Riding Vests

For many riders, a riding vest is the most frequently used piece of outerwear in the stable. It provides warmth for the upper body without restricting the shoulders and arms, making it ideal for riding, stable work, and walks with the horse. At Unamari, you’ll find riding vests for women from CATAGO and Equipage, which we design and develop ourselves with a focus on comfort, fit, and freedom of movement in the saddle. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight riding vest for women for changeable weather or a warm vest for the colder months, you’ll find a wide selection here on this page.

Why do many riders choose a riding vest?

There’s a good reason why riding vests have become popular among both beginners and experienced riders. Whereas a traditional riding jacket can feel hot or restrictive during activity, a riding vest provides warmth around the body without restricting arm movement.

This means you have full freedom of movement in the saddle while keeping your body at a comfortable temperature. For many riders, choosing a vest is therefore about striking the right balance between comfort, protection, and flexibility.

We often find that riders use their riding vests for far more months of the year than they originally expected. Especially during transitional seasons, the vest quickly becomes a staple in their wardrobe because it makes it easy to adapt to changing temperatures without having to change their entire outerwear.

In addition, riding vests are designed for the environment in which they’re used.

Dust, fur, mud, and changing weather conditions are a natural part of everyday life with horses, which is why our vests are made from durable materials that can withstand life around the stable.

Which type of riding vest should you choose?

When looking for riding vests for women, it’s about more than just colors and design. Materials, insulation, fit, and intended use play a major role in determining which model best suits your needs.

Some riders prioritize light weight and high breathability during training, while others want extra warmth for winter rides. Through the development of CATAGO and Equipage riding vests, we’ve found that the choice often depends on the season, activity level, and personal preferences. That’s why riding vests come in several different designs, each developed for specific situations.

Fleece riding vest

A fleece riding vest is an obvious choice for riders who want a lightweight and comfortable layer with good breathability. Fleece helps wick moisture away from the body, which can make riding more comfortable as your activity level increases.

Fleece vests work particularly well during transitional seasons or as a mid-layer under a jacket on cold days. At the same time, the soft fabric provides a high level of comfort, both in the saddle and while working in the stable.

Thermal riding vest

A thermal riding vest combines light weight with effective insulation. The material’s construction helps retain body heat without making the vest heavy or bulky.

As developers of CATAGO riding vests, we often find that riders choose thermal models for active training because they provide warmth without the bulk that many quilted vests have. In particular, riders who ride multiple horses daily or train intensively often prefer this type of vest, as it offers a comfortable balance between warmth and freedom of movement.

Padded riding vest

A padded riding vest is characterized by its quilted design and the lightweight padding between the outer and inner layers. This construction provides extra warmth and protection without restricting the rider’s movement while riding.

This type of vest is particularly popular in the fall and early spring, when temperatures can vary greatly. At the same time, padded riding vests are durable and easy to maintain, making them attractive for everyday use.

If you want more warmth than a classic thermal vest but don’t need a heavy-duty winter vest, a padded model is often a good compromise.

Down riding vest

A down riding vest or puffer vest is among the warmest models. The filling creates an insulating layer that helps retain body heat even on cold winter days.

Despite the high level of insulation, many models feel surprisingly light to wear. That’s why down vests are popular among riders who spend many hours outdoors throughout the winter.

For winter riding or long days in the stable, this type of vest often provides the best protection against the cold.

Safety riding Vest

In some cases, it’s not the weather at all that riders want to protect themselves from. Rather, it’s the risk of falling while riding. A regular riding vest doesn’t help much when an accident happens, which is why we’ve also developed safety vests for riding, so you’re extra well-protected on your horse. Combine these with an approved riding helmet for greater peace of mind while in the saddle.

Equipage riding vest

Equipage riding vests are designed for riders who want comfortable and functional riding apparel for everyday use. Here you’ll find both lightweight models for mild weather and warmer vests for the cooler months.

In developing Equipage, we focus especially on creating riding apparel that performs well and feels great, without breaking the bank. The fit must be comfortable, the materials must be durable, and the design must work both in the saddle and in the stable.

This makes Equipage a popular choice among riders who want a versatile vest for everyday use.

CATAGO Riding Vest

As the owners and developers of CATAGO, we have unique insight into how riding vests perform in practice. Our design team works closely with riders who use the products every single day, and their experiences play a key role in the development of new models.

When we test new CATAGO riding vests, freedom of movement in the saddle and the highest-quality materials are the areas we prioritize most. A vest should follow the body’s movements naturally without feeling tight across the shoulders or heavy while riding. At the same time, it should be comfortable enough to wear in the stable all day long without compromising on comfort.

Should you choose a riding vest or a riding jacket?

Many riders ask us whether they should choose a riding vest or a riding jacket. In practice, we often see that most riders end up using both, but at different times of the year.

For training and active riding, many riders prefer a riding vest because it offers greater freedom of movement and makes it easier to regulate body temperature. When the weather gets colder or wetter, most riders choose a riding jacket for extra protection against wind and rain.

A riding vest is therefore often the most versatile choice, while a riding jacket is typically worn when the weather demands greater insulation and protection.

Find the right size

When choosing riding vests for women, the fit is just as important as the material. A vest should fit snugly enough to retain heat, but at the same time allow for freedom of movement while riding.

If you primarily use the vest as an outer layer in the winter, it may be advantageous to choose a style with a little extra room for a sweater or fleece underneath. If you prefer to use the vest as a mid-layer, a more form-fitting style will often provide the most comfortable experience.

Many women’s riding vests are designed with a focus on a feminine fit that follows the body’s natural lines without restricting movement. This makes it easier to find a style that both looks good and performs optimally in the saddle.

Shop high-quality riding vests for all weather conditions at Unamari

At Unamari, you’ll find women’s riding vests that combine comfort, freedom of movement, and protection against changing weather conditions. The selection includes everything from lightweight fleece and thermal vests to warm quilted models for winter use.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Rider, you can find a women’s riding vest that suits your needs and personal style. With a focus on well-thought-out materials, a great fit, and practical details, you’ll find riding vests developed by riders for riders - based on the real-world conditions they’re designed to handle every single day.