Choosing the Right Equestrian Bottoms: Breeches vs. Riding TightsBreeches are a staple in English riding disciplines, serving riders well for daily rides, training, and competitions. Once you experience riding in breeches, you'll notice how much more comfortable and practical they are compared to riding in jeans, even for relaxed trail rides. Athletically-inspired, breeches are designed to provide a snug fit

throughout the seat, thighs, and legs, without bunching or shifting. The pant legs end in hems that remain neat and prevent them from riding up or twisting, making them ideal for tucking into tall boots or half chaps.

Both breeches and riding tights are made from fabrics that offer two-way or four-way stretch, essential for providing unrestricted freedom of movement despite the close fit. Riding breech designs can vary in terms of fabrics, features, and price points, including options like economical cotton blends, finely ribbed synthetic fabrics, stretch denim, or advanced technical microfibers with properties such as water and stain resistance, moisture-wicking, or thermoregulation.

While competition breeches typically adhere to conservative colors, schooling or pleasure riding allows for a wider range of color and design choices. Various construction features, such as rise height, waistband width, pocket options, and closures, cater to individual preferences. Mainly, there are two distinct types of breeches: knee-patch or full-seat, with the appropriate choice depending on the rider's primary discipline.

Knee-Patch Breeches These breeches feature a layer of faux suede, silicone grip, or other textile patches along the inner aspect of the knees, offering added grip and durability for riders who need to maintain a two-point or jumping position. As a classic choice for hunter/jumper and hunt riders, as well as event riders in jumping phases, knee-patch breeches provide the necessary functionality for these disciplines.

Full-Seat Breeches Full-seat breeches have faux suede, genuine leather, silicone grip, or other grippy textiles along the seat, inner thighs, and down to the knees. The full seat provides dressage riders with essential grip, helping them maintain a secure seat and execute subtle weight and seat aids. While most full seats cover the area entirely for consistent grip, some have segmented panels for enhanced freedom of motion.Riding

TightsFunctioning as the equestrian equivalent of yoga pants, riding tights offer exceptional comfort, practicality, and easy care. They are a popular choice for pleasure riding or schooling but are not suitable for competition. Available with knee patches or a full seat, riding tights come in various stretch knits, from summer-weight to fleece-lined, appealing to riders across disciplines and particularly favored by beginners.