What breeches are you riding in this year? [Archive]

Little Valkyrie

Feb. 16, 2009, 11:23 PM

IMO Ariat Pro Circuit breeches are hands down the best breeches on the market. They look fantastic, are super comfy, dry in an instant, and wear like iron. Yes, they are pretty expensive, but they last so much longer than all other breeches that its completely worth it. If I had lots of $ I would have 20 pairs of these things!

Wee Dee Trrr

Feb. 16, 2009, 11:35 PM

I have boys pytchleys I really like... they are similar to TS. (I'm a girl, I just like the pockets!)

merry_one

Feb. 17, 2009, 06:47 AM

My pick for the short person in your life. RTS-Bentex. I lucked into a pair about 10 years ago as they are the only good looking canary breeches out there. Now I am addicted. I had a little extra cash a few years back and bought a wardrobe of them.

I did get a pair of those fancy schmancy monkey but FITS breeches this past weekend but I have yet to have the ehem, courage, to put them on in front of anyone. Does anyone else think it might be a good idea to take that "technology" and make a pair of breeches that isn't so cheeky?

I think we should steal Polly's ancient Pikeurs and donate them to the USEA Hall of Fame.

Yes Polly, next year I'll be in Aiken. So jealous. Min says hi to the boys.

FoxChaser

Feb. 17, 2009, 07:16 AM

FITS here too! I've got a greenie and like the extra grip plus they're the most comfortable breeches I've ever worn :)

mkevent

Feb. 17, 2009, 07:22 AM

I second the Pikeurs-now available in microfiber so they are super comfy in hot or cold weather! The Ariat Pros are also great-I have the old "World Cup" style and same technology. Your best bet is to go to a tack store that sells the higher end breeches and try on different brands. I fit best in Pikeurs-long thin legs with a not so shapely waist (ok round is a shape!)- for me, the Ariats are a bit too tight in the waist and too loose in the legs. Warning-once you start wearing the more expensive breeches, you'll never want to go back to the cheaper ones again!!

scubed

Feb. 17, 2009, 07:49 AM

thatmoody

Feb. 17, 2009, 07:53 AM

My FITS are so comfortable that I don't even worry about the monkey butt syndrome. I think that they could do the segmentation with a little less separation, but they really work, and when my butt's in the saddle, who cares? I desperately want a pair of white ones for showing, but settled for a pair of Cadence fullseats. I'm gonna be flying all OVER that saddle!

SparklePlenty

Feb. 17, 2009, 08:05 AM

Ironically - i've been pondering the same thing!!! I like my tuff riders but think i'm going to try some of the Ariat ones and see. You can use those in hunterland and the Xcountry course too!!

;)

shea'smom

Feb. 17, 2009, 08:09 AM

I like the Tuff riders, cheap and comfortable.
What color is everyone wearing now? I always wore white for dressage and xc, but bought a tan pair. I haven't been to any big events in a long time, but I am going to SP I so need to step up my look!

Absolut

Feb. 17, 2009, 08:37 AM

They have full seats for a great price so you can get several. I like the Arabella 95 % cotton 5% lycra. Great customer service too!

JennieRose

Feb. 17, 2009, 12:24 PM

I have the Irideon full-seats--dark blue and black. They are SUPER comfortable and wear very well. Plus, I've gotten called "skinny" in them a few times. I now shy away from tan except for my SJ show breeches...

VCT

Feb. 17, 2009, 12:36 PM

I like Ariat Pro Breeches and TS Breech in Low Rise. (normal rise comes up to my chest LOL)

Those are both suitable for hunter shows as well if you get them in the knee patch versions and in tan or beige or greenish beige.

Sudi's Girl

Feb. 17, 2009, 12:42 PM

FITS definitely. By FAR the most comfortable breeches I've ever worn. If I know I'll be in them all day, I'm definitely going to be wearing FITS. Also - these are the best for when it's raining too...(or if you get thrown into the water complex :cool:)

Also - Tropical Rider - I believe it's the enduracool breech - LOVE This too!!! (Esp down south here!) AND - their website has 40% off right now - woohoo!!!
Oh - and their winter breeches are awesome too! Very comfortably worn in 20 deg weather - and repels water (and coffee!!! was the coolest thing).
http://www.tropicalrider.com/home.asp

2LaZ2race

Feb. 17, 2009, 01:35 PM

I have a pair of the monkey butt FITS but they're in black. I don't think I could ever spend that much money on breeches again no matter how great they are! I do like the new FITS with the zipper and snap, I have the pull ons and the waist band is so thick and tight it can be hard to get over the booty.

I think i'm going to check out some of the Ariats, I can't bring myself to buy Tailored Sportsmans, I was forced to wear those for ISHA and I still have nightmares! :lol:

StrawberryFields

Feb. 17, 2009, 01:52 PM

ariat circuit breeches for jumping... they are so stretchy. I love them

eventrider

Feb. 17, 2009, 05:03 PM

I adore the RJ Classics breeches in low rise...they have the best colors for jumping as well.

Christan

Dr. Doolittle

Feb. 17, 2009, 09:46 PM

FITS for me, too (I have three pairs: two were gifts, I would NEVER spend that much on myself ;))

In fact, I got a ration of $hit for being a public (on COTH) fan of FITS a few months ago; the company had an unfortunate lapse of judgement, and sponsored Laine Ashker (not knowing of her notoriety), so the fact that I like the breeches was considered "tacit approval" of the aforementioned rider...:rolleyes:

Suffice it to say, I still love the breeches--no matter what (for the reasons mentioned by other posters.)

faluut42

Feb. 18, 2009, 12:11 AM

eventingben

Feb. 18, 2009, 02:10 PM

Trainers Choice are nice. Not too pricey, but fit well (I like the hip huggers). The only thing I've found with them is after you wash them a thousand times the material may pucker. The leather stays nice however. I also like the Kentucky brand, though they are a bit on the pricey side.

bip

Feb. 18, 2009, 02:37 PM

fancy schmancy monkey but FITS breeches this past weekend but I have yet to have the ehem, courage, to put them on in front of anyone. Does anyone else think it might be a good idea to take that "technology" and make a pair of breeches that isn't so cheeky?

Yes! I just got a pair. I had expected the patches to make my butt look big (it's huge, so that's a given). What I didn't expect was that my butt would be so big that it would make the patches look TINY! :eek:

Fortunately, when in the saddle, they are quite flattering ... unfortunately, people like me with only one horse and a long drive to the barn (sometimes requiring non-horse related errands) spend MORE time in them off the horse than on.

Mariequi

Feb. 18, 2009, 03:10 PM

The tight ones! LOL

LookinSouth

Feb. 18, 2009, 03:17 PM

I adore the RJ Classics breeches in low rise...they have the best colors for jumping as well.

Christan

ditto. they fit like a dream. very similar to the Ariat pro circuits but considerably less in cost.

Jumper6252

Feb. 18, 2009, 05:18 PM

I love my supreme hunter ts's and all of my colored schooling ts's I am obbsessed with them and can't stop buying them!!

kookicat

Feb. 18, 2009, 05:46 PM

I am the odd ball in liking breeches that are mostly cotton. I have a pair of Ariats from a couple years ago that I love as well as some really old Kentuckys. I also like the cheapo on course cotton full seats

I can only wear cotton/natural fibers because I have very sensitive skin. I've been eying those SmartPak ones on the top banner. Anyone tried those? Do they ship to the UK?

A small local tackshop makes mine for me. They are full seat, made from strechy cotton and are super comfy.

Mtn trails

Feb. 18, 2009, 05:55 PM

I tried on a pair of Grand Prix low rise breeches at a show and oh my, talk about comfortable. They are a high percentage cotton and not skin tight which I hate with all the junk in my trunk. I'm definitely getting another pair this year.

takethestage

Feb. 18, 2009, 06:17 PM

White mirco cord irideon low rise pull ons (wow thats a mouthful) for all three phases. Although i sometimes i ride in black breeches on xc (white just looks so much snazzier on xc though, plus it gives me even more insentive to stay on!)!!
I'm another Irideon fan, I particularly love the low-rise Cadence full seats. I wear them for all three phases. They're an absolute dream: super comfy and fit my petite frame perfectly! Plus, they're decently durable and not expensive (especially for full seats!)

RunForIt

Feb. 18, 2009, 07:44 PM

One of my 4 pair of Ariat Sport Rhythm full seats that I got on MEGA sale at the local feed store..($30/pair!!!!) - the seats on all my On Course that I bought between '96 and last year wore through...paper thin :lol: :cool:.

I love the Sport Rhythm's fit and twill-like material; would love to have the same with a side zip. :cool: Alas, they are no longer available even at the usual $125.00 retail....

2LaZ2race

Feb. 18, 2009, 08:39 PM

I ordered Ariat Brittnay's and Ariat Fairfax's , I just can't pay $219 for the Pro's when I can get the others for $99.

I ordered the side zips since that's whats "in" for hunters... we'll see in 7-10 days!

Friday1

Feb. 18, 2009, 10:30 PM

baymare

Feb. 18, 2009, 11:16 PM

FITS rule. This from a former die-hard traditionalist when it comes to breeches. Oh well. Just can't beat the comfort and the little added security without ever feeling "stuck". And, as one poster already pointed out, they are actually quite flattering when in the saddle. I loved the three-seasons so much that I splurged on the winter ones at the VTO after Christmas sale-- they are the toastiest yet least-bulky winter breeches ever.

LookinSouth

Feb. 19, 2009, 09:04 AM

I ordered my first pair of these britches of of Bit of Britain's tack of the day and I LOVE them. The Sit Tight material in the full seat is the stickest britches I have ever ridden in. .

The Kerrits sit tight definitely will be the stickiest full seats you will find. I have a couple friends that swear by them and they have held up fine for a couple years. I ordered a pair once but promptly sent them back when I discovered they were so sticky I could hardly post:lol: That and I didn't think they would breathe very well in the summer but my 2 friends that wear them think their great.

they make them in a winter weight too.

Sudi's Girl

Feb. 19, 2009, 10:20 AM

I ordered my first pair of these britches of of Bit of Britain's tack of the day and I LOVE them. The Sit Tight material in the full seat is the stickest britches I have ever ridden in. Great when my green bean "celebrates" after her jumps. I have the cargo tights in tan and grey and plan to complete in the tan ones. Several of my barn mates have started to wear them as well and everyone really likes them.

I think they are cheaper than the FITS and don't have the monkey butt. Can't comment on wear. Have only had them for 6 months.

I did this exact same thing. I have those and a pair of white ones I use to show in if it rains, and I'm jumping the green bean. :) (Works out great actually) I pretty much only wear them though if I feel I want some extra "sticki-ness" - normally that bugs me to death.

Sparky Boy

Feb. 19, 2009, 12:09 PM

I prefer the Tailored Sportsmans. I just got a brand new white pair 32L ( got a slightly bigger size because I think white is terribly unforgiving :( ) for $49.99

mandalea

Feb. 21, 2009, 04:17 AM

Banana Windsor Apparel jodhpurs for Dressage, Cream full seat Compeditiors for Showjumping and a no-name beige or black ones for XC :D

Hopefully going to get some off-white ones for Dressage, but I don't trust myself to keep them clean - or my horse :D

canterlope

Feb. 21, 2009, 10:05 AM

Eurofits for Dressage and Cross Country. TS Two-Ways for Show Jumping.

FLeckenAwesome

Feb. 21, 2009, 12:39 PM

Has anyone tried these yet?

http://www.horsetackreview.com/article-display/2360.html

They look promising.... I really like Kerrits breeches, but don't have any of the sit tights yet.... and thought these might be less "diapery" feeling than my microcord full seats .

I'm tempted, but......

mysandi

Feb. 21, 2009, 01:24 PM

Kerrits Sit Tight'N'Warm. They are super warm and comfortable.

Cobes

Feb. 21, 2009, 02:47 PM

I love them!! I just got a pair and started riding in them. They are very comfortable and perfect for everyday wear. They seem very durable and are super easy to care for (throw in wash- just my style!). I highly recommend trying them.

wabadou

Feb. 21, 2009, 04:51 PM

....Kerrits Sit Tight
Great breech for the money and they come in a low rise

Great for those horses who like to throw in some "airs above the ground" in warmup and during your round, put in unexpected launches and bucking landings !!

Be careful the first time you dismount when you are wearing them....:lol:
(be sure to clear the saddle when you swing your leg over or they WILL hang up on the cantle and throw your balance backwards if you're in a hurry and not paying attention...ask me how I know..:lol::lol:

easyklc

Feb. 21, 2009, 06:06 PM

I was very lucky and hit the big sale they had earlier in the winter. The TR Extreme with the 3/4 seat in deerskin are super comfortable and the rise is perfect for me, not low, but midrise so I don't feel like they are up onto my torso. I prefer the 3/4 seat, as they keep me "tacky" in the thigh, but I can get off my saddle easier. Best $150 pair of breeches I've had, and since I've used this brand over the years I know they wear like iron and wash up easy.

I also like the Ariat fullseats. They are reasonably priced and super comfy. I have several of the tan ones and I am very rough on them. Throw them in the washer and dryer and voila as good as new. And...I too use the Kerrits Sit Tights. These are good for my greenie xc. They are very STICKY, so not everyone likes them. I however appreciate the stickiness when my mare spooks in the outdoor when the blue heron flies over the fence. Holy bejeeezus!

yellowbritches

Feb. 21, 2009, 06:47 PM

Whatever's clean(ish). And isn't about to shred at the knees (where my britches wear out).

I DO need to think about some new britches, both for every day and for shows.

SevenDogs

Feb. 21, 2009, 07:49 PM

Pikeur and also a BIG fan of Schumachers, but they can be really hard to find. Both last forever and fit really well. I'm not surprised at all to hear that someone is still riding in Pikeurs from 1993. I must have a behind like a German... and that is not very complimentary to the Germans! :eek:

evntr06

Feb. 22, 2009, 12:13 AM

I will be making my own breeches, as always, this year. I found the coolest goldish-beige color stretchy fabric in G Street fabrics on sale for $3/yard, I can't wait to make them!

Raaben

Oct. 3, 2009, 03:30 AM

I did this exact same thing. I have those and a pair of white ones I use to show in if it rains, and I'm jumping the green bean. :) (Works out great actually) I pretty much only wear them though if I feel I want some extra "sticki-ness" - normally that bugs me to death.

Why would you wear them in the rain if they are white lol?:lol:

Equa

Oct. 3, 2009, 05:33 AM

I love RTS for everything except dressage comps. For some reason, breeches with no side seam seem to look better, so Eurostar or Cavallo. When I can afford them!

flypony74

Oct. 3, 2009, 09:50 AM

I bought a pair of Grand Prix at my local tack shop on a whim several months ago, and REALLY like them. They fit great, are flattering, are super comfortable and stay where they are supposed to. The material is a blend that holds up well and keeps it's shape. The best part? They are only about $100, with the look and feel of a breech more than twice that (I like them better than Ariats or TS!). They can be hard to find, but I think Farmhouse Tack has them.

Oct. 3, 2009, 10:36 AM

I second Eventrider, the RJ Classics low rise are amazing. I love them for show jumping. The fabric is amazing, and the cut is very flattering.

For Cross Country and dressage, I love TS full seats, VTO is the only one I know who carries them: http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=TSLTFB&Category_Code=BRCH

For schooling, I really like tuff riders, and I recently found Grand Prixs, they are very flattering and comfortable. I would caution against the side zips, the rise is cut funny, and I had to return my pair because the inside seam blew out in one ride, and I know someone else who had a problem with the inside seams on her side zips. The dressage trainer I have recently started working with rides all day, every day in her GPs, but she rides in the front zip. For $100, the front zip GPs are money as schooling/everyday breeches.

As far as Ariat Pro Circuits, I bought two from Tack of the Day and immediately sold them on EBay, I LOVED the fabric, but the rise is ridiculously high.

eventer_mi

Oct. 3, 2009, 10:44 AM

I hate, hate, HATE my Kerrits Sit Tights in any weather but the coldest, when I can wear something moisture-wicking underneath them and not roast. They're sticky, all right, but they DO NOT BREATHE. At all. I'm not a big sweater, especially in the leg/rear area, but wearing these in moderate heat and it's like taking a sweat bath. Ugh. You'd think that with that kind of perspiration, I'd lose some junk off the thighs, but noooo....they won't even give me that! So, I wear them with silk long johns in the winter because they were cheap and they DO stick. They're pretty flattering on, too.

I adore my FITS, but they're muy pricey, so I keep them for the specialist of occasions (yes, I made that word up). They look fanstastic on, they stick like the Kerrits Sit Tights, and they BREATHE. Lovely.

For regular, not so special occasions, or schooling, I adore my Ariat side zips with the piping - I can't remember what they're called. They're slippery on anything but my Amerigo Pinerolo saddle, though, but they look darn nice. I also just got a pair of Aandtadt-Das in a summer weight fabric off Ebay, and those are so sticky that if you don't like where your body is, it take an act of God to move you - I had difficulty with them at first in my dressage saddle. Haven't tried jumping in them yet. They were about $100, which is great for full-deerskin-seats. Beware - if you buy them off Ebay, prepare to wait a month for them to ship. They're wonderful quality, but the shipping is slow.

asterix

Oct. 3, 2009, 10:56 AM

I have a pair of FITS I inherited from a friend and really love them. Mostly I am too lazy to change britches at a one day, and my FITS are black, so they are the world's fanciest schooling britches :winkgrin:

For showing I wear Irideon microcord fullseats. They are super comfy and, as someone else said, very flattering (my friend has a pair for showing, too, and every time I see her at a show, I say "hey, you look so skinny" -- they are magical that way!)...

LessonLearned

Oct. 3, 2009, 11:25 AM

I'll have to look into the RJ Classics Low Rise.

I definitely need a low rise breech and Tuff Rider and Ovation are the only two that really work out well for me.

I would love to get a pair of FITS, but unfortunately FITS don't fit me. I have a gut, no butt, and long skinny legs. When I get a pair that fits my waist, it looks like I am wearing sweatpants :rolleyes:

Kairoshorses

Oct. 3, 2009, 11:37 AM

vineyridge

Oct. 3, 2009, 01:04 PM

If anyone is interested in breeches that aren't skin tight or knit and doesn't mind wearing men's, The Old Habit carries two Tally Ho's, one of which is actually flared, and a LOVELY pair of Harry Halls. All are woven and come in light tan, which is proper for just about everything.
http://www.oldhabit.com/shop/?cat=he004&cart_id=3010307.3983

CookiePony

Oct. 3, 2009, 01:10 PM

If I'm in the market for a medium-weight pair of full seats, which ones BESIDES FITS are easy to move in? Perhaps the Irideon Cadence breeches?

Background: my only full seats are On Course Cotton Naturals, and I really dislike wearing them because I feel like I can't walk. But my dressage saddle is a little slippery and I would not mind having something stickier this winter. The only thing is, I hate the restrictive feeling of most full seats.

Raaben

Oct. 3, 2009, 03:53 PM

LOVE. love. love. my. FITS. I have black, beige, and white.

I also love my kerrits breathright breeches for when it's HOT...which it is in TX!

The FITS are expensive. But this is my third season riding in them. I won an auction for one, bought one from a friend who got them too big, and actually bought one. They REALLY last.

I've heard amazing things about the FITS, but how can I justify spending that much on a pair of breeches only to have them get dirty and stuff:eek:?. That's why I'm tempted to try the Kerrits ones(seem to get mixed reviews) especially since I tend to come out of the saddle a lot:) Basically...I need my butt to STICK...and I just haven't found that yet with any breech

Cody

Oct. 3, 2009, 09:49 PM

I'm another 'cheapie'. I like the On Course cotton breeches, both full seat and knee patch. Tuff Rider also had breeches in cotton called 'competition' but they discontinued them. I liked them as well. I don't any breeches that slip. And cotton doesn't seem to do that.

Cody

Trixie

Oct. 4, 2009, 01:05 AM

I've heard amazing things about the FITS, but how can I justify spending that much on a pair of breeches only to have them get dirty and stuff?.

Used and on sale. I've only spent more than $50 or $60 on a pair of breeches once, and I've got a closetful of $200 pairs. Blessed be the Middleburg Tack Exchange.

I like TS for durability, although they can be a pain to wash (leather therapy) they stay nicest the longest. Ariats fit wonderfully and wash well enough, and the RJs were decent. I like my kerrits though try to avoid wearing them off the farm because they look like leggings, and they pilled some rather quickly. Have three pairs of some nasty heavy cotton ones, dublin or something, hate that sort of fabric. Bought them because they were $15 each, and now I know why...

Sudi's Girl

Oct. 4, 2009, 10:31 AM

Why would you wear them in the rain if they are white lol?:lol:

Hehe - 'Cause inevitably when I show, it's gonna rain! :-D

Sudi's Girl

Oct. 4, 2009, 10:33 AM

I've heard amazing things about the FITS, but how can I justify spending that much on a pair of breeches only to have them get dirty and stuff:eek:?. That's why I'm tempted to try the Kerrits ones(seem to get mixed reviews) especially since I tend to come out of the saddle a lot:) Basically...I need my butt to STICK...and I just haven't found that yet with any breech

You definitely need to try the Kerrits then! I love them for XC and stadium too...I stick almost too much with them in dressage...

Flipper

Oct. 4, 2009, 07:45 PM

What breeches are you wearing that are long enough for long-legs? I've been riding in Cotton Naturals "Tall" size for years, and they only come to my mid-calf:(

rideon22

Oct. 5, 2009, 11:25 AM

Another Tuff Rider fan here...I like the low-rise. Super comfortable, pretty darn durable, and good for college students' budgets! Plus they also come in a "long" version, which helps me with fit.

EventingDiva

Oct. 5, 2009, 11:33 AM

I must admit I typically ride in Pikeurs or Ariats. However I recently tried the Ovation Dri-Lex Euroweave pants and I absolutely love them. I never realized how hot my legs got before riding in these. They are amazing. They wick away moisture, they've been great for the humid rides this year. Also the Euroweave material seems to keep stains from forming on my pants. I ride, train, groom, etc and usually am a disgusting mess by the end of the day. These breeches literally say clean from the beginning to end of day and help keep me cool. I suggest them. I don't know about length wise. I'm pretty standard height (5'5) and the regular length fits me just right. Good luck in your search!

vali

Oct. 5, 2009, 01:11 PM

I have some Eurostar full-seats that I got in Europe several years ago that are still going strong. They are very flattering and come in regular and long, so are good for both short and tall. I love them, but they are a little heavy when it's really hot. My new favorites for comfort and breathability are the Tropical Rider X2's, which I picked up for 75% off when Tropical Rider was having their moving sale recently. The X2's are made of a Schoeller high tech material and are comfortable, flattering, and grippy. I also like the Tropical Rider Enduracools, but they look and feel a bit like bathing suit material attached to a deerskin seat, so not so flattering.

mybelle

Oct. 5, 2009, 02:30 PM

I'm suprised that there are pleased reports on Tuff Riders

I bought a pair of Tuff Rider summer weights that started to tear at the seam in the back (aka: the butt - not good) in 2 places almost instantly. Not to mention potentially very embarrassing

Last winter, I bought a pair of Tuff Rider full seat fleece-lined and they pilled horribly on top of my thighs. I'll never live down the mockery I received around the barn when I had a zillion shavings and horsehair stuck to the pillings. Never again!

OneMoreForTheRoad

Oct. 6, 2009, 10:09 AM

Raaben

Oct. 6, 2009, 11:05 AM

I have the kerrits sit-tight supremes and I love love love them. So comfortable and they glue your butt to the saddle, even in the pouring rain.
Rode in the FITS but for their price I don't think their worth it, my kerrits were less than half the cost.

Actually I was looking at those cuz they were water repellant:-) didn't know how good of job they'd do though..plus I'm getting a used pair off Craigslist for $50:-D