If you’re new to horse riding or just heading out for a casual hack, it can be tempting to pull on your favourite pair of leggings or jeans. After all, they’re comfy, stretchy, and already in your wardrobe, so why not?
But while regular leggings and jeans might seem fine for short rides, there are good reasons why dedicated horse riding breeches exist, and why it makes such a big difference to your comfort, safety, and performance.
Why does the right legwear matter for horse riding?
When you’re riding, you’re not just sitting still: you’re constantly moving with the horse. Every step, turn, and transition creates friction between your clothing, your body, and the saddle. Regular leggings or jeans aren’t designed to handle that.
Jeans can have thick seams, stiff fabric, and bulky pockets that rub against your inner thighs and knees, leading to discomfort and even painful chafing after a short time in the saddle. Regular leggings, on the other hand, often lack the structure or reinforcement needed for gripping the saddle, meaning you might feel unstable or slip more easily.
Equestrian riding tights and breeches are made from smooth, high-stretch fabrics that move with your body, reduce friction, and offer a second-skin feel that keeps you comfortable through long rides or training sessions.
How important is grip and support in riding legwear?
If you’ve ever wondered why proper riding breeches and tights have silicone or suede-like panels on the seat or inner legs, this is why. Those grip panels help you stay stable and secure in the saddle, especially during cantering, jumping, or dressage work.
Regular leggings don’t have that grip. The fabric is often slippery against leather saddles, which can make you feel less balanced and more tense while riding. This affects your posture, your connection with the horse, and your overall confidence.
Breeches and riding tights are designed with strategically placed grip zones to give you stability exactly where you need it, without restricting movement.
Are horse riding breeches durable?
Horse riding is tough on clothing. Between grooming, mounting, dismounting, and the weather, your gear needs to stand up to mud, sweat, and saddle wear. Everyday jeans and leggings just aren’t built for that level of activity: seams can burst, fabric can thin, and colours can fade quickly.
Riding wear, however, uses reinforced stitching, durable stretch materials, and moisture-wicking technology to handle the demands of equestrian life. They’re also designed to sit higher at the waist to stay in place as you move, and to prevent uncomfortable gaping when you lean forward.
What are the best trousers for horse riding?
So, can you technically ride in jeans or leggings? Yes, and if you are trying horse riding for the first time and don’t want to commit to a new purchase, a pair of sturdy leggings or soft stretchy jeans will be adequate.
However, if you ride regularly and progress to faster paces, investing in a good pair of riding tights or breeches will make a huge difference to your experience in the saddle. You’ll feel more secure, stay more comfortable for longer, and protect your skin from unnecessary irritation.
