What Type of Breeches do you need?
Wearing the right breech is important! Constructed of materials like polyester, lycra, cotton and more, breeches fit tight to the skin. The fit allows you to ride without bunching and rubbing of material between the leg and the saddle flap. Breeches allow for a complete range of motion while riding your horse so you can perform to the best of your abilities. When it comes to selecting a new pair of breeches there are a number of features to take into consideration. You’ll first need to decide what you are looking for – schooling tights or breeches for show or performance. You will also need to consider the seasons that you ride in as to whether you might need a winter riding breech or summer weight schooling tight?
Knee Patch – As the name suggests the Knee Patch breech has a leather, suede, synthetic, silicone or “self” material patch stitched onto the inside of the knee. Knee patch breeches offer added grip and stability between the knee and the flap of the saddle. Since this is typically a heavy wearing area, having the extra patch allows your breeches to last longer. The ankle area of knee patch breeches is typically elasticized or may have a hook and loop closure to allow them to fit very close the ankle in order to slip easily into tall boots. Many come in Regular or Long lengths in regular or low rise styles. Knee patch breeches are suitable for all disciplines but tend to be favored by the hunter/jumper and pleasure riders. Color for breeches has typically favored the more conservative tan, khaki, beige type theme. As materials advance from the old school cotton, nylon and polyester blends into more supportive stretchable fabric blends that contain spandex and lycra many riders have switched to wearing breeches for everyday riding as opposed to schooling tights. This shift has thankfully allowed a much larger variety of colors into the market. Knee patch breeches traditionally have a front or side zip closure as well as belt loops for a polished turnout.
Full Seat – Full Seat breeches have a patch running from the buttocks down the inside of both legs. Advances in construction and design have allowed an expanded selection of materials to be used for the full seat panels. Full seats had originally been constructed of genuine leather or synthetic suede, however over the years they have evolved into comfortable synthetic materials that offer a closer fit and supportive stretch. Many manufacturers are adding additional silicone patches or designs to enhance overall grip in the saddle. Unlike the knee patch breech, the full seat panel is constructed of a single layer between the rider and saddle which offers a very close feel. Full seat breeches had been traditionally worn by Dressage and high performance jumper riders who require a lot of extra grip for top performace. In recent years riders from many different disciplines have begun to favor the full seat style breech for its unparalleled grip in the saddle.
As such full seat breeches are now available in an array of colors beyond the widely popular black and white. The ankle area of the full seat breech is typically elasticated or may have a hook and loop closure to allow them to fit very close to the ankle and slip easily into tall boots. Many come in Regular or Long lengths in regular or low rise styles and a variety of colors. Full seat breeches traditionally come with a front zip closure as well as belt loops for a crisp turnout.
Riding Tights – Great for everyday riding and general barn wear. Riding tights or schooling tights are typically constructed of light weight synthetic and cotton blend materials available in summer and winter weights. Riding tights are offer easy-on styling with an elasticized or drawstring waist and ankles. Some will have belt loops but many do not. Available colors, designs and patterns are as varied as the rainbow since schooling tights are not traditionally worn for show.
Winter Breeches – Stay warm while riding in the winter with insulated breeches. Again advances in materials have allowed the traditional polar fleece breech to evolve into a hi-tech climate control system. Some styles feature wind and water resistance that allow you to easily extend your outdoor riding season. Smooth outer shells allow hair and bedding to be brushed off easily for long lasting good looks. Many of these breeches come in full seat and knee patch styles. Though some winter breeches are available in seasonal colors black remains the most popular color.
Jodhpurs – Jods have been the legging of choice for children all over the world. This time-worn leggings features a cuffed hem and elastic stirrup to fit over top of a paddock or jod boot. Jod pants are most common in comfortable cotton and lycra blends. Much like the difference between breeches and schooling tights you will find sturdier materials more suited for the show ring in traditional beige, tan and khaki as well as light weight versions for everyday lessons in a fun and playful colors for both girls and boys. If you are headed into the show ring you will need a pair of jodhpur knee straps to complete the look.
