Choosing Your Riding Gloves: Season, Material, and Size
Hands are our first point of contact with the horse, through the reins. A well-chosen glove protects against blisters, cold, and leather friction, while preserving the finesse of contact. At Sellerie Bucéphale, we see many riders hesitating between a summer model that’s too warm in winter, or a glove that’s too thick and dulls the sensations. Here’s how to see clearly.
By season and use
The first criterion is the season. In summer, a thin and breathable glove is preferred: ventilated mesh, ventilated back, lightweight material that wicks away sweat. The hand stays dry and the contact with the reins is direct.
In winter, the opposite is sought: a warm glove, lined (fleece, Thinsulate, or equivalent depending on the brand), sometimes windproof or water-repellent for sessions in the rain or outdoors. Some models even come with a mitten for the coldest hands — but mittens reduce the fine contact with the reins: reserve them for warming up or cold hands at rest, not for precise work or young horses. The compromise to watch: the warmer it is, the thicker it is, so you lose some finesse of contact.
For competition, gloves are not just about aesthetics. In dressing, wearing gloves is mandatory (FFE regulations, since September 2024). The color is not imposed, but a white or light shade is appreciated by the judges as it makes the rider’s hands more visible — an advantage when the quality of contact is judged. So, gloves are chosen to be simple, often black or white, sometimes leather or decorated with rhinestones. Always refer to the current regulations of your discipline to know the exact requirements (show jumping and eventing have their own rules). The fit remains snug for elegance in the arena. A club or leisure rider can opt for a versatile all-season model.
Find all our models in the Gloves collection.
Materials and grip
Two main families of materials:
| Material | Advantages | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic (nylon, spandex, mesh) | Light, flexible, breathable, often machine washable, good value for money | Ideal for summer and daily use; lifespan varies by quality |
| Leather (calf, coated synthetic leather) | Noble feel, excellent rein grip, durable | More expensive, requires minimal care, less breathable |
Grip is crucial: many gloves feature a silicone or synthetic leather palm (grip technologies depending on the brand) to hold the reins without squeezing, even in the rain. Good grip helps hold slippery or wet reins without tightening your hand. Also check for a touch-sensitive index finger (“touch”) if you use your phone or stopwatch while riding: more and more models are equipped with this.
Choosing the right size
A glove that is too large wrinkles and loses contact; too small, it compresses and wears out quickly at the seams. To find your size, measure the circumference of your hand at the widest point (just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb) using a tape measure. Note your hand circumference in centimeters, then convert it to size using the brand’s size chart, as sizes vary between manufacturers: for Rœckl, the recommended size is often 0.5 smaller than the raw measurement.
The glove should fit like a second skin without restricting finger movement. Check our dedicated size guides:
Tip: measure at the end of the day, when hands are slightly swollen, to avoid gloves that are too tight.
Care according to material
Synthetic gloves are usually machine washable at low temperature, in a laundry bag, without fabric softener or tumble dryer (which damage elastane and grip); air dry. Gloves decorated with rhinestones should be hand washed or washed in a laundry bag, never tumble dried.
Leather gloves do not go in the washing machine: wipe them, then let them dry slowly in the open air after rain, at room temperature and never near a radiator or other direct heat source (leather hardens and cracks if it dries too quickly). Regularly condition them with a suitable care product to keep them supple. Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions on the label.
Our riding gloves
Selection of available models. Indicative prices subject to change.
Summer and mid-season — thin and breathable
Winter — warm and windproof
Competition and leather
Several Roeckl models come in white (Millero, but also Vesta Roeck-Grip and Roeck-Grip Lite depending on stock) — practical for dressage where white is appreciated by the judges.
Hesitating between two sizes or two models? We advise you in-store.
Make an appointmentSee all glovesFrequently asked questions
How to measure your riding glove size?
Measure the circumference of your hand at the widest point (just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb) with a tape measure, note the measurement in centimeters, then convert it to size using the chosen brand’s size chart. Sizes vary from one manufacturer to another (at Roeckl, often half a size smaller than the raw measurement).
What is the difference between a summer glove and a winter glove?
The summer glove is thin and breathable to wick away sweat. The winter glove is lined and warm, sometimes windproof or water-repellent, at the cost of a slightly greater thickness.
Leather or synthetic: which to choose?
Synthetic is lightweight, breathable, often machine washable, and more affordable. Leather offers a noble feel, excellent grip on the reins, and good durability but requires some maintenance and breathes less.
Are gloves mandatory in competitions?
In dressing, yes: wearing gloves is mandatory (FFE regulation since September 2024). The color is not imposed, but white or a light shade is appreciated by the judges as it makes the hands more visible. Other disciplines (show jumping, eventing) have their own rules: always refer to the current regulations of your discipline.
Does a thin glove reduce contact with the horse?
On the contrary: a well-fitting glove that is not too thick preserves the finesse of contact while protecting the hand. It is mainly excess thickness (very warm gloves, mittens) that reduces sensation.
How to care for your gloves?
Synthetic models are generally machine washable at low temperatures, in a laundry bag, without fabric softener or tumble drying. Leather should be wiped, dried slowly in the open air away from any heat source, and regularly nourished. Always follow the manufacturer's label.
