All About Breeches

Confused about breeches? Even if you're a seasoned horseman, finding the 

right breeches can be a difficult task. Not only are there a variety of different styles and fabrics, there are also different patches that can all change the fit and feel of the pants when you're in the saddle. And then, to make it even more confusing, there's the sizing. Unlike street clothes that typically use standard numbered sizing from 00 to 18 in the US, breeches are generally sized via waist measurement in inches.

In this post we'll explore some of the standard types of breeches that are used for schooling. (Many of these breeches can also be used for shows, if they're purchased in plain colors). Remember, most breeches are designed for use with either tall riding boots, or short paddock boots and half chaps for optimum comfort. 

Knee Patch, Full Seat and Euroseat

Irideon Synergy Knee Patch Tights

When you're choosing breeches, one of the first decisions that you'll need to make is what type of patches you want on your riding pants.

A knee patch breech is considered the standard style of breech, and is popular with most disciplines, including hunter/jumpers and pleasure riders. Knee patch breeches, as their name implies, have a self or suede patch of fabric on the inside of the knee to provide extra wear protection against the saddle. 

Full seat breeches are popular among dressage riders, eventers and anyone who prefers a little extra security in the saddle. These breeches feature a patch of suede or synthetic fabric along the inside of the leg and buttocks to provide extra grip in the saddle for the dramatic movement of the horse. 

Euroseat breeches are a hybrid of the two types and feature a knee patch, but have a fabric seam across the buttocks that mimics the lines of a full seat. These are quickly becoming a popular side staple to the traditional knee patch breech for their comfort and flattering style.

Everyday Schooling Breeches in Fun Styles

Ariat Denim Knee Patch Breeches

Unlike show breeches, which must be conservative in color, usually tan or white, schooling breeches allow you to show off your sense of style. Available in a variety of colors and fabrics, simply choose you're favorite and you'll be ready to ride in style.

Denim Breeches

Love your jeans for everyday wear, but don't want to damage your saddle or deal with painful seam rubs? Now you can have the best of both worlds with denim breeches. 

Goode Rider Cargo Denim Full Seat Breeches

The Ariat Denim Breech features Ariat's signature style in a tasteful jean breech with a medium wash stretch denim and synthetic suede knee patch and decorative back patch pockets.

From Goode Rider comes the Full Seat Denim Cargo Breeches, which features a trendy olive brown stretch denim with contrasting ultra-suede full seat and unique cargo pockets, which are even large enough to fit your smart phone.

Fun Styles and Colors

Tired of plain old colors and traditional styling? Why not try breeches in fun patterns and the latest fall colors?

TuffRider Piaffe Plaid Full Seat Breeches

Plaid is back in a big way for dressage riders and the TuffRider Piaffe Plaid Full Seat Breeches offer style and function. Featured in a lovely light grey plaid micro-fiber fabric with contrasting dark grey full seat and contoured sock bottom for comfort under tall boots or half chaps. 

Ariat Heritage Euroseat Breeches in Wine

One of the most fashionable colors this fall is now available in your favorite breeches. The Ariat Heritage Front Zip Breech is featured in a delightful wine color with dark grey knee patches this season only. Subtle styling adds a touch of class with contrasting grey stitched quilt patterning on the yoke of the breeches as well as a touch of silver buttons on the faux back pockets.

Riding Tights

Riding tights are the yoga pants of the horse world. Tights are one of the most comfortable and easy to wear styles of riding pants and are offered in knee patch and full seat styles.

FITS Treads Lite Breeches

If you love your FITS Full Seat Breeches, then you'll love their new riding tights. The FITS Treads Lite Breeches offer a rubberized ink dot version of their unique full seat patches  in a comfortable pull on style at a great price. 

The Irideon Synergy Tights (shown in section above) feature a unique combination of technical fabrics for a sporty look and excellent support. Available in a variety of colors with the option of a bright contrast of color on the Camisoft waist band. 

  

A Guy's Guide to English Riding Show Gear

As a guy, finding riding gear that fits and is correct for your discipline can be a challenge to say the least. While there are tons of products and styles for women, the selection of attire and boots for men tends to be rather limited. In this post you'll find a basic set of show apparel designed for the English show ring, in both budget friendly styles and the latest, fashionable styles for men.

TuffRider Men's Performance Patrol Breeches

Riding Breeches

In riding breeches, the knee patch breech is the standard breech for most disciplines, including hunter/jumpers, some eventers, and a variety of pleasure riders. Men's breeches typically feature a pleating in the front with false flap back pockets to set them apart from ladies' styles, although the false pockets are also coming into style for women's casual breeches. 
The TuffRider Men's Performance Patrol Riding Breeches offer a variety of sizes and colors, including navy, charcoal and black in addition to the standard show colors of white, beige and light tan in a comfortable cotton/Lycra blend. These breeches are at a great price point for the budget-minded show rider, or as an every day breech for schooling.

Goode Rider Pro Breeches

If you're looking for traditional style with modern comfort and fit, then look no further than The Goode Rider Men's Pro Breeches. Offered in show ready khaki or charcoal for schooling, these breeches feature a nylon/spandex microfiber twill fabric for 4-way stretch and comfortable style. Added details include ultra-suede knee patches, slash front pockets and flap back pockets. These are a great choice for the up and coming show rider,or the rider who won't compromise on style.

Show Shirts & Neck-Wear

While a standard, white or light blue button down dress shirt can certainly work as a show shirt for men, most riding show shirts offer a selection of technical features that make them ideal for riding including extra room in the shoulders, and moisture-wicking material with stretch. 

Romfh Competitor Show Shirt

The Romfh Competitor Show Shirt, is made from a cool touch, light fabric with stretch that features discrete micro-mesh sleeves and back for extra cooling (Don't you wish your dress shirt had that feature for the office in Summer!). This shirt also has a removable tie stay. Available in a variety of sizes in long sleeves and short sleeves.

Of course your riding shirt isn't complete without a tie. In the English show hunter and jumper world a white tie is traditional. You can find a basic satin tie for around $17, or choose a stylish silk tie for around $54.

Ovation Sport Riding Coat

Show Coat

The traditional show coat for the English show hunter ring is very reminiscent of the sports coat that you would wear into the office. However, a riding show coat also features more room in the shoulders, and special back or side vents that allow it to lay nicely over your saddle.

The Ovation Sport Riding Coat is a great option for the show rider on a budget. Featuring a traditional style with updated function with wrinkle resistant fabric that is machine-washable. Available in a traditional navy herringbone. 

RJ Classics Xtreme Soft Shell Show Coat

The RJ Classics Xtreme Soft Shell Show Coat offers all the features that a show rider expects. This premium soft shell fabric is wrinkle and stain resistant and machine washable. Traditional styling with added stretch for comfort means you'll look and feel great in the show ring. Featured in a solid navy.

Riding Boots

Field boots are the traditional tall boot of choice for showing in any of the English jumping disciplines. Field boots feature a laced ankle that allows for greater fit in the ankle and allows for increased flexion that is necessary for riding with a shorter stirrup.

Tredstep Donatello Field Boots

Although relatively new to the American market, Tredstep Ireland is quickly taking the show world by storm, due in part to their introduction of the Donatello Field Boot. Featured in full grain nappa leather, these boots offer a rear stretch panel and top gusset for a custom-like fit. What really sets these boots apart, however, is the innovative flexion design at the ankle. This design allows for full flexion at the ankle from the very first ride (No more painful rides while breaking in your tall boots!). These boots are a little more expensive than the most basic pair you can find, but the features and comfort that they offer make them well worth the price. 

Ariat Men's Monaco Field Boot

Designed for the discerning hunter/jumper rider, the Ariat Monaco Field Boot, is now also available in men's sizes. Featuring a premium French baby calf leather, with oiled inner calf panel and full stretch back panel for a custom fit, these boots offer custom style and comfort. Featuring a true Spanish top with swagger tap and fashionable silver logo, these boots offer everything a rider could want in a competition boot. 

Show Gloves

Show gloves for most English disciplines are a plain black leather glove. Although these may look similar to dress gloves, they do offer a few features that set them apart. All leather riding gloves, and most synthetic gloves will have extra wear patches along the inside of the thumb and fore finger as well as between the ring and pinkie finger for extra strength and protection. Many riding gloves will also feature gathering at the wrist or hook and loop closure to ensure a comfortable and secure grip.

SSG Pro Show Gloves

An economical show glove, The SSG Pro Show Leather Gloves feature a soft kid leather for increased comfort and feel with spandex inserts along the fingers for increased flexibility. Gathered and stitched back for increased fit. Available in a variety of sizes in black and brown.

Tredstep Show Hunter Gloves

For the premier show hunter, the Tredstep Show Hunter Gloves features the perfect combination of technical features and traditional styling. Offered in luxurious lambskin leather on the outside, these gloves feature DigiTak and AirFibre technologies on the palm that increases grip while maintaining the classic look you want in the show ring. The addition of a flexible palm design and anatomic cuff ensures that these gloves will remain your favorite for their features as well as their looks. Available in brown and black.

Unique Equestrian Grooming Supplies

Think grooming supplies for horses have stayed the same over the past few decades? Think again! While you won't go wrong with your standard curry comb, dandy and body brushes, there have been a number of innovative products that will make grooming your horse easier and more enjoyable for both you and your horse.

Light Where and When You Need It

The Illuminated Hoof Pick

Is that thrush you smell coming from your horse's muddy hooves? It sure would be easier to tell if you just had a little more light. Sure you could go and grab a mini flashlight and try to balance it in your hands while juggling your hoofpick and your increasingly impatient horse's feet, but now you can have the light you need without struggle. New from MJ Equine Tools, The Illuminated Hoof Pick, combines a sturdy stainless steel pick and nylon brush with a high powered LED light that shines right where you need it on the hoof. The light is easy to operate with a single one-click button (with replaceable batteries) and this heavy duty pick is also water resistant so it'll stand up to regular barn use.

Ovation Pocket Clippers

It is the wee hours of the morning and the sun hasn't even risen yet, but here you are at the barn and your horse is all clean and shiny ready to go to a show. You clip the lead to his halter and get ready to lead him out to the trailer, when you realize you've missed the long whiskers on the underside of his chin. Not to worry, you reach into your travel grooming kit and pull out your Ovation Pocket Clippers and quickly and easily trim those stray hairs in the illumination of its LED light. Wait, you don't own pocket clippers? Now is the perfect time to purchase a pair. These lightweight clippers feature a built in light and are battery operated making them a perfect travel companion for shows, they also include two trimming attachments, blade guard and clipper oil and brush for cleaning.

Posture Prep Cross Fiber Groomer

While we all know that grooming is essential for the health and comfort of our horses, you can now take your grooming sessions a step further with the Posture Prep Cross Fiber Groomer. Designed by an equine chiropractor, the Posture Prep includes an introductory guide that allows you to learn techniques to improve your horse's posture and movement, while increasing body awareness and communication and promoting relaxation and suppleness. Also included in the purchase is a 6 month membership to the Posture Prep Resource Center that has additional articles and videos.

Braideez Braiding Wire

If you braid your own horse for shows, you probably own a braiding kit of some sort that likely includes rubber bands, yarn, needle and thread, or some combination of the three. If you're looking for a better, easier way to braid, you'll want to try Braideez Braiding Wire. A non-toxic plastic coated copper wire, Braideez is easy to use and creates beautiful braids that stay in when you need them to, but yet are easy to remove and will not damage the mane or tail hair. The wire is also reusable. Available in white, black or brown to match your horses mane, or a variety of bright colors for fun, an instructional guide is also included for a variety of different braiding styles.

eZall Green Total Body Wash

Bathing your horse takes time and effort, particularly if your horse is less than thrilled with you ruining his hard work at getting dirty. Make it a little less difficult with the eZall Green Total Body Wash in 1qt size. This all natural, plant-based shampoo includes a hose attachment that allows you to easily wet and shampoo your horse at the same time and easily loosens dirt and dander without scrubbing. It is safe for all animals, so it would even be a good option for your barn dog after he's decided to cover himself in eau de muck pile. And, because this shampoo is biodegradable, you don't have to worry about harsh pollutants contaminating ground water. Refillable container, with bulk containers available in one and five gallon sizes; each gallon is good for approximately 50-60 horse baths. 

Create Your Own Fashion Story With Equestrian Flair

Just because you’re heading back to school in the fall doesn’t mean that you have to leave your equestrian lifestyle behind! Add a splash of equestrian style to your back to school wardrobe with these great accessories and clothes from top brands like Ariat, Horseware, Goode Rider and Equine Couture.

Equine Couture Chloe Polo Shirt

Create a fun, feminine style with just a hint of equestrian with a tailored polo shirt. The Equine Couture Chloe Layered Polo Shirt offers the traditional look of a polo shirt in fun and flirty pastel colors with a striped dress shirt collar that looks great buttoned up or left open. Additional accents on the left side sleeve and distinctive rearing horse logo add extra charm. Whether you’re wearing it to the classroom with jeans or pairing it with breeches for an afternoon ride, you’ll always be in style.

If you have a more Bohemian taste for design, the casual, ephemeral style of Stetson’s Lawn Peasant Top is a perfect option. Offered in comfortable cream-colored cotton with delicate lace accents along the neckline, sleeves and back, this shirt can easily be dressed up for class with simple accessories, but would look just at home on a casual fall trail ride.

Stetson Lawn Peasant Top

Love your Ariat breeches? Check out the new line of Ariat Jeans, featuring distinctive accents and great styling with durable denim that will look great whether you’re heading to the classroom or hanging out with your friends. Available in four different fit styles to match you and your personality. Summer heat haze toning down your look? Cool off with Stetson’s Cropped Denim Jeans with comfort and flattering style.

Goode Rider Polar Tech Jacket

Fall is coming and so is cooler weather. For a fashionable jacket that can easily go from the barn to campus, check out the Goode Rider Polar Tech Jacket. This fashionable jacket adds warmth without bulk, and features a slim fit with eye-catching reflective grosgrain tape trim. Available in a bold, paprika red or distinguished black to fit your style trend.

Horseware’s Aine Hoodie, is a great lightweight sweatshirt that is perfect for cool mornings or evenings.  Offered in a delicate blush pink with cute blue and pink plaid lining with a fashionable Horseware logo.

Horseware Aine Hoodie

Of course you’ll need to carry some books to class, so why not do it in style? Check out Horseware’s Newmarket Fifi Tote, available in a range of fun and vibrant colors such as coffee bean/red, navy/pink and even leopard print for a walk on the wild side. Created in durable cotton canvas with a zippered closure, you’ll have plenty of room for your books and notebooks.

Horseware Newmarket Fifi Tote

Pull your look together with fashionable belts that compliment your look and add an extra dash of style. Create the perfect mix of Western flair and modern style with the Ariat Lorena Belt. Featuring a unique laser-cut pattern that is a stylish mix that recalls lace and your favorite western saddle, this belt is available in a rich antique brown leather and fits with almost any outfit with its tri-color metal sliding buckle.

Ariat Lorena Belt

Tune into your inner glam with the Equine Couture Bling Patent Leather Belt, featuring lines of crystals in white on black patent leather or pink on dark brown patent leather with an Equine Couture logo tab.

Equine Couture Bling Patent Belt

Show off your love of your horse in fashionable style with custom engraved bracelets. There are many styles available, but some of the more unusual and fun styles include the HorseFare Rhinestone Bracelet, which features a line of multi-colored rhinestones and the Perri’s Padded Leather Bracelet, which offers a padded leather backing in fun colors.

Perri's Padded Leather Bracelet

HorseFare Rhinestone Bracelet