Riding Breeches
What are breeches? Breeches are a specialized style of trousers, popular for centuries, designed explicitly for horseback riding. Their purpose is to provide the rider maximum comfort and flexibility for riding and not interfere with riding boots or the saddle.
Riding breeches have evolved over the years and are now available in many different fabrics, cuts and styles, and their price can vary significantly depending on brand, design, and purpose. Styles of horse riding breeches evolve from the bygone wide-leg style of women's or men's jodhpurs to the sleek modern show breeches of technical fabrics. Breeches may have knee patches of reinforcing fabric to protect the inner leg against the stirrup leathers, and the seat or inner thigh area of the breeches trousers may also have a patch of gripping material such as you will find on gel grip seat breeches for example. You may find suede, leather, silicone, or other tactile fabric knee patches or seats for security in the saddle.
Riding breeches are typically designed to stop at the middle to the bottom of the calf muscle to avoid unnecessary bulk under long riding boots or chaps, allowing the saddle to have close contact with the lower leg. Other models have the riding pant ending at the ankle. Although typically worn with long riding boots, breeches are also worn with jodhpur boots, along with half chaps or gaiters. This is a popular with children's breeches. Some breeches are fastened at the calf with Velcro, and others feature a Lycra fabric at the bottom, which helps avoids more unnecessary bulk and fits comfortably inside your long boots or half chaps.
Types of breeches vary with purpose. Full seat breeches are used primarily by dressage riders and hunters, as the seat of the trousers extends down the back and insides of the legs to prevent sliding in the saddle.
Hunting breeches are made from a thicker, more heavyweight fabric and are traditionally a beige or tan colour. The waist may also be wider and higher, with looser fitting fabric.
Racing breeches usually end mid-calf, with extra stretch and fabric reinforcements in the knee and seat.
Competition breeches are riding pants specific to the rules of your discipline and are worn on show days. Show guidelines and tradition dictate the colour and style of your competition breeches. White is the colour of choice for many eventers, dressage riders, and show jumpers. You may also see some navy breeches or black breeches as various disciplines, breeches for showjumping allow more flexibility with regard to colours.
If you ride out frequently, waterproof breeches protect against wet weather conditions and fleece-lined winter breeches offer warmth for those chilly days. For added style, you could opt for denim breeches for general riding and casual events. Brightly coloured breeches with crystal detailing, modern designs, fancy stitching, and striking patterns are another choice for fashion-forward equestrians. Breeches with added diamante detailing are often seen in the show jumping ring.
Under breeches are a good option for bad weather riding, with thermal fabrics and extra covering over the thighs for added warmth. Also, shop for pleats, high-waisted breeches, or those with reflective accents or pull-on designs.
Horse Riding Breeches Online
Discount Equestrian stocks full seat breeches which are perfect for show jumping, eventing, and dressage riders. We proudly offer brands such as Premier Equine®, LeMieux®, Mark Todd®, Dublin®, EcoRider®, and EGO7®. The best breeches include:
LeMieux® Denim Breeches – "These breeches excel in style, quality, and practicality, making them perfect for both riding and yard chores, as well as everyday wear. Crafted from soft denim-cotton fabric, they prioritize comfort with a 4-way stretch and seamless design for full movement. Featuring a high waist for secure fit during activities and a full silicone seat for added security. Additionally, the tapered lower leg design and a seamless Lycra® sleeve ensure easy sliding into tall boots, enhancing rider comfort."
Equetech® Regency Show Breeches – "Perfect for any competition, these equestrian breeches come in a classic honey colour. They're made from stretchy twill fabric with silicone grip knees, ensuring you feel secure in the saddle. If you want show breeches that are stylish but not too flashy, these are a great choice! They have belt loops, Lycra® leg panels at the cuffs, a comfy waistband, a diagonal zip pocket, and a reinforced seat seam. Plus, they're easy to launder in the washing machine."
HyFASHION® Kensington Ladies Breeches – "A classy and refined set of high-waisted breeches. These flattering breeches aim to give your core the support it needs for a comfy ride. They feature 4-way stretch breathable fabric, providing extra flexibility and comfort. The modern silicone seat offers additional grip, ensuring you feel secure in the saddle. The rose gold zip pockets and detailing add a touch of style, making these breeches stand out. With no-bulk stretch hems at the ankles, they fit comfortably under long boots. The rose gold Hy logo studs along the waist panel complete the look."
Dublin® Distinction Edge Gel Full Seat Breeches – "These full seat breeches are made with a unique fabric to give riders the most comfort, protection, and flexibility. The Ezi-Grip gel full seat gives you the best grip in the saddle, and the dust-resistant coating keeps the breeches looking neat. There's an action panel for extra movement range, and the air-panel cuff ensures the fit is comfortable without being bulky."
For any queries about our fabulous Breeches range, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly Discount Equestrian team – we're always happy to help! We are ready to help you choose the best breeches for you or as a gift for the horse lover. Please shop Ladies Breeches, Children's Breeches and Men's Breeches for the best selection.
