The Aubrion Heritage collection from Shires has become a familiar sight on UK yards, and it is easy to understand why. The range brings together waterproof jackets, fleeces and gilets designed to cope with the realities of British weather, whether that means a drizzly morning turnout, a sharp shower in the middle of a hack, or a cold afternoon spent teaching in the school.
As part of the wider Aubrion brand, Heritage pieces carry a simple design philosophy: modern equestrian style with genuine performance. That combination has made the range a popular choice for riders who want clothing that looks tidy at the yard and in the arena but does not fall apart at the first sign of rain.
What is the Aubrion Heritage range?
Heritage sits within the Aubrion line from Shires, a brand that covers far more than rider clothing. The wider Aubrion range includes horse rugs, leatherwork, girths, saddlecloths, pads and numnahs, headcollars and lead ropes, plus shampoos and sprays for horse care. Within that larger line-up, the Heritage collection concentrates on outerwear for the rider, with jackets, coats, gilets and fleeces designed for riding, training and competition.
The collection has grown over time, with the current AW25 line-up including the Heritage gilet in Dark Olive, the Heritage full zip jacket in Dark Olive, and the Heritage full zip fleece in Dark Olive. The repetition of a single colourway is deliberate. It keeps the range easy to mix and match, and it gives riders a coordinated look without having to plan every outfit in advance.
Waterproof technology in the Heritage jackets
The standout feature of the Aubrion Heritage collection is its approach to waterproofing. The Heritage Waterproof Jacket is described as a high-performance outer layer built for equestrian and outdoor use, with a 10,000mm waterproof rating and 6,000g/m2 breathability. The first figure tells you how much water pressure the fabric can handle before moisture penetrates. The second tells you how readily water vapour can escape from the inside. Together, they mean you stay dry from the outside while avoiding the clammy, damp feeling that comes from a jacket that traps sweat.
The full zip waterproof jacket takes the design further. It is engineered for high performance, and Shires states that it will keep you dry in the wettest conditions. Key features include:
Fully taped seams to seal the stitch holes where water can otherwise creep through
A breathable inner membrane to help moisture escape from the inside
A brushed polyester lining for comfort against the skin
Those details matter when the jacket is worn for long periods, whether you are schooling, hacking out or standing at a show in a cold wind. A jacket that keeps rain out but holds sweat in can leave you feeling worse than one that lets a little water through.
Layering with the Heritage fleece and gilet
The Heritage Full Zip Fleece is the everyday layer of the collection. It is the kind of garment that gets pulled on dozens of times a week, from early morning feeds to late evening checks, and the pricing reflects its role as an accessible, workhorse piece rather than a technical shell.
The Heritage Fleece Gilet adds another option for colder months. It is crafted with double-layered fleece and a water-resistant inner membrane, which provides insulation without bulk while also offering protection against light showers. A gilet is a surprisingly versatile piece of yard kit. It keeps the core warm while leaving the arms free, which makes it easier to move when you are lifting haynets, carrying tack or schooling a horse. It also layers neatly under one of the Heritage waterproof jackets when the temperature really drops.
Full zip or quarter zip: which Heritage jacket suits you?
Both the Heritage full zip and quarter zip waterproof jackets are unisex designs in Dark Olive, and both are built to withstand the weather. The differences come down to how you prefer to get dressed and how you plan to wear the jacket.
The full zip version is the easier of the two to pull on and off, which matters on a busy yard when you are popping in and out of stables and tack rooms. It also opens up fully, which makes it more forgiving when worn over a thick fleece or a chunky knit. The quarter zip version is a pull-on design. It tends to sit closer to the body and gives a cleaner line, while still offering the same weather protection. Shires describes it as designed for maximum performance.
If you value quick changes and easy layering, the full zip is the obvious choice. If you prefer a streamlined look and do not mind pulling a jacket over your head, the quarter zip is worth a closer look. At the time of writing, Shires listed the quarter zip at £145 and the full zip at £150.
Building a riding wardrobe around Aubrion Heritage
The Heritage range is designed for more than just the arena. The jackets, coats, gilets and fleeces are described as suitable for riding, training and competition, which means the same pieces can move from mucking out in the morning to a dressage test in the afternoon without looking out of place.
The Dark Olive colourway is central to that versatility. Olive sits comfortably between neutrals and traditional country shades, so it pairs easily with dark navy breeches, beige jodhpurs and brown leather boots. It is also a practical colour for yard life, hiding the odd smudge of hay dust or a paw print from the yard dog without looking scruffy.
Because the jackets are unisex, the range works well in households where several riders share a wardrobe. A full zip waterproof jacket sized for one person can be lent out for a competition day, and the pull-on quarter zip is a handy spare for a passenger on a lorry run.
Buy Aubrion Heritage from Dufinkle with free UK postage
For UK riders looking to add Aubrion Heritage pieces to their kit, Dufinkle stocks equestrian and pet supplies online with a focus on affordable prices. The store carries rider clothing alongside horse tack, safety gear, footwear and dog products, with more than 15 brands available across the site.
The headline benefit for anyone ordering a jacket or fleece online is the postage policy. Dufinkle offers free UK postage on every order, with no minimum spend to unlock. That matters when you are buying a heavy waterproof jacket or a double-layered fleece, because delivery charges on bulky items can otherwise add a noticeable amount to the final cost. It also makes it easier to combine a Heritage coat with other essentials such as a riding hat, body protector, hi-viz gear or a pair of yard boots in one order.
As with any collection stocked by multiple retailers, availability can change quickly. If a particular size or colourway is not showing, check the official Shires Aubrion Heritage collection page or ask the retailer about incoming stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aubrion Heritage range waterproof?
Yes for the jackets, with a caveat for the fleece and gilet. The Heritage Waterproof Jackets are built with a 10,000mm waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a breathable inner membrane, and Shires says they keep you dry in the wettest conditions. The Heritage Fleece Gilet is not fully waterproof, but its water-resistant inner membrane protects against light showers.
Are Aubrion Heritage jackets unisex?
Yes. The main Heritage outerwear pieces are listed as unisex, including the full zip waterproof jacket, the quarter zip waterproof jacket, the fleece gilet and the Heritage gilet. The unisex fit makes the range practical for sharing between riders, which is useful for families with more than one person riding regularly.
Can I wear Aubrion Heritage for competition?
Yes. Shires describes Aubrion jackets and coats as combining modern equestrian style with performance for riding, training and competition. The Dark Olive colourway and clean lines of the Heritage collection mean the same jacket can be worn around the yard and then straight into the arena without looking out of place.
What colours are available in the Aubrion Heritage range?
The Heritage pieces featured across current collections are predominantly Dark Olive. The full zip jacket, quarter zip jacket, full zip fleece, fleece gilet and Heritage gilet are all listed in Dark Olive across UK stockists. If you are looking for alternative colours, check the current Shires listings, as collections do change between seasons.