A Pikeur jacket for every season
If you love getting out and about with your horse, a Pikeur jacket or coat will protect you from the great British weather. And you’ll look pretty good too!
A Pikeur jacket will keep you stylish, warm, and protected from the elements because it combines the latest in fashion design and fabric technology. Finding the right jacket is especially important for equestrians because we spend so much time outdoors looking after, and exercising, our horsey best friends.
Daily duties such as grooming, sweeping, poo-picking, and riding require freedom of movement in the upper body. Jackets need to be flexible, comfortable, durable, and breathable. And there’s no better brand to turn to than Pikeur — a world-leading designer and manufacturer of the highest quality equestrian clothing.
In this blog you’ll learn which Pikeur jackets and Pikeur coats are best for which seasons and why. But before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s take a step back to look at the evolution of riding jackets. It’s good for a giggle if nothing else!
The evolution of riding jackets
According to Mary Gordon-Watson in The Handbook of Riding:
“Riding clothes have varied little over the years, not so much from tradition but because they fulfil the demands of safety and maximum efficiency. The rider should feel comfortable, and not be inhibited from communicating with his horse.”
In good old 1982, when Mary’s wonderful book was first published, this statement was absolutely correct. It still is in many respects. But in recent years, advances in fabric technologies and equestrian style have come on in leaps and bounds.
Here’s a little reminder of the horse riding jackets we used to wear (brace yourselves!):
1960s and 70s
Equestrian wear in the 60s and 70s was a little more formal than today. Hacking jackets were popular for actual hacking (not just in the show ring) and wax jackets helped keep us dry on rainy days.
1980s and 90s
Along with jute stable rugs and canvas New Zealands for our equine partners, wax jackets remained a staple of the 80s (both long and short). But then along came the good old PUFFA jacket — surely, a pinnacle of equestrian fashion!
Quilted jackets were fashionable in the 90s and windbreaker jackets made an entrance. In general, lighter materials, made from a mix of Polyester and cotton, were favoured over traditional materials.
2000s
The last couple of decades have seen great strides with fabric technologies and design, and Pikeur are confidently leading the way in the 21st century. For the modern day rider it’s all about lightweight, breathable, waterproof materials that offer flexibility and freedom of movement.
Pikeur jackets that are perfect for spring and summer
Protection from wind and rain is required in the spring and summer months. So the ideal riding jacket should be lightweight, showerproof and breathable. Pikeur waterproof jackets tick lots of boxes. And they’re perfect for keeping you cooler when working around the yard or out riding.
The Pikeur Ladies Alexis Functional Waterproof Jacket comes in a flattering fit and a smart navy colour. Beautifully designed and expertly tailored, it’s very comfortable and flexible. It’s also wind repellent, waterproof and breathable all at the same time.
For men looking to stay dry and cool, the Pikeur Mens Nestor Waterproof Jacket is a comfortable practical riding jacket. Made with a light breathable bi-elastic material, it’s perfect for keeping out the wind and rain whilst letting you perform in or out of the saddle.
Autumn and Winter Pikeur coat wonders
What do we want most from an autumn and winter jacket? We want to avoid those teeth chattering moments but we also don’t want to end up in a sweat.
Avoid the brrr and stay nice and dry in these best picks from the Eland Lodge team:
The Pikeur Ladies Nika Fleece Jacket has been engineered from a Power Stretch Fleece making it perfect for the active equestrian. It has a smooth practical finish on the outside which looks great. But it’s the inside that gets a wow! from us. The inner is made from a soft brushed material that feels super snugly against your skin. If only we could crawl inside it right now
The Pikeur Mens Tamino Polartec Jacket is made from a warm Polartec fleece with a two-way zip and stand up collar to keep out the elements. It’s a great jacket for an active equestrian because the material quickly wicks away any sweat.
Star jackets
If you like keeping your arms free but still require a bit of warmth on those chilly winter days, the Pikeur Ladies Neea Waistcoat is ideal. With a cosy 200g wadding, it’s sure to keep you warm and snug. Wear it over a long-sleeved base layer for a chic and stylish winter look.
Our favourite Pikeur mens jacket has got to be the Pikeur Mens Nandor Quilted Jacket. It’s super warm with 145g wadding and it’s stylish and sporty looking too. Win, win, and triple win!
We'd love to hear from you!
If you’ve got a favourite Pikeur jacket, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach out on social media and tell us about:
- The type of jacket
- Your favourite feature
- When you wear it and what you like to wear it with.
And we’ll treat you to a free coffee the next time you’re in store.
Final thoughts
Pikeur Jackets and coats combine functionality and fashion with the highest quality. They’re perfect for busy and active equestrians but equally suitable for non-riders too.
With the nights drawing in and the weather turning a little crisp, now is a good time to get suited and booted in Pikeur style for autumn and winter. Take a look at the Pikeur range at Eland Lodge:
Alternatively, pop in to browse Pikeur Jackets and Pikeur coats in our friendly country store. Enjoy a mooch around and treat yourself to a cuppa and cake in our cosy coffee shop whilst you decide which Pikeur purchases to make.