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. 

  

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.