Horse Riding Breeches

Horse riding breeches are usually worn by English riders. They provide comfort as well as protection against injuries, especially for your knees and thighs. They also provide good padding and help you get a grip on the saddle.

Modern breeches, however, are skin tight with zippers or Velcro fastenings at the end where it meets the calf. They are normally worn for casual riding and hunting. The material used to make horse riding breeches is normally stretchy, durable and comfortable.

Types of breeches

Broadly, there are four different types of horse riding breeches: knee patch, full seat, jockey’s breeches and jodhpurs. Other types are available with slight variations in these four types. Show jumpers usually wear the knee patch breeches that will help them to have a harder grip while taking jumps. Dressage riders prefer full seat breeches that allow them to hold on to their position while horse riding and showing.

Some breeches come down as far as the ankles and others only as far as the calf area. Each type has a different style and suits riders based on their skill levels. The length of the breeches depends on the preference of the rider for long or short boots. Sometimes the breeches have suede patches inside the knees, and other times the suede goes all the way up and around the buttocks. Some breeches will have foot straps that will keep them tightly beneath the boots. The type that you need depends on the type of horse riding you enjoy and the type that would suit you best.

Which size to choose

When it comes to sizes, breeches are mainly available in a standard length. However there are some styles which have a regular and long option. Ladies’ breeches are made according to the measurement of the waist. One point to remember is that it is better to get a size a little larger than the waist measurement. But for children, breeches are given in the normal size they wear for other pants.

Washing the breeches

Wash with a recommended washing powder. Use cold or lukewarm water as given in the instructions. It always better to wash the horse riding breeches inside-out. This helps to save the darker pants from fading and also your lighter pants from getting affected by other dyes. Do not let the pants get soaked in water for a long time. After washing, get them out and hang to dry immediately. In the case of white breeches, if they are stained, attend to them as soon as possible, otherwise they could be ruined.