Your Horse is supported by our audience and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works
Riders are known outdoor adventurers — very few of us are lucky enough to own an indoor school, after all — which is why the concept of the changing robe seems to have really caught on.
The first changing robe to hit the market (in 2010) was launched by Cornwall surfer Gideon Bright, whose mother, Anne, had, years earlier, made a prototype with her sewing machine to keep him warm and dry after he had emerged from the waves.
Fifteen years on and the concept has spread well beyond water sports enthusiasts and today these roomy garments find favour with the likes of festival goers, campers, dog walkers and, of course, horse riders.
So why do equestrians like them? They have a waterproof outer and a fleecy inner, which means that they keep the wearer both warm and dry, whatever the conditions.
As they are long and oversized, they fit perfectly over riding gear, whether that’s just everyday kit for hacking or schooling, or a full competition outfit consisting of a smart jacket, perhaps with the rider bound for the show ring or a showjumping arena.
As well as keeping the elements at bay, another function is to keep the wearer’s smart clothes clean — free of mane and tail hairs, for example, if the horse requires a last-minute comb prior to entering the ring.
Fairly recently, clothing firm Rydale joined the band of companies producing changing robes, and it writes that its changing robes are “the perfect country wardrobe addition, ensuring that you stay warm and dry. Either wear your changing robe as an extra warm layer or use it as a spare garment to throw on once you have battled the elements and need to warm up”.
First impressions
My first impression on receiving Rydale’s Ladies Utility Changing Robe was that both the inner fleece and the waterproof outer materials are great quality.
My next thought was that the changing robe boasted a whole heap of great features. For example, it has two fabulously deep front pockets, plus a chest pocket that is the perfect size for a mobile phone, and all of these are zipped to keep valuables in situ whatever pace the horse sets.
There is also a drawstring waist for a slightly shaped fit, while each interior leg strap is held in place when not in use by a smart looking brass popper.
Fit
I ordered a size M/L and found it exceptionally roomy and wondered if perhaps the S/M may have been a better option, but seeing as the idea of a changing robe is indeed roominess, the M/L did tick that particular box well and on very cold days I layered with a fairly thick zip-up fleece underneath. At this point, the robe fitted well and I didn’t feel at all constrained by having it as an outer layer.
Wet weather outings
I used the Rydale Ladies Utility Changing Robe for various outings, mainly to walk the dogs when it was wall to wall rain, plus once on a trip to see the Longleat Festival of Light on a particularly cold and icy December evening when recovering from a nasty bout of Covid, and it kept me feeling extremely comfortable and warm.
In terms of horses, my riding has been curtailed by the march of time on my horses, as well as a recurrent hind leg problem for my coloured cob, who is the only rideable one among my quartet now, meaning that I have only had the occasional chance to hop on board.
The leg straps ensured that the robe stayed in place, and the half-length side zips and riding vents would have done a great job of keeping my legs and the saddle dry if it had been raining on the day of the test.
I did lament, though, that I hadn’t had one of these back in the day when my horses were a lot younger (and actually before changing robes even became a thing in the horse world) and I went out several times a week, covering mile after mile either with the kids in tow and/or my husband, as I returned home numerous times soaked to the skin and, on occasions, with rain having infiltrated my boots.
Other thoughts
After many outings and using my Rydale Ladies Utility Changing Robe for stable chores, I decided that it was time to wash it, but the care label, which read ‘hand wash cool’, filled me with trepidation as this is a big, bulky garment and I didn’t really have anywhere suitable to dunk it.
I therefore decided to trial washing it in the machine on a short, cool cycle and I was pleasantly surprised by how it emerged, mud and stains gone, and the robe still in pristine condition.
I did struggle with the front zip, and sometimes those on the side vents. In terms of the front one, it may have been a one-off only affecting the robe I was sent, but it wasn’t easy to get the teeth on either side to interlock at the bottom.
I couldn’t help feeling that a lot of thought has gone into this garment, and, as such, it deserves better zips throughout to make it a stunning all-rounder.
Value for money
Zips aside, at £99.99 I feel that the Rydale Ladies Utility Changing Robe is well priced for its overall good quality, as well as the raft of features it offers.
Key features
- Waterproof outer fabric with taped seams.
- Full body length and hood ensuring that the wearer stays protected from the elements.
- One chest pocket and two large front zipped pockets for all those essentials.
- Half-length side zips with a riding vent to keep legs dry on the saddle.
- Interior straps to wrap around the legs, keeping the robe in place.
- Contrasting fleece lining for that extra layer of warmth.
- Waterproof rating: 8,000-10,000.
- Fleece weight: 180gsm.
Buying info
RRP £99.99
Available in navy and olive and equestrian navy, with the latter boasting a bright pink lining.
Find out more about the Rydale Ladies Utility Changing Robe
