Gloves are a popular choice for riders who enjoy riding in the western style. There are many reasons why gloves are a good choice for this type of riding. They do everything from protect your hands from blisters, weather and more to give you a better grip on your reigns.
Do Western Riders Wear Gloves?
Yes, Western riders often wear gloves. They usually wear them most when training in the arena or when out on the trail. When showing, it’s usually not appropriate to wear gloves.
Why Would a Rider Use Gloves?
Riders use gloves for a variety of reasons. Many times, it’s because they provide protection for the hands. Gloves can help to prevent blisters and keep the hands warm. They can also help to protect the hands from dust and dirt.
Prevent Chafing
Gloves serve several purposes, one of which is to prevent chafing. Chafing can be very uncomfortable and can cause a lot of pain. By wearing gloves, riders can help to prevent this from happening.
Improve Your Grip
Riding gloves are a popular choice for Western riders because they improve your grip on the reins.
Reins are an important part of riding, and it’s important to have a good grip on them so that you can stay in control of your horse. Gloves help to improve your grip on the reins by providing extra friction, especially if you have gloves with a special silicone portion where your hands meet the reins.
Protect Hands from Inclement Weather
Maybe you’re one of those people who love winter weather and riding in the snow. That is certainly not me. I hate it. Riding in cold weather is miserable, but it’s a lot more bearable when you’re wearing gloves. They help to keep your hands warm and protected from the wind, rain, and snow.
How to Pick the Best Western Riding Gloves
If you’re sold on the idea of some western riding gloves, there are a few factors you should keep in mind when choosing the best pair for you.
Material
First off, consider the material of the gloves. They should be made of a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. Leather is a popular choice, as it is strong and breathable. Other options include a knit fabric, polyester, or faux leather.
Purpose
What are you going to be using the gloves for? If it’s work around the ranch, you’ll want something tough and durable, not necessarily aesthetic. If you’re going to use them while riding, you’ll want something with good grip.
Season
It’s also important to consider the season. If you’re looking for winter gloves, make sure they are insulated and waterproof. If you’re looking for summer gloves, choose a light and airy fabric.
Size
Next, you’ll want to make sure the gloves fit well. They should be snug but not too tight. You don’t want them to be too loose either, as this will decrease the amount of protection they offer.
Glove Size Options
Your glove’s size and fit is crucial to your overall experience. Riding gloves are offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate different hand shapes and sizes. Some gloves even come with extra features, such as touch screen capabilities, to make them more functional.
Gloves often come in sizes like small, medium, and large. You can also normally find them divided into Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s or Youth.
Women’s Western Riding Gloves
Since women’s hands are smaller, their gloves are also made in smaller sizes. This ensures a snug and comfortable fit.
Men’s Western Riding Gloves
Men’s gloves are typically larger than women’s gloves and come in a variety of styles and colors.
Kids Western Riding Gloves
Kids gloves are typically sized small and fit most children’s hands. They are made of a lightweight and breathable material and come in fun colors and designs.
How to Choose the Right Size of Gloves
In order to determine the fit, you must measure your hand’s girth without including the thumb. If the glove sizes are in inches, you should convert the girth measured in centimeters to inches.
If you’re considering a brand that uses international sizes, double check their sizing chart.
Remember, sizes often vary between brands and even types of gloves.
Types of Western Riding Gloves
Western gloves come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your needs. Here are a few of the most popular types:
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are a type of western riding glove that come in a variety of styles and colors. They provide the rider with protection from inclement weather, as well as additional grip on reins for control. Leather gloves are made out of durable materials, but still breathable so they don’t make your hands too sweaty or uncomfortable.
Grip Gloves
If you’re looking for a glove to help you grip the reins, then a grip glove is what you need.
For those of us who are plagued by sweaty hands and slippery palms, this type of gloves can be just what the doctor ordered. They come in different styles, colors, and sizes so that they fit your needs perfectly.
Stretch Gloves
These types of gloves are made with a stretchy fabric that fits your hand like a… well… glove. You normally stretch them over your hand and then velcro them in place.
Work Gloves
These gloves are designed for work around the ranch and are made of a durable material like leather. They have a snug fit and offer good grip.
Winter Gloves
The primary purpose of winter gloves is to protect your hands and keep them warm. They are typically made of a water resistant and insulated material and are very heavy. You even find ones that are fleece lined!
Touch Screen Gloves
If you want to use your phone or other device while wearing gloves, then you’ll need a pair of touch screen gloves. These gloves have special fingertips that allow you to use your devices without taking them off.
Western Gloves vs English Gloves
Western gloves are similar to English riding gloves in that they both protect the hands and offer grip. However, English gloves are typically made of a thinner and less durable material. They’re also often used in shows, whereas most Western riders don’t use gloves when showing.