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Base layers in a wide range of colours and styles


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  • Base layers are an incredibly popular for horse riding. They are smart, can be worn on their own, as part of a layering system or even as your cross-country colours. Base layers lend themselves very well to the matchy-matchy trend, too, and can be teamed with matching riding leggings, saddle pads and more. Many brands offer a very wide range of colours, so while black and navy are a staple, there is plenty more choice if you want it – lights and brights make for great pictures.

    The best base layers for horse riding are made of technical materials that keep you cool, dry and comfortable by efficiently wicking away sweat and drying. Some also have a UPF rating, which demonstrates how much UV they block out. Base layers should also offer a great freedom of movement and, due to their slim fit, should be designed to flatter. Most are long-sleeved – and are still cool enough to be worn in the summer – but there are some short-sleeved and sleeveless options that will make for great summer riding tops, too.

    Jump down for different base layer styles

    Best long-sleeved base layers for horse riding

    Ariat Ascent ¼-Zip Long-Sleeved Baselayer

    Ariat Ascent

    Colours: Black, navy or dark green | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £95 |

    This base layer is about as technical as you can get. It features engineered compression panels that prompt correct riding posture while allowing maximum range of motion. The material is breathable, wicking and odour-resistant, and has a UPF rating of 50, which makes this a highly technical top. There is a grip strip on the hem to ensure a secure fit. Also available with short sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
    In the US? View now at ariat.com

    Woof Wear Performance Riding Shirt

    Woof Wear Performance Riding Shirt

    Colours: 14 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £39.99 |

    This top is made of a soft, supple and lightweight fabric with breathable and wicking properties. It also offers UPF 30+ protection and is available in children’s sizes and with short sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uknaylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    LeMieux Base Layer

    LeMieux Base Layer

    Colours: 23 colour options | Sizes: XSS–XL | RRP: £39.95 |

    This base layer is designed to co-ordinate with other items in the LeMieux range. It is made of a sweat-wicking thermal and anti-microbial fabric that should regulate your temperature whatever the season. It features softs seams with flat-lock stitching to reduce chafing and unwanted pressure points.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Shires Aubrion Team Long Sleeve Base Layer

    Shires Aubrion Team Long Sleeve Base Layer

    Colours: Navy, khaki, steel, sage, mulberry, teal or mauve | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £37.99 |

    Designed to keep you comfortable in all temperatures, the quick-drying fabric wicks moisture away and stays soft to the touch. It offers UPF50+ and features a ¼ zip with chin guard and flatlock seams. Also available in children’s sizes and with short sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Hy Sport Active base layer

    Hy Sport Active Base Layer

    Colours: 10 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £33.99 |

    This close fit base layer with ¼-zip is finished with flat-lock stitching for a seamless and flexible fit. Also available in children’s sizes and without sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Weatherbeeta Prime Long Sleeve Top

    Weatherbeeta Prime Long Sleeve Top

    Colours: Navy, violet, green, maroon, royal blue or turquoise | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £37.99 |

    This top is made of a moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric for all day comfort. It has a fitted silhouette for a flattering shape and matches the WeatherBeeta Prime range.

    In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Coldstream Lennel summer riding top

    Coldstream Lennel Base Layer

    Colours: Black, Windsor wine, navy/raspberry sorbet, grey or white | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £39.99 |

    Crafted for ultimate performance, durability and comfort, this technical base layer from Coldstream has a tailored fit that delivers a sleek and stylish look. It has a UPF rating of 40+ and will help to regulate your temperature. It features flat lock seams and soft fabric that benefits from advanced moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Mark Todd Base Layer

    Mark Todd Base Layer

    Colours: Eight options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £24.99 |

    This super-stretchy and wicking base layer is available in a range of great colours. It features a half zip, chin guard and a printed logo on the arm.

    In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Harry Hall Long Sleeve Base Layer

    Harry Hall Ladies Base Layer

    Colours: Pink, light blue or purple | Sizes: UK 8–18 | RRP: £39.95 |

    Made from a four-way stretch fabric that fits like a second skin, this base layer has breathable and wicking properties that will leave you feeling dry and cool. It has subtle branding down the arm in a silicone print with matching diamonds to the back.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

    GS Equestrian Momentum long-sleeved base layer for horse riding

    GS Equestrian Momentum Long-sleeved Base Layer

    Colours: Black, navy, aubergine or teal | Sizes: UK 6–14 | RRP: £29.95 |

    Made from a combination of polyester and spandex, this base layer is designed to be a slightly longer length so that it doesn’t ride up or come untucked. The stitching offers a tapered look, while the colour-matching zip is protected by a chin guard.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Ariat Sunstopper 2.0 ¼-Zip Base Layer

    Ariat Sunstopper 2.0 ¼-Zip Base Layer

    Colours: 15 colour and print options | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £53 |

    This popular Ariat base layer has recently had an update and is available in a wide range of colours and prints. It now has a raglan-cut sleeve for a flattering fit and breathable tech mesh panelling.

    In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or sportsdirect.com
    In the US? View now at ariat.com, amazon.com or statelinetack.com

    Best short-sleeved and sleeveless base layers for horse riding

    Shires Aubrion Revive Sleeveless Base Layer

    Shires Aubrion Revive Sleeveless Base Layer

    Colours: Olive, navy or peony print | Sizes: 2XS–3XL | RRP: £24.99 |

    This base layer offers is body skimming for a second-skin feel, and benefits from lightweight moisture management technology, ventilated side panels and a zip with chin guard. The fabric has a UPF 50+ rating that protects your skin and there’s a discrete zipped pocket to the side for safe keeping of essentials.

    Also available with long sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

    Weatherbeeta Prime Short Sleeve Top

    Weatherbeeta Prime Short Sleeve Top

    Colours: Navy, violet, green, maroon, royal blue or turquoise | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £34.99 |

    This top is made of a moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric for all day comfort. It has a fitted silhouette for a flattering shape, zip with chin guard, and matches the WeatherBeeta Prime range. Also available with long sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Ariat Hailey ¼-Zip Sleeveless Base Layer

    Ariat Hailey ¼-Zip Sleeveless Base Layer

    Colours: Black, burnt sienna or viridian green | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £40 |

    This lightweight base layer benefits from moisture-wicking technology that helps you handle the heat and a UPF rating of 45. With no sleeves, you’ve got completely unrestricted movement as well as a flattering style.

    In the UK? View now at ariat.com or naylors.com
    In the US? View now at ariat.com

    Woof Wear Performance Short-Sleeved Riding Shirt

    Woof Wear Performance Short-Sleeved Riding Shirt

    Colours: 7 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £34.99 |

    This top is made of a soft, supple and lightweight fabric with breathable and wicking properties. It also offers UPF 30+ protection and is available in children’s sizes and with long sleeves.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Hy Sport Active Sleeveless Top

    Hy Sport Active Sleeveless Top

    Colours: 11 options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £26.99 |

    Made from soft breathable fabric with a four-way stretch and finished with flat-lock stitching for a seamless and flexible fit. It has a quarter zip with chin guard and matches with other items from the Hy Sport Active range.

    In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Dublin Airflow CDT Tech Top

    Dublin Airflow CDT Tech Top

    Colours: Jade, bluebell, coral, ocean or mint | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £19.99 |

    This great value base layer offers UPF50+. It provides moisture control and has mesh underarm panels for additional ventilation. It’s a regular fit and has a quarter zip.

    In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Warmer base layers for horse riding

    WeatherBeeta Victoria Thermal Base Layer

    WeatherBeeta Victoria Thermal Base Layer

    Colours: Black, navy, mulberry or maroon | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £46.99 |

    This technical thermal base layer is made of a premium stretch nylon fabric for freedom of movement with sun blocker UPF50+ protection. The peached fabric repels hair, hay and dirt.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or sportsdirect.com

    LeMieux Alice ¼-Zip

    LeMieux Alice ¼-Zip

    Colours: Navy, dove or forest | Sizes: UK 6–18 | RRP: £59.95 |

    This stylish layer is made of a special waffle textured fabric that doesn’t lie flat on skin, which helps to keep you warm. It’s designed to be fitted and non-bulky, which makes it great for layering, and it has four-way stretch for unrestricted freedom.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.com

    Ariat Venture Base Layer

    Ariat Venture Base Layer

    Colours: Navy or black | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £55 |

    This warm base layer is designed to be used for layering to keep you warm in colder weather. The fabric benefits from temperature regulating technology and is odour resistant.

    In the UK? View now at ariat.com, naylors.com or rideawaystore.com
    In the US? View now at ariat.com


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