Shop equestrian riding gloves in Australia at iRide EQ. Our technical glove selection includes high-grip synthetic riding gloves, supple cabretta leather gloves, touchscreen-compatible schooling gloves, and mesh summer gloves from top brands like TopTac, Equidae/Sixteen Cypress, Struck Apparel, Equisk, and Lady Godiva Equestrian.
Quick Answer: Choosing the best riding gloves depends on rein tactile grip, climate breathability, and knuckle elasticity. Synthetic microfibre gloves with silicone palm grip offer excellent all-weather contact for show jumping, while white or navy leather gloves deliver classic elegance for dressage. Explore our full range with fast local delivery across Australia.
How to Choose High-Performance Horse Riding Gloves
A quality pair of equestrian riding gloves does far more than keep hands clean; it provides tactile rein sensitivity, prevents blisters, and maintains positive contact under sweat, rain, or humidity. When riding competitive horses across jumping courses or through dressage tests, slippage between leather reins and bare fingers compromises aid precision. Investing in technical gloves engineered specifically for equestrian biomechanics ensures total control.
Rein reinforcement patches positioned between the ring finger and pinky finger protect against friction wear caused by double reins or rubber web reins. Leading manufacturers like TopTac and Equisk incorporate four-way stretch Lycra mesh across knuckle joints, giving riders unrestricted hand closure without binding when holding the reins in a firm frame.
Quick Facts
Best ForDressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Schooling, Lunging
DisciplinesOfficial EA competition, everyday riding, trail riding
Top BrandsTopTac, Equidae/Sixteen Cypress, Struck Apparel
Ships FromAustralia — fast local delivery
Comparing Riding Glove Materials, Grip, and Weather Suitability
Selecting between synthetic PU leather, genuine cabretta leather, ventilation mesh, and fleece-lined winter gloves involves balancing tactile rein feel with durability and seasonal comfort. Comparing key glove features helps you select the best model for your riding routine.
Jumping riders need non-slip palm grip that holds fast even when sweat or rainwater saturates leather or webbed reins. Technical synthetic gloves from Struck Apparel utilize textured silicone print patterns across the palm and inner fingers, delivering maximum traction over jump courses. Elastic wrist closures with heavy-duty Velcro tabs keep cuff fit secure under jacket sleeves.
Dressage & Showing Ring
Official EA dressage rules require riders to wear gloves, with white, off-white, or navy being traditional choices depending on level and show jacket color. Fine leather gloves from Equidae/Sixteen Cypress offer a second-skin feel that conveys subtle finger aids to the horse's bit without extra bulk. Double-stitched rein reinforcement panels ensure longevity when using curb and snaffle reins in curb bit bridles.
Everyday Arena Training & Yard Work
For daily yard work, lunging, and summer schooling, breathability is essential. Lightweight mesh-backed gloves from Lady Godiva Equestrian feature moisture-wicking fabric that prevents sweaty palms during warm afternoon training. Conductive fingertips allow riders and coaches to operate smartphones or timing apps without removing gloves between horses, while versatile rider accessories round out your daily gear kit.
Riding Glove Sizing and Measurement Guide
Riding gloves should fit snugly across the back of the hand and around fingers without excess material bunching at the fingertips. If a glove is too loose, excess fabric rubs against the palm, creating painful friction blisters. If it is too tight, seam strain across knuckles restricts hand closure and reduces circulation on cold mornings.
To measure your glove size, wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding your thumb) across the knuckles. Compare the measurement in inches or centimeters to standard unisex or women's glove sizing charts. Numeric sizing typically ranges from size 6.0 (XS) to 9.5 (XL). Remember that leather gloves stretch slightly with use, whereas synthetic gloves retain their original dimensions.
Caring for Leather and Synthetic Riding Gloves
Proper maintenance extends glove life and preserves grip texture. For synthetic PU and mesh gloves, hand-wash in cold water with mild liquid soap after heavy use. Squeeze out excess water gently without wringing or twisting seams, and lay flat to air dry in shade. Avoid machine drying or direct radiant heat sources, which cause synthetic grip coatings to peel or crack.
For genuine leather gloves, wipe away arena dirt using a barely damp cloth. Allow leather to dry naturally at room temperature, then apply a specialized leather glove conditioner sparingly to maintain suppleness. Never soak leather gloves in water or use heavy saddle oils, as this stretches leather fibers and ruins fine rein feel.
Brands We Stock
We stock equestrian riding gloves from world-class performance manufacturers:
Struck Apparel — Canadian technical performance gear designed for serious jumping and eventing riders
Equisk — ergonomic equestrian gloves combining high-stretch materials with modern style
Lady Godiva Equestrian — elegant equestrian accessories and breathable summer schooling gloves
Why Shop Riding Gloves at iRide EQ?
Tested Tactile Control
Our glove range is hand-picked for superior rein feel, ensuring precise contact whether schooling at home or competing.
Fast Local Dispatch
All glove inventory is held in our Australian warehouse, delivering rapid packing and nationwide express shipping.
All-Season Selection
From ultra-breathable summer mesh to thermal winter gloves, we provide hand protection tailored for Australian weather.
Hassle-Free AfterPay Checkout
Order your favorite riding gloves with ease using AfterPay, PayPal, or credit cards with straightforward local exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gloves compulsory in Equestrian Australia (EA) official dressage competitions?
Yes, under Equestrian Australia rules, gloves are compulsory for all official dressage tests. White, off-white, or dark colors matching your turnout are accepted depending on class formality.
How do I measure my hand for equestrian riding glove sizing?
Measure the circumference of your dominant hand around the widest part of your palm across knuckles (excluding thumb) using a soft tape measure, then match the inch measurement to standard numeric glove sizes.
Which glove material gives the best grip on wet reins in the rain?
Synthetic PU microfibre gloves with silicone grip patterns offer superior slip resistance when leather or webbed reins become wet compared to smooth genuine leather.
Can I wash synthetic riding gloves in a washing machine?
Hand-washing in cold water is recommended. If machine washing, place gloves in a mesh laundry bag on a cold delicate cycle with mild detergent and air dry in shade.
Why do riding gloves have reinforced patches between fingers?
Reinforcement patches protect high-friction areas between ring finger and pinky finger where reins rest, preventing leather rub blisters and extending glove durability.
What color gloves should I wear for show jumping?
Show jumping rules permit black, navy, brown, or white gloves. Dark synthetic gloves are popular for schooling and jump rounds as they hide arena dirt.
Do leather riding gloves stretch over time?
Yes, genuine leather gloves stretch slightly across the palm and knuckles as leather conforms to your hand shape, so select a snug initial fit.
