10 Best Horse-Riding Breeches

Choosing the right breeches is foundational to a good riding experience. Riding breeches are athletic pants designed for horse-riding and have features specifically designed to enhance communication between rider and horse. They’re also designed for comfort while riding in a saddle. More goes into finding the right breeches than you might think. Here’s what to look for in your next pair and our recommendations for the best riding breeches to choose from. 

What to Look for in a Pair of Breeches

A quality pair of breeches is designed to fit snugly throughout the leg, thigh, and seat. This allows the horse to feel the rider’s leg movements while also enabling the rider to feel the horse. Communication between rider and horse is essential for safety and to reduce distraction. 

English-riding pants are made of a unique fabric with a gripping ability to help with placement in the seat while riding. They have no inseam to help prevent chafing.  Look for a pair of breeches that fit well and allow enough stretch to provide freedom of movement without pinching, chafing, or rubbing. 

Types of Breeches

There are three types of breeches designed for different purposes: knee-patch breeches, full-seat breeches, and riding tights. Here’s what you need to know about each.

• Knee-patch breeches— These breeches have a gripping fabric in the knee area only. Riders who jump often tend to wear these.
• Full-seat breeches— The gripping fabric on these breeches runs from the inner knee all the way up over the rider’s butt. It provides a stickier seat that holds the rider more firmly in the saddle. Full-seat breeches are often worn with event and dressage riders.
• Riding tights— Riding tights are a cross between athletic tights and breeches. Though they have no front or zip closure as traditional breeches do, they have a knee-patch or a full-seat grip specifically designed for riding.

The gripping fabric for all types of breeches is traditionally leather or suede, but silicone is added for a stickier seat. You have many style options to choose from, particularly when competition rules do not limit you. You’ll find styles like high-waisted breeches, boot-cut breeches, and even denim breeches.

10 Best Riding Breeches

We’re excited to share some of our favorite riding breeches that our customers rave about. We know you’ll love them, too.

1. Ovation® Aqua-X™ Ladies Silicone Knee Patch Breeches ($139.95)

Ovation’s Aqua-X breeches are ultra-light and made of a special material designed to cool and provide increased circulation and moisture management. The gripping fabric is made of silicone, and they have UV-protection. These breeches look great and are made for performance.

2. Kerrits New Women's Crossover II Knee Patch Breech ($109)

We love this pair as it offers the comfort of tights in a polished and tailored look, making it perfect for competitions. It’s a summertime favorite, being durable and lightweight.

3. Ariat Women’s Tri-Factor Grip Full-Seat Breeches ($159.95)

These breeches are another favorite here at Farmhouse Tack! We especially love the core control technology with compression fabric and the calf-fit system. They are mid-weight and great for the spring and fall for casual riding and competition. Using Freeze Point cooling technology, they’re designed to keep you cool and dry while still offering an optimal grip in the saddle.

4. RJ Classics Aria Ladies' Silicone Full Seat Breech ($215)

The Aria breech is made of a premium quick-dry fabric designed for the ultimate comfort. Some of these features include a fabric-covered interior waistband and stretch fabric panels providing excellent coverage, sculpt, and hand-feel. You will love wearing these breeches.

5. Kerrits Women's Ice Fil Full Seat Tech Tight ($94)

The Ice Fil® fabric on these tights lowers skin temperature by up to 5° while the anti-slip protection along the legs and seat offer a sticky and breathable grip. These Kerrits Ice Fil breeches will quickly become a wardrobe staple. They're perfect for year round riding.

6. Tuffrider Men’s Patrol Knee-Patch Breeches ($99.95)

These breeches are crafted from cotton and spandex, offering a breathable and comfortable fit. They are a classic 4-pocket breech tailored in a pin cord fabric. UltraGripp knee patches provide a more safe and secure fit, and the material offers 4-way stretch for power, movement, and recovery.

7. Equiline Men's Grafton Knee Patch Breech ($345.00)

If you’re seeking an investment worth every penny, look no further than this Equiline option. They are the perfect balance of stability and style, offering the ultimate support and comfort with a flattering cut. Features like a microfiber knee-patch system, unique stretch fastening system, buttoned rear pockets, and the technical-fastening lower leg cuffs will make you wonder why you ever wore anything else.

8. Ovation® Celebrity EuroWeave™ DX Euro Seat Front Zip Knee Patch Breeches - Child's ($84.95)

These are of our favorite child’s breeches since the mid-weight fabric is so durable and comfortable. It wicks moisture while retaining its shape, never shrinking or fading. It also offers UV protection and has anti-microbial and odor-resistant properties.

9. Kerrits Kid's Knee Patch Performance Tights ($54) 

Your child will love these comfortable tights with an ultra-soft feel. And you will love them because they’re durable and designed to grow with your child. They offer a lightweight four-way stretch with a drawcord waistband for an adjustable fit.

10. Tuffrider Child’s Starter Jodhpurs ($34.95)

For a child new to riding who needs a balance of style and comfort at a great price point, these Jodhpurs are a great option. Jodhpurs are popular with children and have a longer knee patch than traditional breeches. This pair has hook and loop ankle closures, which are great at keeping the jodhpurs in place. 

Riding Breeches With Style, Comfort, and Safety 

Breeches are a vital part of a rider’s ensemble, so you want to make sure you choose a quality pair. All of the options in our list balance comfort, safety features, and styling, so you can be confident in your choice.