Horse Riding Apparel: Jodhpurs, Breeches, or Tights?

Searching for horse-riding apparel can be a minefield.
-Who wears what and where? Should I go high-quality or low budget?
-With this in mind, you might be wondering about the best type of riding trousers to choose.
-Will it be jodhpurs, breeches or riding tights? Understanding the differences can help.

What are Jodhpurs?
Jodhpurs are snug-fitting trousers with cuffed ends that reach down to the ankles. They commonly come with reinforced knee patches to help with grip and are generally rolled up at the end.

They are commonly worn over short riding boots such as paddock boots and jodhpur ankle boots. Paired with high chaps, they can provide a similar look to a long riding boot.

Jodhpurs are most popular amongst children aged under 12 as they help young riders to learn the correct riding position.

Adults more often wear this style for casual riding as they can be bulky underneath long riding boots.

What are breeches?
Shorter in length than jodhpurs, breeches are the go-to riding trousers for English equestrians. They are kept tight at the bottom of the leg by Velcro or elasticated cuffs, and they finish around mid-calf. This makes them an excellent option for wearing with long-riding boots or short riding boots with chaps.

Although jodhpurs and riding tights come with reinforced patches, breeches can offer a certain degree of stability. Full-seat breeches have grips that cover the groin area and inside legs.

They are made with materials like leather or suede which help improve grip whilst riding. This can be useful to riders who are just starting out or dressage riders who want full contact.

Half seat breeches cover the legs’ inside only (most often around the knees) and they offer stability to the knees and thighs without restricting movement on the saddle. Showjumpers and riders who need more flexibility benefit from these tights. Breeches are a popular choice for high-level competitions.

What are riding tights?
Riding tights are a cross between breeches and athletic tights. They are made with light and breathable material, making them a popular choice for summer riding.

They come with extra features like pockets, and they offer a more expandable waistband making them ideal for all-day wear.

Like breeches and jodhpurs, they can come with full seat grip and knee patches, but these are made from silicone. They can also be fleece-lined for the winter months.

Not only are they easy to slip on and off (they have no buttons or zips), but they are available in a vast array of colours and patterns. Over the years riding tights have become increasingly popular, particularly in schooling and trail-riding.

What are the benefits of jodhpurs, breeches, and riding tights?
All of these riding trouser styles are made from stretchy materials and most often come with reinforced patches to help with grip. These features allow the rider to move freely whilst being durable enough to withstand rubbing against the leather.

In the colder months, jodhpurs, breeches, and riding tights can be lined with fleece for extra warmth.

Should I wear Jodhpurs or Breeches, or Riding Tights?!
When it comes to choosing between jodhpurs, breeches, and tights, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Breeches are popular in many English-riding disciplines, particularly for dressage, eventing, and Showjumping. A pair of half seat breaches are a good choice for hunters and jumpers, and for dressage riders, full seat breeches are ideal for full contact.

Jodhpurs are a great choice for young riders and beginner riders. Wearing jodhpurs allows the beginner to get a feeling for using their legs. For children competing in short stirrup classes with gaiter straps, jodhpurs a great paired up with ankle-length jodhpur or paddock boots.

The jury is out on whether riding tights are a good choice of equestrian attire. The advantage of jodhpurs and breeches is that they are made from robust and durable material making them hardwearing: whilst tights may be inexpensive in comparison, they are likely to wear a lot quicker.

That said, part of riding tights rising popularity is that they are lighter than jodhpurs and breeches. This makes them ideal in those hot summer months!