a blog that goes into depth about how to pick the perfect riding gloves for you personally.

Thou shalt not get a fit that is too big for your hand.

Now that we’ve considered the benefits of a proper fit, let’s look at why it’s important to avoid too-big riding gloves.

• 1) Your hands will be more comfortable when they aren’t swimming in extra fabric.
• 2) A snug fit is better for gripping the reins properly.
• 3) When gloves are rubbing up against your fingers, it can cause chafing and blisters.

Thou shalt not get a fit that is too small for your hand.

You may think that you can save some money by getting a size smaller, but it’s not worth the risk! A too-small pair of gloves can actually cause injury, especially when wrestling with a horse under saddle. Squeezing your hand into a glove that is too small for you will limit your range of motion, which in turn limits your ability to safely steer and control your horse.

If you have trouble finding gloves, search “children’s riding gloves”. You might be surprised at how much of a difference this makes in finding the right fit.

Thou shalt not use gloves with seams on the fingers when riding English.

Thou shalt not use gloves with seams on the fingers when riding English.

The first four commandments are important, but this one might actually be vital. If you’re a hunter jumper or dressage rider, seriously consider going glove-less (gasp!) before you wear gloves with seams on the fingers. That’s because seams can cause blisters and chafing, which is just about never a good thing to experience while riding. Seams also mean there are two spots where the fabric will fit tightly against your fingers—this could be uncomfortable during high-contact activities, like moving your hands up and down while holding the reins—and they might even exacerbate any pain associated with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Thou shalt care for thine riding gloves so they last longer and look better.

• Clean your gloves regularly.
• Keep your gloves out of direct sunlight.
• Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Use leather conditioner if they are leather. (Here’s how to make your own!)
• Keep them away from chemicals like gas or oil that can stain or damage the material. (Here are some organic alternatives.)
• Keep them away from Velcro or any other scratchy materials that may leave scratches on the surface of the glove, especially softer leathers.
• Wash them with cold water only, as hot water may shrink or otherwise damage the material!

Thou shalt find the best material for thine needs.

The material of your riding glove is the most important part of choosing the best pair for you. In general, leather is a good choice because it provides a lot of protection and is long-lasting. However, if you’re someone who sweats easily, cotton gloves will get slippery and wet very quickly. For someone who wants more waterproof gloves that are still breathable and lightweight, synthetic material is probably a better option.

Riding gloves are an essential piece of tack, but it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

Riding gloves are an essential piece of tack, but it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

• Find the right fit: The first rule of riding gloves is that they should fit your hands. I know, I know: duh! But it’s crucial that you find a pair that actually fits correctly and comfortably. This can mean trying on close to 100 different pairs in order to find the perfect ones for your hands…the more, the merrier! Some people prefer a looser-fitting glove because they feel like it gives them more control over their reins and their horse’s mouth, whereas others opt for a tighter-fitting glove because they want precision in all of their actions. Regardless of what kind of rider you are, make sure to try on as many different sizes and styles as possible before making your final decision!
• Find the right material: The second rule of riding gloves is that they should be made out of durable material. You want something with enough grip to hold onto those slippery reins on a hot summer day when there’s sweat dripping down your brow but not so much grip that you don’t have any feeling left at all (we’re talking about riding gloves here–not hand lotion!). If you’re looking for something with some extra durability, look no further than leather–it’ll last longer than anything else out there and give you an added sense of security knowing that your grip won’t fade away after only a few rides.”