It’s easy to rack up a hefty bill at the tack stores or online at the various trendy equestrian websites. I mean, there’s always something you want, even if it isn’t something you or horse needs, am I right?
But quality breeches are essential. They’ve got to stand up to friction and sweat in the saddle. They’re going to get soaked and covered in dirt, mud, ointment, sprays – you name it – in and around the barn. And they’ve got to be durable enough to be worked in for hours – sometimes we wear them all day.
Now I’m not talking about show breeches. I’m talking your everyday barn wear. Personally, I don’t want to pay an arm and leg for breeches I know I’m not going to be particularly kind to. So here are my top picks that are comfortable to ride in, but strong enough to last. And most importantly, with price tags of $150 or less.
Free Ride Lux Breeches – $90
Free Ride Equestrian makes some of my favorite breeches and riding tights ever – the quality is great and the price is even better. But by far, the Free Ride Lux is my favorite. I’m a tall rider with a long leg, and there’s nothing “petite” about my frame. So more often than not, breeches aren’t super flattering on me. That’s not the case with my Free Rides.
They offer a textured Euro-seat design in the back, with thoughtful pockets (phone sized!) and belt loops. The waist is a comfortable higher rise, great for someone like me who is tall, but the fit is true-to-size and the breeches stretch generously. Plus they come in so many beautiful color combinations. I get compliments on my rust-colored pair everywhere we go. I’ve ridden in these breeches and washed them dozens of times, and they still look great.
Canter Culture Athletic Breech – $120
I was influenced, y’all. I couldn’t look away from the unique and colorful prints fed to me on Instagram by Canter Culture, and thus, I had to splurge. These riding tights are amazing – the fabric is soft, stretchy, but also has compression support that makes you feel like a million bucks. I really appreciate well-made tights that still accommodate a nice belt with appropriate loops. These are 100% my most “diva” pair of pants, but I love them.
PS Of Sweden Helena Tight – $109
I guess I’m becoming more bold in my middle age because another favorite pair of tights of mine is the Helena from PS of Sweden. These tights combine the thinnest, most airy, stretchy fabric with fashionable pieces of “leather looking” material to create a flashy, form-fitting tight. These breeches dry the fastest out of any pair I own. And the leather pieces down the side make it look like I’m much more trendy than I am in reality. They were a great find and are often on sale.
Kerrits Crossover Breech – $119
I bought these breeches on a whim while at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and I’m so glad I did. They feel lighter than my most expensive pair of yoga pants. If you’re a riding tights person but need a pair of breeches that look professional enough for a lesson or clinic, these are a good fit. They are so breezy and light, but don’t offer that weird “see through” effect you get with some stretch materials. And Kerrits has even updated the only complaint I had – the new GripSoft™ knee patches (also full-seat versions) feels flexible but durable like leather. But I don’t even notice them when I’m riding.
Ariat Heritage Elite Breeches – $129
This may be the oldest pair of breeches in my current everyday wear “fleet” right now, and they’re still going strong. I find all of Ariat’s breeches fit true to size. I love the soft fabric of the ankle stretch panel and the thicker waist band with more room for bigger belts. These breeches dry in a hot second, even after being dosed by the hose.