TRIED AND TESTED

WHAT IS IT? Dubarry Longford Country Boot, RRP £379, dubarry.com

I WANT IT BECAUSE: My first pair of Dubarrys (Galway Country Boot) have been going strong for ten years having been put to the test in wet, muddy, icy conditions – and they never let me down. The Longford is an elegant alternative.

USEFUL FOR: Trudging through knee-high heather, tackling winter (I’ve had zero Bambi on ice moments thus far), and everyday walking. The Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet warm and dry through

torrential downpours.

HIGH POINT: A dream match of high-tech performance and sleek design. You can wear them with jeans or when mucking out the stables.

LOW POINT: Absolutely nothing!

WHAT IS IT? Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Gauntlet. RRP £175, sealskinz.com

I WANT IT BECAUSE: As I get older my extremities get vulnerable to cold, and these gloves ensure that my hands remain toasty warm. Plug them in beforehand and they release heat for almost six hours, and have three heat settings.

USEFUL FOR: Dog walking, cycling, commuting, hiking – anything that involves being outside.

HIGH POINT: They are 100% waterproof, but have a soft goatskin leather palm and precurved fingers for a natural feel, excellent durability and control. The small zipped pocket on each glove is big enough for a bank card. The gauntlets mean your wrist is not exposed. Comes with a two-year guarantee.

LOW POINT: None. Although the hottest setting for extreme cold lasts for just two hours.