Show Jumping and Eventing Gloves: What to Look For

Riding with Farris

For jumping and eventing, grip and durability come first — you want a tacky, hardwearing palm that holds wet reins through fast, high-rein-handling rounds.

By the riders at Farris · Updated June 2026

What kind of gloves do show jumpers wear?

Show jumpers and eventers wear grippy, durable, close-fitting gloves — usually with a synthetic or leather palm built for hold, rather than the ultra-thin gloves a dressage rider might choose. The job of the glove here is to keep a secure grip through fast, physical rounds, so grip and durability lead over pure sensitivity.

Why grip matters most for jumping and eventing

These disciplines are hard on gloves. Wet take-offs, sweaty hands, and constant rein adjustment all attack your grip, and a rein slipping over a fence is genuinely dangerous. A tacky, textured or silicone palm — combined with a snug fit so the glove can't shift — keeps you in control when it counts.

What to look for

• A tacky, textured palm that holds wet reins.
• Reinforced stitching between the fingers, the first thing to fail on a hardworking glove.
• A secure, snug fit so the glove doesn't slip mid-round.
• A breathable back for long cross-country efforts.
• Touchscreen fingertips and weather protection for cross-country timing and safety.

Are jumping gloves different from dressage gloves?

In emphasis, yes. Dressage rewards the thinnest glove with the most feel, while jumping and eventing reward grip and durability. The fit and grip principles are the same, but the balance shifts toward toughness. Many riders own both — see our dressage gloves guide for the other end of that spectrum.

What to look for

Prioritise grip, durability, and a secure fit, then check your size on the sizing chart. Our women's and men's guides cover fit in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

What gloves do show jumpers wear?

Grippy, durable, close-fitting gloves, usually with a synthetic or leather palm built for hold. The priority is keeping a secure grip on the reins through fast rounds and wet take-offs, so grip and durability matter more than the ultra-thin feel a dressage rider looks for.

Are jumping and dressage gloves different?

They differ in emphasis. Dressage gloves are as thin as possible for maximum feel; jumping and eventing gloves prioritise grip and durability. The fit and grip basics are the same, and many riders own a pair of each.

Do eventing gloves have to be a certain colour?

Eventing is generally less strict on glove colour than dressage, and dark, practical colours are common. Rules vary by phase, level, and federation, so check the current rulebook for your competition.

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