Frosty Mornings in the Stable Yard
It’s 6 am. Your alarm goes off. It’s still dark. You peel yourself out of your warm, cosy bed and grab the first fleece, warm jacket and headband combo you can find to head to the stables. A morning hack through the frosty fields sounds like a nice plan, but first, there are rugs to change, buckets to carry, and the usual early-morning routine to get through.
Over the years, I’ve learned that for surviving these testing winter mornings, what you wear underneath matters just as much as that trusty coat or fleece you grab on your way out of the door. A good base layer is a must-have for any hard-working horse lover, and some favourites have become such a staple for me both in winter and even all year round.
In this blog post, I want to break down base layers- sharing why they matter, what makes a good one, and my top picks for stable yard survival from the Hollands basewear range.
So tack up, jump in the saddle, and let's get started!
Why Base Layers Matter on Cold Winter Rides
When it comes to winter riding, like we always say about layering, staying warm isn’t about piling everything on at once, but about getting the layers right- and that starts with a good base layer.
A good-quality riding base layer works behind the scenes keep you comfortable, and makes it far easier to layer up properly, without feeling like the horse-straddling equivalent of the Michelin man once you’re in the saddle!
There’s also that clammy feeling that can often make winter riding uncomfortable, and that’s exactly what a good base layer also helps to prevent. Moisture- wicking materials help pull any sweat away from the skin (a lifesaver when mucking out or tacking up works up a sweat, but it’s still zero degrees), so you stay warm when you’re finally settling into the saddle.
Then there’s the added bonus of keeping your body on the move. Warm muscles stay more flexible- and I’ll probably speak for most owners when I say we can get ourselves into some pretty interesting and compromising positions looking after our horses!
In short, think of a good base layer as the bread and butter of your winter kit. Get the right one nailed, and you’re halfway there to stable yard survival.
What to Look for in a Riding Base Layer
The best riding base layers are the ones you don’t realise you’re wearing. They’re snug enough to keep the warmth in, but still breathable and never restrictive. Here are some of my top ticks to look out for when investing in a good base-layer:
Fit
- Snug but never restrictive: The right fit should feel snug, as a close fit helps trap heat, but not too tight that you feel restricted.
- Four-way stretch: We’ll come to fabric choice in a second, but choosing a four-way stretch allows you freedom of movement and comfort both in and out of the saddle
- Length: It’s also worth checking the length, as a good fit is usually long enough to stay tucked in when you’re bending, lifting or riding (trust me when I say this makes a surprising difference on cold mornings!)
Fabric:
- Moisture-wicking: Fabric choice matters more than you might think. Opt for a moisture-wicking fabric to draw sweat away and avoid that cold, clammy feeling. And a top tip- ouder-resistant fabric is a bonus for washing, too!
- Thermal or lightly fleece-linings: For winter, consider thermal options or fleece-lined for warmth without bulk. These also come in handy as a single layer on a fresh spring morning!
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Breathability: It’s one thing to be warm, but breathability is key too, especially if your mornings involve a typical mix of physical jobs and riding. Check for a fabric that is breathable, as well as warm.
Practical Details:
- Thumbholes: Small details often make the biggest difference. Thumbholes help keep sleeves from annoyingly disappearing when layering (and provide extra hand warmth too, win-win.)
- High necks or quarter zips: A great feature for extra warmth (and ventilation when needed.)
- Raglan sleeves: A small detail that can make a big difference for a more natural range of movement.
And finally, practicality counts. Of course, every option has its own unique features, and the right layer for you doesn’t have to tick every box. As long as it is most practical and works for you, a good general guide is always helpful when you’ve got five to pick from, and you’re struggling to decide!
Sarah’s Top Picks for Winter Riding Base Layers
One perk of running a country clothing business: testing the kit! At Hollands, we like to try and test as many of the products we stock as we can, which means I’ve tried more base layers than I can count (so you don’t have to!)
Here are the ones I come back to time and time again, and the ones I’d happily recommend based on experience.
LeMieux Base Layer
This one’s a firm favourite and a best-seller for a reason. A truly classic choice, the Lemieux Base Layer strikes that rare balance between style and performance, with 360 degree stretch fabrication, a unique Moisture-Movement System, and seven colour ways to choose from- a bonus too if you like everything to match (guilty!)
The Young Rider range is also just as reliable, making it a great option for riders of all ages.
Ariat Women’s Lowell 3.0 Quarter Zip Base Layer
If you like your layers to work hard, the Ariat Women’s Lowell 3.0 Quarter Zip is a strong contender. With an AriatTEK performance fabric designed for movement, a brushed interior for extra warmth and seasonal colours and subtle prints available, it’s a favourite for good reason. Practical, high-performance, and easy to wear.
Pikeur Rollneck Base Layer Top
For riders who like something a little more refined, the Pikeur rollneck is a solid option. It has a premium look and feel, paired with a soft, brushed lining that feels ultra-comfortable against the skin. The higher roll-neck design offers extra warmth around the neck and chest, while still layering neatly under jumpers and coats.
LeMieux Frances Quarter Zip Fleece
New for winter 2025/26, the Frances Quarter Zip Fleece is a standout. The contoured fit feels flattering without being restrictive, the quarter zip allows for airflow, and the brushed inner makes it especially comfortable. Also available in a colour range of black, navy, aubergine and sage, it’s lightweight, warm and keeps you looking good from yard work to winter riding.
How to Layer Your Base Layer Like a Pro
We know it sounds obvious, but one of the biggest benefits of layering properly is being able to adapt as the day goes on. Start the morning wrapped up for yard jobs, then peel back a layer once you’re warmed up, riding or waiting for the sun to come up.
Consider it like saddling up, once you’ve got the right base layer on, the rest is all about building up around it. I always say stick to the simple three-layer approach: base layer first, a midlayer such as a fleece or gilet, and a waterproof or insulated long coat on top.
If, like me, you really feel the cold, you can even pair a base layer with a heated gilet, and finish with a weatherproof jacket so you’re set for whatever the day throws at you!
And the benefit of base layers? The same applies to the seasons, too! Wear them under more layers for the winter, then remove them until you’re heading out in just your base layer come spring. It sounds simple, and it is, but a good base-layer sets the foundation for your layering system, a versatile wardrobe, and your day!
Ready for Winter Riding?
Keep warm, make layering easy, and look good in the yard all in one- what better foundation for winter stable yard survival?
If you’re looking to upgrade your winter riding wardrobe, you can explore our full range of riding base layers at Hollands, alongside plenty of other cold-weather staples designed for life in the saddle.
About the Author
Sarah Holland
With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.
