These riding pants are an integral part of the riding outfit, and depending on the type of riding that you will be engaging in, a different set of riding breeches will be needed. Read on to understand what full seat riding breeches are, and why you would need to wear these.
What Are Breeches?
Breeches are known as short pants or trousers that extend just below the knees or ankles with elastic or Velcro cuff at the bottom. Usually, riders wear them with high riding boots.
Unlike regular pants or jeans, the main purpose of breeches is to improve the comfort of riders and their communication with a horse. Most breeches are made of thin fabric for a snug fit around the rider's legs, tights, and seat.
Also, usually, breeches do not have an inner leg seam, which enables them to prevent skin chafing. Many of them also have knee patches for increased stability and comfort.
Traditionally, breeches were worn by men and boys, but today they are also popular among women and girls.
How are Full Seat Riding Breeches Different?
Full seat riding breeches are riding pants that are designed with breathable fabrics in order to help you ride better while keeping you cool in the saddle at the same time. Most full seat breeches are made from either silicone or leather, depending on what a rider would prefer. They are especially popular among dressage riders because of the extra support in the saddle. They offer total grip coverage from the knees to the seat and the thighs in between, which allows a rider to spend more time comfortably in the saddle. They are also perfect for schooling and showing.
Most full seat breeches are found in traditional colors, such as beige or black, but there are also modern and unique designs that are becoming more and more popular.
They have either a regular or high waist that offers improved comfort and a better fit.
If you are a rider at the beginning of your riding career, you should also consider getting a pair of full seat riding breeches because of the extra stability they offer.
How To Choose The Right Breeches Depending On The Discipline
Based on which discipline you choose, there may be different recommendations or requirements for breeches you should wear. It is important to know and follow these guidelines because the dress code can be very strict. Read on to know what kind of breeches you should wear for the discipline you are in.
Equitation and Hunter Riding
Traditionally, hunter and equitation riders wear classic beige breeches with knee patches that are made of synthetic, self-fabric, or synthetic leather. There are also modern models of breeches for equitation and hunter riding with silicone grip, but it is recommended to ask the officials first to make sure that these breeches are accepted. The main thing you should remember when choosing breeches for this discipline is that they need to be traditional.
Dressage Riding
It is a formal discipline that has certain requirements. Breeches need to be either light-colored or white and preferable full seat. When choosing a pair of breeches for dressage riding, you need to make sure that they offer proper support and hold your seat firmly in the saddle.
Jumper Riding
The best breeches for this discipline are classic breeches with knee patches. They are similar to those that you need for hunter and equitation riding, but you can also add light gray, white, and other pale colors to your collection. A knee patch seat style is perfect for jumper riding as provides a rider with additional grip and still gives enough freedom of movement.
Cross County Riding
When it comes to attire and the style of breeches, cross country riding gives riders much more freedom to express themselves. They can choose between knee patch breeches or full seat breeches of any color. You are also allowed to give your riding outfit more personality and make your attire more unique and individualized.
Casual Riding
The main purpose of casual riding is to enjoy the ride and surroundings and feel comfortable and confident in the saddle. For this reason, you can wear whatever you want, as long as it is comfortable and safe. You can even add some details, such as graphics or crystals in order to make your breeches and riding outfit, in general, more exclusive, unique, and personal.
Fox Hunting
If you are preparing for fox hunting, you can choose a style and color of breeches that are similar to equitation, hunter, and jumper riders. There is no particular seat style required, so it is up to you to decide, whether you want to wear full seat riding breeches or knee patch breeches. However, full seat riding breeches might be a good choice because of the stability and grip they provide.
How To Choose The Right Breeches Depending On Your Body Type?
Before you decide on the style of your riding breeches, it is important to know your body type. For example, if you are a bottom-heavy rider, it is better to choose breeches with a side seam. However, it is better to avoid pull-on tights.
If you have a straight-line build, high-waisted breeches are your perfect choice. Top-heavy riders should consider getting breeches with an elastic waistband.
Choosing Breeches Depending On The Material
Also, when you are choosing breeches, you should always take materials and season into consideration. For summer, it is better to get breeches made of a light and breathable material. The best materials to look for are polyester or cotton and spandex blends.
If you are looking for something warm for winter, consider buying fleece-lined breeches that will give you enough flexibility and warmth at the same time.
Whether you need Knee-Patch or Full Seat Breeches, Contact a Reputable Source
If you are currently shopping for full seat breeches, you should consider them buying from a reputable and reliable company, such as Equoware. This equestrian boutique offers high-quality, fashionable, and stylish apparel for men, women, and kids, including full seat riding breeches as well. Their catalog includes breeches of different styles, designs, and colors.
