Last Updated on March 15, 2023
Jeans are worn by men and women everywhere and are very commonly worn among people who ride horses. The best jeans for horseback riding will keep you comfortable and secure as you ride.
Riders who wear jeans usually ride western. Sometimes English riders will wear jeans but they tend to be less practical with English boots and saddles. The best jeans for horseback riding will be made of good quality material, are comfortable to wear, and hold up when being used for regular riding.
Best Jeans for Horseback Riding – Jeans Are NOT All the Same
It is very common for new riders to wear their regular day-to-day jeans riding, but if riding becomes a regular activity seeking different horseback riding jeans will be needed. The best horseback riding jeans won’t have a lot of bling on the pockets, the material will feel more durable, and the inseam will be different than day-to-day jeans.
Leave the bling!
Sparkling rhinestones on the pockets of your jeans is a look many women love. However, if you’re riding you will quickly learn that the best horseback riding jeans stay far away from the shiny pockets. The rhinestones and gems will quickly damage your saddles.
Leaving gauged leather, rips, and tares that in most cases can not be repaired. If you are a new rider you will most likely be using someone else’s saddle, so you will be damaging their tack, so be aware of the potential harm that can be caused by the bling.
Material Matters: The Best Jeans for Horseback Riding
The best jeans for horseback riding will be made of quality material, that is comfortable and durable. Riding jeans need to hold up for more than a few weeks, so a thick and durable material is going to keep your jeans from having rips and tares after three or four rides. All horseback riding jeans will have a bit of a different feel and some materials will need some time to break in, just like riding boots, before you will find them comfortable.
High-waisted riding jeans vs low-waisted riding jeans
Jeans typically come in high, mid, or low rise. High or mid-waisted jeans are typically the best option for horseback riding as they provide the most support and coverage.
Low-rise jeans typically aren’t recommended for horseback riding due to their lack of coverage. They can provide a gap between them and your shirt and you may find you have to pull them up more often.
High and mid-waisted jeans will fit the most comfort when you are in the saddle. The more coverage the better as any exposed skin may cause scrapes if you fall off. In addition, high and mid-rise jeans will cause more flexibility when you are in the saddle.
What Are the Best Brand of Jeans for Horseback Riding?
Ariat is typically considered to be the best brand of jeans for horseback riding by equestrians. As an equestrian brand, Ariat jeans are specifically designed for horseback riding.
The best Ariat jeans include the R.E.A.L. line, with the R.E.A.L. Mid Rise Boot Cut Jean being a particularly popular option. These jeans provide great features such as a slim fit in the thighs, stretching in the right places, and no gapping.
Ariat jeans come in a variety of sizes and lengths. They are a favorite among western riders for their comfortable and flexible fit. The performance stretch denim will allow you to ride comfortably with a secure seat.
In addition to Ariat, Wrangler is also a good brand of jeans for horseback riding. They provide an optimal fit so you can focus on having the best ride possible.
What are Denim Breeches?
Denim breeches are a type of horseback riding pants that are made for English riders. They combine the comfort of jeans and the cut of breeches for comfortable and practical riding pants.
Denim breeches are typically made of stretch denim that will allow you to move comfortably in the saddle. They typically feature a mid or high-waisted design for optimal coverage.
Unlike bootcut jeans, denim breeches have a slim fit for the entire leg. This allows them to be comfortably worn with paddock boots or tall boots.
Denim jeans also include suede knee patches for optimal grip in the saddle. Some even come in a full-seat design for superior grip in the saddle.
What are the best pants for horseback riding?
When it comes to horseback riding, it is important to have the proper pair of pants. Pants provide protection, grip, flexibility, and security when in the saddle.
Many western riders prefer to ride in jeans. Jeans can be comfortably worn with cowboy boots and they provide protection when in the saddle. The best jeans for horseback riding will also provide flexibility and a secure seat.
Most English riders prefer to wear a type of riding pant such as jodhpurs, breeches, or riding tights. These pants are designed to fit snuggly for better contact in the saddle. In addition, they feature suede knee patches or a full suede seat for grip in the saddle.
The fit – Why the design and cut matter
Unlike fashion jeans, horseback riding jeans will be sized with a waist in inches and then a length also in inches. Men will look something like 31 x 36, and women will be in one of two ways 29 x 34 or 5 x 35 the first number is waist size and the second number is the length. Riding jeans are worn long to go over your boots and not hike up when you’re mounted.
Jeans that stay long over the boot help decrease the amount of debris that can possibly enter your boot when in the saddle. The inseam of the best jeans for horseback riding will be FLAT. You will not find any twist or areas where it is raised, that will be on the outside if at all. The flat seam is designed to lay smooth against you so there is no chance of having a lumpy seam creating trouble when you are in the saddle all day.
Find the Best Paddocks boots for Riding
Top Picks for the Best Jeans for Horseback Riding
#1 Wrangler Women’s Q-Baby Mid Rise Boot Cut Ultimate Riding Jean
Wrangler has a long history of making some of the best horseback riding jeans available! Wrangler Women’s Q-Baby jeans are constructed with high-quality, durable material, full-flex knees, and flat seams. Wranglers Performance Fit is made of 86% cotton, 13% polyester, and 1% spandex.
Perfectly crafted with a mid-rise, a no-gap waistband, and a higher back rise for full coverage and comfort while in the saddles. Q-Baby jeans have a fitted seat and thighs and are designed to fit over your boots. These jeans are such a big hit many horseback riders will own more than one pair of these jeans.
Pros
- Long-lasting perfect rise for riding and on the ground.
- Long-lasting color with minimal fading.
- Multiple Color Choices.
- Great fit true to size.
Cons
- Some sizes don’t hold shape and become saggy after a few hours.
- The price point is a bit high
- Zipper quality could be improved
- Not an ideal fit for slender women, the cut is made for a curvy figure.
#2 ARIAT Women’s R.e.a.l. Mid Rise Bootcut Jean
Ariat is well known for making great boots, but now they are making your favorite jeans too!
These jeans offer a mid-rise back with darts and a contoured, no-gap waistband that lifts and flatters your backside. The 93% cotton, 6% polyester, and 1% spandex are durable and hold their shape. The boot cut style fits perfectly over boots and makes for a comfortable ride all day.
#3 Rock & Roll Cowgirl Women’s Riding Cut Boot in Dark Vintage
Rock &n Roll Cowgirl brand jeans are new to the market but quickly have become a favorite to those who have bought them. Made with sturdy denim and 1% spandex gives you that little bit of stretch that makes these jeans very comfortable for all-day in and out of the saddle. Low-rise that fits perfectly on the hips and boot cut leg offers the perfect over-the-boot style that every cowgirl loves.
#4 Wrangler Men’s 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean
Men’s Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean is a true cowboy’s first pick for jeans. Made of 100% cotton, heavyweight denim provides durability that will hold up to the demands of living the Cowboy way! These jeans are the Official ProRode Competition jean and are worn by world champion cowboys.
These 13 MWZ jeans are premium jeans and are much higher quality than those you would find in a department store. The seat, thigh, and leg will last longer than other jeans because of the heavier denim that is used. The flat seems along the inner inseam are less likely to come apart, since the flat design reduces friction against the threads, which makes them become weak and come apart.
Pros
- Made of special weave, heavy-duty, old-fashioned denim
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Worn by professional Cowboys
- Style and cut have stayed the same for decades.
Cons
- Fade lines may occur if not dried correctly during the first few washes.
- Style numbers for slim/regular/original are all very similar causing a bit of trouble when trying to repurchase.
- Very stiff at purchase, takes a few washes to break in, similar to breaking in a new pair of boots.
Cinch Jeans creates premium western wear clothing. Their product is one of a kind and the design is exclusive to the Cinch Brand. Cinch Jeans are custom designed to fit a cowboy’s way of life. All products are made with the best quality material available. Jeans are tough and durable and made to last. Felled seams are the most durable form of construction available. Felled seams offer increased strength, reduce bulk, and give a clean finish.
All Cinch Jeans are made with Ring Spun Denim giving the fabric extra strength. The weft and warp (horizontal and vertical yarns) of the fabric add softness without reducing the durability of the jeans. Knowing that one cut of jeans will not fit everyone’s body type the same, Cinch Jeans come in six different styles, with multiple waist and length combinations to choose from.
Pros:
- Quality material and styles that fit true to size.
- Durable and last longer than other jean brands.
- Great price
Cons:
- Pockets are too large and extremely oversized.
- Belt loops are too close together for wearing a belt.
- Some confusion in choosing the correct size when ordering online.
Conclusion: Best Jeans for Horseback Riding
Having the right pair of jeans to ride in will make the difference between having a good day in the saddle and a bad one. Jeans that are specifically designed to ride will be comfortable, durable, and functional.
Quality jeans that are made for horseback riding will last a much longer time than those that are not made for riding. The thinner material will wear out faster and not hold up against the rough lifestyle that many horseback riders live.
Nowadays there are many brands and styles of riding jeans to choose from. So, if you are unsure of what ones you should purchase, try on a few, and even purchase a few different brands to see what ones you like best for riding.
You may find that you like a few different styles to ride in. And, don’t forget, some jeans are similar to boots when there are new. They can be a bit stiff and lack the suppleness you may find in other jeans, but after a few washes and rides your jeans will break in and be more flexible and comfortable.
FAQs
What is the purpose of riding jeans?
Riding jeans are a practical choice for a rider because they are easy to move in, and they provide a comfortable and convenient riding position. The whole point of riding jeans is to make riding more comfortable, more convenient, more fun, more efficient, and more stylish. Riding pants also help you feel less hot and sweaty when you ride. A wide leg on your pants helps provide an extra bit of support. It also makes the pants more comfortable for riding, because it allows more room for your legs to move around and bend.
What is a riding jean?
Riding jeans are pants designed to help riders stay comfortable and effective in the saddle. To this end, they’re made to fit snugly on the seat and legs, ending in hems that remain inside tall boots or half chaps. They’re work pants, which are very much like a pair of jeans but have some extra features that make them useful for riding. They are versatile, comfortable, and durable. The riding jean is also known to be comfortable and durable because of the materials used to make them. When it comes to the material used, the riding jean is made from denim material, however, other materials are also used to make the riding jean. This includes a denim material, cotton, spandex, etc.
Why do horse riders wear tight pants?
Pants with a tight fit versus a loose fit are more comfortable to wear when riding and provide better contact in the saddle. Also, they’re tight enough to be supportive. Most riders wear some type of tight pants to prevent chaffing. Loose fabric creates friction, which can create rub burns and blistering. They don’t have to be skin-tight, but they need to be tighter than regular clothing because of the rubbing they do against the saddle and leather.
What are women’s horse riding pants called?
In the UK they are known as riding breeches, although they are also sometimes called jodhpurs. Jodhpur is a city in the state of Rajasthan in India, known for its horse riding. Jodhpurs are usually worn for riding horses, but they can also be worn for general wear. Jodhpurs are typically made of cotton, polyester, or spandex and include suede knee patches for grip.
What should you not wear when riding a horse?
It is not recommended to wear baggy clothes: flowing scarves, baggy pants, bulky sweaters with loose waists, and other sloppy or loose clothing can get caught on the saddle if you should fall off. Getting caught halfway down means you could get dragged, and that is far more dangerous than falling clear of the horse. A good riding habit is essential for safety. It helps keep the rider from getting tangled in the reins, from getting hurt in an accident, and from losing the horse if he runs away. A bad habit may be a cause of injury or death. Make sure your habit is properly fitted to your body.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
