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Horse riding pants are the one thing every rider is permanently on a mission to find. You know how it goes. You tried the cheap one that wore out in a month. And the expensive one, same. Unbelievable. At this point, you don’t even care about perfection anymore; you just want something safe, comfortable, durable, and, let’s be honest, cute enough that you actually feel good in the saddle.
I got you. Not the perfect pair, because I’m not sure that exists. But I’ll show you some horse riding pants that have actually decent reviews, won’t disintegrate in a month, and come in some really nice colours. Let’s see which one ends up being your next order.
In This Article
- Horse riding pants for women come in two main styles: riding tights (leggings cut) and more structured breeches — both work, it depends on what you’re after
- The things that actually matter: safety, stretch, how it survives washing, and where the waistband hits you
- High-waisted women’s horse riding breeches stay in place better through mounting, posting, and general horse life
- Pockets — thigh pockets specifically — are a non-negotiable for most riders
- All picks in this guide are English style, women’s only, with honest summaries from real buyer reviews
What Makes a Good Pair of Horse Riding Pants?
Safety first
There should be nothing on your horse riding pants that could trap you in the saddle when you need to get off fast. No loose ends near the ankle, no hardware that snags.
Comfort and stretch
You know those cute outfits that look amazing, and you could cry in them after twenty minutes? Yeah. Horse riding pants that don’t stretch properly aren’t just uncomfortable; they actively get in the way. Think about mounting from the ground, two-point, tacking up, and picking a hoof.
And then there’s the rubbing. Any seam that sits wrong during extended riding will become A NIGHTMARE. Flat seams or no seams in the inner leg area. Do not compromise on this.
Life hack: if you’ve rubbed your inner thigh or knee raw, it genuinely won’t heal properly if you keep riding on it — even if your next ride is two weeks or a month away. Until you figure out the root cause, wrap that area before you ride. Under the breeches, out of sight, completely forgotten. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
The see-through problem
Here’s the truth: most horse riding pants are at least a little see-through. Some more, some less. The question is really just how much you can live with. Thicker fabrics and darker colours hide it better, and some newer brands specifically address this in their design — but if you’re shopping online, checking reviews for transparency comments is worth the extra five minutes.
Full seat grip — great, but not for everyone
Full seat silicone grip gives you more stability in the saddle, and a lot of riders swear by it. But it’s not universally loved, and for good reason. If the silicone is very strong, it can restrict the natural independent movement of your seat, which matters especially if you’re working on your position. Long term, an aggressive grip can also put more friction on the saddle leather than a softer fabric would. Personally, I have a pair with quite strong silicone, and I love riding in it, but it’s worth knowing this going in so you can choose what fits your riding style.
Durability — the painful topic
Everyone wants a straight answer, and the honest one is: it depends. How often you ride, your saddle material, wash temperature, and how many cycles. What I’ll say is that a pair of equestrian breeches should last at least a full season of regular riding before showing real wear. One month is not okay.
Drop a comment below and tell me how many rides you get out of a pair.
Washing: just this once, read the label
Most horse riding pants cannot be washed in warm water. I learned this the hard way when the knee grip on a pair started peeling off after one warm wash, never again. Cold water, gentle cycle, and if you want to be safe about it, turn them inside out and throw them in a mesh laundry bag. Add a stain remover and a disinfectant to your cold wash, and it handles most of what a barn day throws at fabric.
Are Low or High Waist Horse Riding Pants Better?
Most low-rise horse riding pants hit women right at the widest point of the hips. The result is not flattering, and they slide down constantly. High-waisted horse riding breeches stay in place through mounting, posting, and all of it. I personally prefer them, and despite what you’d think, they don’t restrict movement around the waist at all. At least that’s been my experience.
Types of Horse Riding Pants for Women
Riding Tights (Riding Leggings)
More lightweight, more athletic in the cut. The concern with riding tights is usually transparency and saddle slip valid with the wrong pair. The good ones have a silicone grip and a fabric weight that keeps everything where it should. Cooler in summer, easier to move in, and honestly, a great everyday option if you ride a lot.
Riding Breeches
More structured, more trouser-shaped, more polished overall. Good for schooling sessions where you want to look like you have your life together, or for shows. The knee patch or full seat is built in, and the waistband tends to be more defined. The underwear line can be visible with some cuts, worth checking reviews for fit comments before buying.
Pockets or No Pockets?
For me, non-negotiable. I have an insulin pump, and putting it anywhere else while riding has not gone well. But even if you just want somewhere for your phone, a sugar cube, or anything else, pockets are a quality-of-life upgrade.
If pockets matter to you, go for thigh pockets. Both legs ideally. Hip pockets on horseback riding pants styles are not reliable for anything you actually want to keep.
Zippered pockets: I like them; nothing falls out. But some buyers do mention the zip feels fiddly, and if you forget to close it, everything’s gone anyway. So it really comes down to whether you’re a remember-to-zip person or not.
Non-zippered pockets are surprisingly secure on most decent pairs, and some riders prefer the easier access.
Choose Your Next Horse Riding Pants
FitsT4 — Summer Leggings
The most consistent feedback is about the ventilation; the mesh panels genuinely keep things cooler during warm-weather rides. The knee silicone grip is described as stable without feeling restrictive. Pockets are deep enough for larger phones, and sizing runs true to size across most reviews.
FitsT4 — Breeches
Buyers note the high waist actually stays in place through mounting and posting without feeling tight. The full seat silicone grip provides enough hold without blocking natural movement. Lightweight fabric holds up well in warmer conditions.
GemRebel — Breeches
Newer brand, but reviewers specifically call out the fabric as thicker and less see-through than comparable options at this price point. Pockets are genuinely deep — larger phones fit without issue. High waist stays put. Overall reception is positive for the price, with buyers noting it holds up through regular washing.
The Picks: By Colour
Burgundy
FitsT4 — Breeches: Full seat, high waist, with thigh pockets
Grey
FitsT4 — Breeches: Full seat, high waist, with thigh pockets
FitsT4 — Summer Leggings: Knee-patch, high waist, with thigh pockets
Blue
FitsT4 — Dark Blue Breeches: Full seat grip, high waist, with thigh pockets
FitsT4 — Navy Summer Leggings: Knee-patch, high waist, with thigh pockets
GemRebel — Light Blue Breeches: full seat grip, high waist, with hip pockets
White
GemRebel — Breeches: full seat grip, high waist, with hip pockets
FitsT4 — Breeches: Grey seat, Full seat grip, high waist, with thigh pockets
Purple
GemRebel — Levander Breeches: full seat grip, high waist, with hip pockets
Beige
FitsT4 — Breeches: Full seat grip, high waist, with thigh pockets
Black
FitsT4 — Breeches: Full seat grip, high waist, with thigh pockets
GemRebel — Breeches: full seat grip, high waist, with hip pockets
What to Wear by Season
Summer: Go lighter in colour and fabric weight. Mesh panels or ventilated zones help on hot days. White and light grey show dirt immediately.
Related: What to Wear Horseback Riding in the Summer
Winter: Fleece-lined women’s equestrian breeches exist, and they change everything.
Let’s Walk It Off
Finding the right horse riding pants is one of those things that takes genuine trial and error, and price has very little to do with how long they last or how good they feel. High-waisted, thigh pockets, grip that suits your riding style, and fabric that actually moves with you, that’s the baseline. Everything else is personal preference.
And yes, having a few fun colours in the closet is completely valid. Ride in something that makes you happy. That part matters too.
FAQs
What are the best horse riding pants for beginners?
A pair of horse riding breeches with a full seat silicone grip is the most practical starting point. The grip helps you feel more stable while you’re still building your seat.
Are riding tights the same as horse riding pants?
Not exactly. Riding tights are leggings cut with a silicone grip built in. Traditional horseback riding pants — breeches — have a more structured trouser shape. Both work for riding; the difference is mainly in look, fabric weight, and how polished you want to appear.
Is a full seat grip worth it?
Depends on your riding. A full seat gives more stability, which a lot of riders love. But if the silicone is very strong, it can restrict the natural movement of your seat, and over time, it creates more friction on the saddle leather. Knee patch is a good middle ground if you want some grip without the full coverage.
How do I make horse riding pants last longer?
Follow the care label. Most women’s equestrian breeches should not be washed in warm water. Turn them inside out before washing to protect the silicone. Air dry rather than tumble dry. Add stain remover to a cold wash if needed.
Do I actually need pockets?
Not strictly. But most riders find them useful for a phone, treats, or anything else they want with them while riding. Thigh pockets on both legs are the most practical option. Zippered keeps things in; open pockets are easier to access, and both work depending on preference.
What’s the difference between a full seat and a knee patch?
The full seat has a silicone grip covering the entire seat and inner leg for more stability and grip. The knee patch has grip only at the knee and more freedom of movement. Both are valid depending on your discipline and what your seat actually needs.
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