A Guide to Waterproof Ratings for Horse Riders: What Every Rider Needs to Know

For horse riders, being prepared for the elements is part of our everyday life. Whether you’re schooling in light drizzle in the spring and summer months, hacking across open countryside in a sudden downpour, or warming up at a competition during unpredictable weather, waterproof riding clothing is essential for comfort, safety, and performance.

However, not all waterproof garments are created equal. Expressions like ‘5,000mm waterproof rating’ or ‘20,000mm hydrostatic head’ can be confusing, leaving many riders unsure which level of protection they actually need.

In this definitive guide, as the best waterproof riding coats experts, we explain how waterproof ratings work, what the numbers mean, and how to choose the right waterproof gear for horse riding so you stay dry, comfortable, and focused in the saddle any time of the year!

Waterproof ratings measure how resistant a fabric is to water penetration. They are usually expressed in millimetres (mm) and sometimes determined through a test called the ‘hydrostatic head test’.

In simple terms, the test measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water begins to leak through it.

For example:

For equestrians, this rating is particularly important due to the nature of who we are and what we do; after all, we don’t just ride in wet weather; we practically live all year round outdoors, so our outerwear needs to be high-performance, comfortable, and breathable!

Horse riding poses unique challenges for equestrian sportswear designers compared to other outdoor activities. Riders spend long periods stationary in the saddle, exposed to the elements, and often encounter wet tack, muddy conditions, and persistent rain.

Choosing the right waterproof rating ensures:

Whilst lower-rated garments may cope with light showers, they can quickly become saturated during longer rides. Choose the right level of protection for your needs.

When we ride, mechanical pressure from our static positioning in the saddle can force water through fabric if the garment design is not well considered, which means riders typically need higher waterproof ratings than walkers or casual outdoor users. Afterall, no one wants wet thighs, back or bottom!

High-quality waterproof riding coats and jackets always incorporate breathable membranes. Breathability in a riding coat helps to prevent overheating while continuing to protect the rider from rain.

Riding gear must handle mud, stable work, grooming, and yard duties, making robust, waterproof protection essential. That is why our coats are machine washable with waterproofing wash and care.

Ultimately, choosing the correct waterproof rating protects both performance and rider well-being.

All Equetech coats & jackets are constructed from performance fabrics that embrace the latest fabric technology found in extreme sports clothing and are tested to achieve hydrostatic head ratings up to 16,000 mm. We offer a superior combination of waterproofing and breathability, making Equetech waterproofs a popular choice for equestrians facing high winds, heavy rain, wet snow, and extreme outdoor conditions year-round.

We also go beyond fabric testing. Our waterproof riding coats are tested by real riders, and designs are tweaked to perfection before the final product run and delivered to you with confidence. Each Equetech coat includes:

Equetech waterproof coats cannot be compared to other brands because we are unique in our approach and design philosophy, which embraces fabric innovation and intelligent design.

Browse Equetech Women’s Coats & Jackets.

Most riders will automatically look for the highest waterproof rating they can find, but you need to understand the ‘pay off’ that extremely high waterproof ratings can have on wearer experience. Here is a guide to help:

Best suited for:

This level offers basic water resistance, but prolonged exposure to rain or saddle pressure may cause moisture to penetrate the fabric.

Recommended for fair-weather riders or summer showers, rather than winter riding.

Best suited for:

This rating is popular for equestrian jackets and riding coats, offering reliable protection without excessive bulk.

For many riders, 10,000mm provides a practical balance between waterproofing and breathability.

Best suited for:

Garments with this rating are designed for serious weather protection and are ideal for riders spending extended time outdoors.

These fabrics resist higher water pressure, making them especially useful for riders in sustained rainfall.

Best suited for:

Higher waterproof ratings often come at the expense of breathability. A 20+K coat requires higher-quality, more expensive breathability technology to prevent the rider from getting soaked from sweat inside while staying dry from heavy rainfall, making this an expensive choice for most horse riders’ budgets. If it’s boasting 20K in its marketing, then what’s its exact breathable rating? You need to check!

Understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof riding gear is essential.

For horse riders, true waterproof garments with a measurable rating are strongly recommended.

The highest waterproof rating in the award-winning Equetech range of waterproof riding coats is 16,000mm. For three reasons;

When selecting waterproof riding gear, Liz Hayman, Equetech’s designer, recommends riders consider the following: 

1. Think About Riding Duration
Short hacks may only require 5,000–10,000mm protection, but longer rides demand higher ratings.

2. Evaluate Seasonal Riding
Is this a jacket or a coat you’ll want to wear all year round, or a summer jacket? Winter riders typically benefit from waterproof protection of 15,000mm or higher.

3. Look Beyond the Fabric Rating
Waterproof performance also depends on:

4. Choose Riding-Specific Designs
Equestrian waterproofs are designed for horse riding. Longer-length riding coats consider leg coverage, and even shorter-style riding jackets regard the rider's saddle position and freedom of movement, unlike standard outdoor jackets.

5. Prioritise Breathability
Always choose a waterproof garment with a breathability rating to help prevent overheating during active riding.

For riders, poor waterproofing doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can affect enjoyment, focus, and performance.

Wet clothing can lead to:

Investing in the appropriate waterproof rating ensures riders remain protected, comfortable, and able to perform at their best regardless of the weather.

Most riders benefit from a minimum waterproof rating of 10,000mm, which offers reliable protection during regular riding in moderate rain.

For winter riding or prolonged exposure, we recommend 15,000K-16,000 with a 5,000mm breathable rating.

Equetech’s waterproof clothing starts at a minimum rating of 10,000mm. While there are some waterproof riding jackets on the market with a 5,000mm rating that claim to protect against light showers, they may not provide sufficient protection, especially when seated in the saddle during light rain.

In equestrian clothing, we believe they do. In outdoor activity wear, high-quality fabrics can offer both high waterproof ratings and excellent breathability. However, the equestrian market is flooded with cheaper fabrics that may sacrifice airflow for water resistance, which is why it’s important to check a garment's breathability rather than be impressed by a higher-than-average waterproof rating or a video of someone blasting a coat with a hosepipe for 5 seconds.

Premium waterproof riding jackets often include:

For riders who spend significant time outdoors, investing in quality waterproof gear can dramatically improve comfort and extend the garment's lifespan.

To preserve waterproof performance:

Caring for your Waterproof Riding Coat helps maintain its waterproofing and breathability over time.

Understanding waterproof ratings not only empowers riders to choose outerwear that performs in real-life riding conditions, but from all-year-round hacks to all-weather training, the right waterproof protection makes a measurable difference to comfort and enjoyment.

By selecting clothing with appropriate waterproof ratings, breathable fabrics, and equestrian-specific design, horse riders can stay dry, comfortable, and focused, no matter the forecast.