If you ride in unpredictable British weather, choosing the right waterproof riding coat or equestrian jacket is a must. Many riders get confused by the terms water‑repellent and waterproof, and what 5,000mm, 10,000mm and 20,000mm waterproof ratings actually mean. This guide clearly explains these essential riding outerwear performance terms so you can make confident decisions when selecting the best riding coat or jacket for you.
What Water‑Repellent Really Means
Water-repellent equestrian outerwear uses hydrophobic fabric technology, allowing rain to bead on the surface and roll away instead of soaking into the material. This effect is created by a specialist DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, which helps shield riders from light to moderate showers. While water-repellent riding coats and gilets are not designed for heavy downpours like fully waterproof designs, they provide practical performance for everyday equestrian activities, including quick jobs around the yard and short hacks in unpredictable conditions.
What Waterproof Really Means
Waterproof riding coats and jackets are engineered to be impervious to water penetration, delivering dependable protection during sustained, heavy rainfall and prolonged outdoor exposure. Unlike water-repellent outerwear that will gradually allow moisture through, completely waterproof designs incorporate technical membranes, fully sealed seams and higher hydrostatic head ratings to create a durable barrier against rain and wind. Advanced waterproof-breathable construction also allows internal moisture vapour to escape, helping riders remain dry, comfortable and unrestricted during long hours in the saddle, on the yard or at competitions.
Waterproof Ratings Explained
When searching for a new waterproof riding jacket, you have likely been hit with numbers like 5,000mm, 10,000mm and 20,000mm. These numbers aren’t random; they’re measurements of how much water pressure the fabric can resist before it leaks.
What Waterproof Ratings Mean For Equestrians
This table shows which waterproof rating has you covered, from quick hacks to all-day rides.
|
Waterproof Rating |
Weather Protection |
Equestrian Use Case |
|
5,000mm |
Light rain & drizzle |
Everyday yard tasks and short hacks |
|
10,000mm |
Moderate rain |
Regular riding and training sessions |
|
20,000mm |
Heavy rain & downpours |
Long rides and all‑day outdoor activities |
How Waterproof Performance Is Tested for Equestrian Outerwear
Ever wondered exactly how we know an EQUIDRY coat will keep you dry? Our blog “How Do We Test How Waterproof An EQUIDRY Is?” explains in detail, but here are the essentials. Waterproof fabrics are rated using Hydrostatic Head, which is measured in millimetres. In the lab, a sample is secured over one end of a tube while pressurised water is applied to the other. The height at which water first seeps through becomes the fabric’s rating. For example, if water only penetrates at 20,000 millimetres, the coat has a 20,000 millimetre Hydrostatic Head (also known as 20,000mm waterproof rating), offering excellent protection for long rides in wet weather. Modern testing machines make this process precise, consistent and reliable.
