Product Review: Heritage X Country Gloves

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

And I've been wearing the X Country gloves. And wearing them. And wearing them some more. For cross country riding. Trail riding. Even for ring work. After all of that wear and abuse, they still have worn so well and still look fantastic. Photo by Lorraine Peachey. And I've been wearing the X Country gloves. And wearing them. And wearing them some more. For cross country riding. Trail riding. Even for ring work. After all of that wear and abuse, they still have worn so well and still look fantastic. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Lately, I’ve been at a bit of a conflict with myself. I have absolutely been loving the warm and sunny days of summer. But it’s also been a bit of a struggle keeping myself cool while spending any amount of time outside, especially when I’m riding.

There are some days that I feel like I start to sweat glisten not long after walking outside. Even on especially hot and sticky days, I’m determined. I won’t allow myself to be dissuaded from spending time in the saddle.

This is where my conflict comes into play. Outfitting myself in performance attire that will help to keep me cool and comfortable is of utmost importance, and yet I find that even on the hottest of days, I still pull on a pair of gloves before riding.

I certainly don’t love the feeling of sweaty or clammy hands that often comes along with wearing gloves in the summertime, but I definitely prefer having comfortable hands and an adequate grip on the reins when I’m spending time in the saddle.

My hands can be sensitive to rubbing and blisters when I ride without gloves, which has led me to seek out appropriate gloves for each season of the year. I do this not only protect my hands, but also aid my grip year-round.

This season, one of the pairs of gloves that have been my riding companion are the Heritage X Country gloves. One of the first things that attracted me to the X Country gloves is the breathable mesh material included in the design — warm-weather friendly!

The stretchable mesh panel across the back of the hand and fingers helps to provide a comfortable fit, as well as ventilation, whether you’re on the cross country course, on the trail, or in the ring. The X Country gloves are so versatile!

What are some of the stand out features of the X Country gloves for me? While it may not seem like a big deal, I like the touchscreen friendly thumb and index fingers. This allows me to put my gloves on before riding and still be able to check my phone if necessary.

This season, one of the pairs of gloves that have been my riding companion are the Heritage X Country gloves. One of the first things that attracted me to the X Country gloves is the breathable mesh material included in the design...warm weather friendly! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

 One of the first things that attracted me to the X Country gloves is the breathable mesh material included in the design — warm-weather friendly! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Looking closer at the design, there are numerous features that enhance fit, grip and durability. The exclusive Nappa grip is a synthetic grain leather construction. What’s better? It is buttery soft AND breathable to allow perspiration to evaporate from the skin.

Durability is also very important to me, which is why I appreciate the double-stitched seams of the X Country gloves. The thumb and the index finger of the gloves also feature a second layer of protection.

Keeping comfort in mind, let’s talk about the Rein Cut design of the gloves. Rein Cut is the unique design between the ring and pinky fingers that removes the bulky seams and materials, which means  your fingers can flex comfortably while maintaining control of the reins.

From the first time that I tried on the Heritage X Country gloves, I felt a nice and comfortable fit. The stretchy mesh panel of the back of the hands and fingers is lightweight and helps to make the gloves fit well on my hands.

The back of the gloves feature a single velcro strap, which also helps to give me a “just right” fit. I also find that I like the tasteful Heritage logo on the velcro strap, as well as on the underside of the elastic lined cuff.

Even during the hottest days that I’ve spent in the saddle, I pull on the X Country gloves, and I haven’t regretted that because the stretchable mesh panel combined with the Nappa grip are both breathable. My hands stay cool and comfortable.

And I’ve been wearing the X Country gloves. And wearing them. And wearing them some more. After all of that wear and abuse, they still have worn so well and still look fantastic.

The X Country Gloves are available from Heritage Gloves. They come in three different colors, Black, Black/Gray, and Black/Brown, in whole sizes 6-12. They have a retail price of $37.95, and you can learn more about them here.

Go Breathable and Grippy Gloves. Go Heritage Gloves. Go Eventing.