Tried & True
Each month we take an in depth look into products on the market and pick out our must-have shopping items. Tried and True only includes products we genuinely LOVE so you can be sure they have been thoroughly put through their paces by ourselves and our ultra critical equine testing panel!
This month we have put a selection of breeches literally through their paces and have picked out our favourites in a bid to help you choose your perfect pins!
For competing there doesn’t get much better than the Ariat Olympia Breeches! Available with or without a full seat, both with stretch Clarino knee patches, these smart breeches are made from four-way stretch Schoeller fabric for maximum comfort and mobility.
We love these because of the Ariat Calf Fit System which means there is no bulk underneath your boots, and the V3 waist system which supports your lower back without stopping you from breathing! If you are tall you can buy these in long fit and the prices start at £109.99.
Fabulous fitting, extremely smart and incredibly comfortable breeches, that run true to size. Not the cheapest breeches but exceptional value - our Olympia's have been in and out of the washing machine and still fit and feel perfect!
For those that are a little more self conscious about the fit of their breeches, the HKM Pisa Breeches are a hit on website 1624 Equine Couture who specialise in riding wear for larger sizes.
These fantastically flattering breeches feature abeautifully styled crown detail on the back pocket, and are made from a lovely soft dense fabric which is perfect for smoothing any less than perfect areas and is breathable and absorbent.
The full ‘Alos’ seat is made from an elastic fabric which makes these breeches supremely comfortable. The waistband has belt keepers and there are 2 front pockets with Velcro fastening at the ankle. These can be bought in a wide range of colours, in sizes 8 – 22, and as an introductory offer, 1624 are offering them for just £68.95, normal RRP £78.95.
Despite mentioning these in numerous other articles over the years on MMH, we simply couldn’t let a leg wear feature go past us without mentioning those fabulous Mark Todd Gisbournes! For everyday riding these are the most comfortable, hard wearing, easy-to-do-everything-in breeches that you could purchase! Made from a four-way stretch fabric, which combines cotton microfibre and spandex, the breeches have a Euro seat, grip knee pads, zip pockets and a 4cm waistband with belt loops. Choose from a range of colours – our faves are the charcoal – in 24” – 34”, priced at £52.95

In our opinion the most unbeatable, fantastic value, day-in-day-out breeches! Ours have survived endless cycles in the washing machine, without shrinking, which is no mean feat and copious amounts of stain remover on the lighter coloured ones. Tough, practical and comfortable daily legwear ...
We do like to combine a bit of functionality with a splash of fashion and the Kingsland Light Denim breeches make this easy to do! Made to look like jeans, with 2 small hip pockets and two pockets on the seat, these look stylish and smart, yet perform like the technical product they really are! Made from Schoeller fabric for comfort, durability and climate control these breeches do everything they say on the tin and all the time you look good too! Available in XXXS (UK size 6) up to XXL (UK size 16-18) these will make a small dent in your purse strings at £149 – but we think they are worth it!
A super stylish splurge! These do look so much like a regular high-end jeggins but with all the features and functionality you'd expect from your breeches.
I know it seems as though we are ever so slightly obsessed with Mark Todd, but it is only because the range is so totally fabulous! If you are looking for THE most flattering breeches money can buy, we think the Mark Todd Plaid Breeches are the ultimate leg slimmers!
Smart and stylish with a full seat and knee patches, these breeches include yarn made from natural Bamboo fibres which aid thermal control making them cool to wear in summer and warm during chilly temperatures. You can choose from navy, brown or grey plaid and they are available in ladies sizes, 24” – 34”, priced at £67.99.
Whilst not quite so 'stretchy' as the four-way stretch gisbornes these still feel exceptionally comfortable to wear in a more 'traditional breeches' way. Feeling like cotton they really do keep you cool in the hot temperatures and the super styled full seat gives the illusion of beautifully slim thighs - an absolute bonus!!
When it comes to fashionable breeches we just couldn’t decide on one product so decided to rave about two in equal measures! These gorgeous Gersemi Sunna Breeches give a fashionable twist to your equestrian wardrobe with denim being one of those fabrics that will never go out of fashion!
Available in either black or blue denim, these are designed to wear on your hips – which is great if you don’t like the fit of high waisted breeches – and feature a back pocket with the logo on and jeans style rivets to give an authentic look. What is great that unlike riding in jeans – the fabric is stretchy and flexible so despite looking the part you can still ride without compromise! They are perfect for riding in warm weather as they are lightweight and you forget you are wearing them!
Prices start at £104 with cloth knee patches or £129 for full seat.
Pikeur have designed an exciting new breech made of a very technical fabric. The 31 material has a special barrier finish that has a permanent resistance against dirt and stains as well as being water-repellent and breathable. The Olympic competition breeches are made of this fabric and are available with a full seat or just knee patches. They have contrasting silver seams, slanting front pockets and have a stretch fabric adjustment feature at the bottom of the leg for optimum comfort.
These are another of our favourite breeches for competition, and the added bonus of the technical 'dirt resistant' fabric is a massive plus point! Keeping your whites white just got a tad bit easier and we might even save a few pennies on the stain devils (which go hand-in-hand with our white 'equine' washing in our homes!).
More importantly they are also super soft, super fitting and super smart! We feel they really are a worthy investment and fabulous addition to your competition wardrobe.
If you are a guy and thought we were going to leave you out, think again! Our male tester has chosen these Mark Todd Auckland Breeches for a range of reasons, but most importantly (we think) these are the best ones for ensuring gentlemanly modesty where it is needed most! Made from a four-way stretch fabric for comfort and flexibility, these breeches also feature front pleats, ultra-grip knee patches, a wide waistband with belt loops, side pockets with press stud fastening and a zipped back pocket! Choose from a range of colours, including white for competition, in adults’ sizes 38” – 38” or kids 24” – 32”. These won’t break the bank either at a snip of £70.99 or £52.95 for children.
Comfortable, well fitting, practical and hardworking, were how our professional show jumper described them when tested to the extreme in the Portuguese sunshine. I can vouch for the fact they fit correctly and protect a gentleman's modesty!
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