outerwear to work more efficiently. Instead of bundling up with your thickest sweaters, you can layer more intentionally and stay warmer with less bulk.
Winter riding is more demanding on your body as it adjusts for the chill, stiff muscles, and handling cold equipment. A proper baselayer makes cold-weather rides more comfortable, more effective, and far more enjoyable.
How to choose the right baselayers for riding
Not all baselayers perform the same once you’re riding in cold weather. The right one should keep you warm, comfortable, and unrestricted through changing activity levels, whether you’re warming up, working hard, or standing ringside between rides. When choosing a baselayer, material and fit matter most.
What’s the best baselayer material?
For winter riding, the best baselayer materials are synthetic performance fabrics or merino wool, depending on your climate and how much you move while riding.
- Synthetic blends made from polyester or nylon are the most versatile choice. They pull moisture away from the skin, dry quickly, and hold their shape well under breeches, vests, and jackets. These fabrics work especially well if you tend to warm up quickly or ride multiple horses in a row.
- Merino wool is a stronger option for colder conditions or riders who get chilled easily. It helps regulate body temperature, stays warm even when damp, and resists odor during long days at the barn. Look for merino designed for athletic wear so it stays soft, breathable, and comfortable under other layers.
One material to skip entirely is cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, which can make you feel cold and uncomfortable once your activity level changes. Other heavier fabrics can crowd your shoulders and elbows, making it harder to move naturally.
How should a baselayer fit?
A baselayer should sit close to your body without feeling restrictive. When it’s too loose, it can’t hold warmth or move moisture away from your skin. When it’s too tight, it limits movement and becomes distracting. Look for fabric with enough stretch to move comfortably through your shoulders, arms, and torso. Flat seams reduce rubbing under jackets, and a slightly longer cut helps keep everything in place as you ride. When your baselayer fits well, it’s easier to focus on your horse instead of adjusting your clothing.
Top 5 pieces to layer for horseback riding in winter
Once you have the right baselayer in place, how you build on top of it depends on the day, the weather, and how you ride. Knowing what to wear in winter starts with pieces that adapt easily throughout the day. Some days call for a lightweight performance top you can wear on its own, while others need an extra mid-layer or an easy outer piece you can add or remove as temperatures change.
The pieces below are versatile options that give you flexibility to stay warm and comfortable without overdoing it.
1. Joelle Mock Neck Shirt ($89)
The Joelle Mock Neck Shirt is a great baselayer choice when cooler temperatures arrive at the barn. Made from a ribbed blend of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, the fabric pulls moisture away from your skin and dries quickly, helping you stay warm and comfortable as you warm up, cool down, or stand around between rides. Perforated sleeves and a mock neck provide a bit of ventilation without sacrificing coverage, and the UPF 30+ sun protection adds an extra practical touch for bright winter days. With an athletic fit and sleek profile, the Joelle layers smoothly under jackets and vests so you stay focused on your riding, not your clothing.
2. Logan 2.0 ¼ Zip Shirt ($95)
The Logan 1/4 Zip Shirt is built for riders who need flexibility as temperatures and activity levels shift throughout the day. Made from a smooth polyester and spandex performance blend, it offers reliable stretch and moisture control, making it comfortable for everything from steady flatwork to brisk winter warm-ups. The quarter-zip neckline lets you fine-tune airflow when you start to heat up, while the streamlined fit layers easily under vests and jackets without feeling restrictive. It’s a practical, easy-to-reach piece that works just as well for riding as it does for busy barn days.
3. Mollie Sweater ($130)
When the air turns crisp and you want a little extra warmth between your baselayer and outer jacket, the Mollie Sweater steps in with cozy function and classic style. Knit from a soft blend of acrylic, nylon, spandex, and merino wool, it offers just the right amount of stretch to bend, reach, and move without feeling stiff. The crew neck and relaxed silhouette let you layer comfortably over your baselayer, while still fitting neatly under a riding jacket. Whether you’re grooming, tacking up, or taking on a riding lesson, the Mollie keeps you warm without weighing you down.
4. Kira Jacket ($125)
The Kira Jacket brings lightweight warmth and everyday versatility to your winter riding wardrobe. Made from a smooth, stretch-friendly polyester/spandex blend, it adds an insulating layer that’s warm enough for chilly barn mornings yet flexible enough for mounting, walking, and coaching. Its heathered fabric traps heat without restricting movement, the thumbholes keep sleeves in place during busy days, and the full-zip front makes it easy to adjust comfort on rides that start cool and warm up quickly. Designed with practical pockets and a clean silhouette, the Kira performs from barn chores to the ring, helping you stay comfortable and confident on cold days.
5. Harlie 2.0 Vest ($159)
The Harlie Vest adds targeted warmth where you need it most without restricting your arms or movement. Crafted from a lightweight nylon shell with a soft insulated interior, it locks in heat around your core while letting your shoulders and arms move freely—perfect for lesson days, barn chores, or cool morning hacks. Its sleek design layers effortlessly over a baselayer and under a jacket when temperatures really dip, and the zip-front makes it easy to adjust comfort as your pace changes.
Learn more: How to Buy Equestrian Show Shirts: Size, Fit, Style Guide
How to wash baselayers
Baselayers work best when they’re clean, but washing them the wrong way can ruin their performance fast. Sweat, dirt, and barn grime can clog fibers, making baselayers less breathable and less effective at regulating temperature.
- Turn baselayers inside out before washing. This helps clean the fabric that sits against your skin, where sweat and oils build up.
- Use cold or cool water and a gentle cycle to protect stretch fibers and prevent shrinking.
- Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets. These coat the fibers and block moisture-wicking properties, which is exactly what you want baselayers to do in the saddle. A mild, performance-friendly detergent is your best bet.
- Air drying is ideal. Heat can break down elastic fibers and shrink wool, shortening the life of your baselayers.
With the right care, a good baselayer will stay soft, breathable, and ready for long winter rides all season long.
Learn more: How to Wash and Care for Equestrian Apparel
Upgrade your winter riding layers with R.J. Classics
Winter riding doesn’t have to be a battle against the cold. With the right baselayers and layering pieces, you can stay warm, mobile, and comfortable from the barn aisle to the arena. Whether you’re starting out with your first lesson or spending your day coaching and warming up multiple horses, the right layers make every ride more enjoyable. Explore our winter riding essentials and find pieces that help you feel confident, focused, and ready for whatever the season brings.
Explore the full R.J. Classics collection now →
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