Is it worth getting breeches?

[HorseHappy]

I've been riding about 7 weeks. I have a helmet and just got a nice pair of paddock boots. At my old barn people just wore jeans. At my new barn they are much more into english riding apparel. Are breeches helpful to wear? I'm assuming the leather patches on the seat and legs are there for a reason. Does it help with balance/grip at all or is it just there for comfort purposes?

Thanks!

[Laetitia]

It is worth investing in a pair of medium priced jods as they do help a bit, especially if they have a 'sticky bum' as you describe, also they are much more comforatable as you don't get the seams rubbing like you do with jeans. Half chaps are useful for keeping your leg in by the horse , and preventing the leathers pinching - cheaper option to long boots that can be really pricey! - not essential, but I must say I feel more attatched to my nag with them on. Enjoy your riding, but don't get intimidated by other people's kit, just go for what you can afford and it'll last you years. L

[HorseHappy]

Half chaps are useful for keeping your leg in by the horse , and preventing the leathers pinching - cheaper option to long boots that can be really pricey! - not essential, but I must say I feel more attatched to my nag with them on.

I thought chaps/ half-chaps were just to protect your legs from chafing. They help you with grip? Great!!! I may have to get some of them also. Thanks!

[Laetitia]

You won't know how you did without them ! L

[$uzie]

To be honest, i'd get a pair of fairly cheap jodhpurs or breeches to begin with - it's really not worth paying a lot for them. Especially if you're only having lessons. I still ride in jogging bottoms/jeans sometimes as long as they are comfy I don't really care!

A cheapish pair of half chaps are worth while too :D

Suze xxx

[MI Horsey]

I deffinatly think they are worth it !!!! Breeches are comfy and dont rub ,if you don't wanna spend alot of money on them try ebay , they have loads there .I bought my last two pairs there. And half chaps are great too :D

[KarinUS]

Well what kind of riding do you do? English or Western?

Personally I wouldn't want to be without mine but most of the time I ride in an English saddle. Riding Western I am perfectly comfortable in jeans.

[galadriel]

Some people have chafing problems with the inner seam on jeans. Breeches can be nicer because they have no inner seam at all. The knee patches or the full seat patch are nice & helpful, yes.

If you're going to get a cheapy pair of breeches, feel it first to make sure that it's not slippery against the saddle (I find the Devon Aire tights to be a little slippery against a smooth leather seat). Breeches with a lot of cotton in them usually aren't slippery, but polyester ones can be.

VTOsaddlery has some $40 full seat breeches; full seat can be quite nice (Cambrai and On Course brand full seats):
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=VTO&Category_Code=BRCH
VTO also has their own inexpensive brand of breeches, with a leather knee patch & everything--a lot of inexpensive breeches have "self" patches, which means that the patch is there, but made out of the same cloth as the breech itself.

If you think you'd be happier in something that looks like jeans but is designed for riding, there are breeches made of denim--VTO has some of those too. (I like VTO; they have some great prices and have always been very prompt with my orders.)

[Tina&Dale]

I think jods allow the rider more freedom of movement than jeans. As for jods with suede seats, many classical riders look down on them. They can give a rider a false sense of security and deep seatedness and this can hinder the ability to learn true balance and develop the correct seat. In other words, if you're riding properly you won't need this "help".

I guess it's something for you to think about, but as you're pretty new, it may be beneficial to you to give a miss to the suede seated jods to help you gain the correct seat.

Another suggestion is to get a pair of jods that are a size or two bigger than you need. Riding pants these days are pretty tight and don't allow your thigh to spread when you sit down into the saddle; this can cause your thigh to roll around and makes it really hard to sit properly and if you're learning it just makes it that much more difficult!

Hope this helps ;)

[kedwards]

Breeches and half-chaps are definitely worth it. You'll be much more comfortable. If you don't have pinching leathers, restricting jeans, and uncomfortable seams to contend with, you will be much freer to work on improving your riding.

[Scarlett 001]

Add another yes to the list! :)

[maria9657]

Also riding in breeches makes it alot easier to get on.

[galadriel]

Originally posted by maria9657
Also riding in breeches makes it alot easier to get on.

No kidding! I've been riding a few horses in training recently bareback, so I have just been wearing jeans. I'm about to switch to breeches even for bareback! Mounting and getting adjusted after mounting is driving me batty. (I do have a bit of limited mobility in my lower back, which makes such things a bit harder.)

[TeeBrown]

Yes I agree, breeches are very comfortable and also can last for years if you look after them. I have a pair I have had for 14 years, they may be a bit out of style but they are great when your others are wet or dirty. If you don't want to buy new, have a look on E.bay for a good second pair. All the best.

[jinglejoys]

I just where a comfortable pair of trousers or whatever I wear normally.I'm not buying something just to go riding in and they don't come up often in charity shops(not in my size anyway!!)

[HorseHappy]

Thanks, guys, for all the feedback. I did order a pair of Jods, some Dublin half chaps and a pair of riding gloves. I can't wait to try them. I'll let you know if I can 'feel' a difference in my riding.