Now that I live near a Dover Store, life has suddenly become very dangerous! I walked in last week with a list of basic items I needed like shampoo and treats, and came out with all of that plus the Ariat Saga Full-Zip Jacket.

It’s been so mild this winter that the sweatshirt/jacket style piece has become a staple for me when I ride. I get too warm with a full jacket and it’s too cold for a long sleeve shirt or vest combo. I’ve always been a fan of Ariat’s “sporty” riding pieces, and the Saga Jacket fits right in that category, working for riding and stylish enough that you could wear it out to run errands or to the gym.

The grey/blue color combination is really nice. I tend to like neutral base colors with a pop of color. The Saga Jacket has a matching blue fleece lining with a honeycomb pattern and an outer grey soft shell.

There are two pockets on the inside, one for each hand on the outside, as well as a zippered pocket on one arm and one on the back/side. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a pocket placed there. I’ve been using it for my cell phone since it’s zippered, but to get it out it requires a bit of twisting.

If I could change anything on the jacket, I’d make the outside front pockets zippered too since that’s where I tend to put my phone. I just don’t trust non-zippered front pockets to hold my phone in while I’m riding or doing barn chores.

The soft shell material cleans easily. How do I know, you ask? Oh So was quite fascinated with my stylish new jacket and proceeded to slobber on me throughout our grooming session and each time he thought I had a treat. Luckily the dark grey color doesn’t show green too horribly!

It’s wind proof and water resistant, but it’s not the warmest sweatshirt/jacket I’ve owned. The material is thinner fleece than some of my Horsewear jackets, so I make sure to wear long sleeves under it on chilly days.

There are also Velcro cuffs on the sleeves to make them tighter to keep the wind out.

The Ariat Saga Jacket is comfy and stylish and has become a staple piece for me during this mild winter. It’ll be perfect for spring too.

The jacket retails for $89.95 and comes in sizes XS-XL in Lava Beach or Purple.