Hi all,
I've been riding for almost 20 years. I started with hunter/jumper, rode for pleasure and then started dressage.
I am starting hunter/jumper lessons back up next weekend. A couple questions 1. What are the best riding breeches in your opinion? 2. Would I want knee patch breeches or full seat? I'm just doing lessons for now so not worried about show clothes yet...
Thank you all for your opinions!
I usually have two pairs of breeches; one for winter, one for summer.
best brand for the money? hard to say. there are many. do you prefer cotton or a synthetic material? I like Irideon as far as how they look, but cannot abide the heavy, synthetic feel.
Knee patch all the way if you're doing hunters. Generally I think it's a good idea to pick up a few pairs of cheap breeches if you intend to ride frequently—breeches that can get dirty or torn and you just patch them up with a few stitches and carry on—and one or two pairs of nice, fancy breeches for shows/clinics. My go to cheap breech is the Ovation euro seat style knee patch breeches, but I also like Kerrits.
THIS! I have a lovely pair of Irideon breeches that are that slick synthetic sort of material. They're really stylish, fit me super well, and never get dirty... but I love how my cotton breeches feel more, so I never really wear my fancy Irideons.
^Though it's true you wouldn't compete in full seat, there's nothing wrong with having them for hacking/schooling.
Personally, I have no preference between tights, knee patch, or full seat. To me, they're all the same.
As far as brands, I like Riding Sport--especially since it sounds like you're just coming off of a hiatus. [I made this suggestion under the assumption you don't want to drop >$200 on a pair xD Otherwise, I'd probably suggest something else!]
I think it really depends on your shape and what you feel comfortable riding in.
For me, my favorite brand is cavallo. I LOVE them, they're the only breach I feel really fits me and LASTS. I have a TERRIBLE time finding breeches that fit me. But again it depends on your shape to what you'd prefer, for example I know pikeurs are great but I can't wear them. They are not designed for me and look terrible on me. Cavallo is designed more for people with a curvier build, I have a 25in waist but big thighs and straightish, curved hips with a bum vs the riders I see who prefer pikeur tend to have less shape or are straighter in their thighs, hips and bums and not so "round" for lack of a better word. That's just my preference though and when I buy my breeches, I buy over seas. US importation taxes sky rocket prices, SO SO much cheaper over seas.
I used to prefer knee patch breeches but now I prefer full seat breeches. I feel like it's easier to stay quiet, especially on something really sensitive. it makes a subtle difference but I feel like I can be more subtle and exact in my aids without having to firm my muscles so tight to keep myself from over riding or sliding too much on a sensitive horse. But that's coming from a dressage perspective, I dont think hunters usually ride in full seat breeches.
I've also heard REALLY good reviews about the smartpak piper breeches. I haven't ridden in them personally but I've seen quite a few people with them and like them. They look really cute and comfortable.
Thank you all. A few more questions. Does it matter what color boots? Also, do hunter/jumpers wear half chaps? Another question any recommendation on gloves, including color? Thank you again! Happy Riding!
you will want either tall boots, or half chaps. otherwise your calf may end up being repeatedly pinched by the stirrup leathers. I love half chaps. easy on/off. just make them match your paddock boot in color; brown to brown, or black to black.
as for gloves, how much do you want to spend?
Ariat makes good gloves , but my all time favs are Roeckle (spell?). they are over $50, though.
Depends on what theyre made of! I have a suede pair that I just brushed the dirt off with a soft brush, mayyybe a damp cloth before shows, and now I have a calfsleather pair that I wipe off with a sponge and some saddle soap (make sure to let them dry thoroughly before storing, as they WILL get mouldy otherwise!)
My favorite breeches for summer are Kerrits tights. They have the knee patches and they are so comfy and cool! You wouldn't show in them, but they're great for training. For winter, I wear Pipers. I have a pair of super cute plaid full seat ones and a pair of basic tan silicone knee patch ones. They're both great. I only paid $30 in an end of season deal. I got both Kerrits for $40 used and they were in great condition on a Facebook buy/sell group called English Tack Trader. I also have a pair of TuffRider thicker knee patch breeches for winter, but those aren't my favorite.
For boots, I wear black paddock boots and half chaps, but I'm pretty sure for show the "in" thing is black field boots right now.
Tinyliny: not looking to spend to much right now, since I'm just getting back into hunter/jumpers. Probably no more than $30 for a pair of gloves. I'm hoping I'l pick it back up pretty quick.
I have a pair of Ariat leather half chaps, and I threw them in the washing machine then aired them dry. They look brand new. I have no idea if that is the recommended method (probably not) but it worked great. Before that, I used to clean the leather parts w/ saddle soap and the suede parts w/ a wet rag.
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