Last Updated on February 27, 2023
Can you wear leggings on horseback riding? Choosing the right clothing is essential when riding horses, but can you wear leggings instead of jeans or jodhpurs?
Like many other sports and activities, horseback riding requires specialized apparel. If you are on a budget and new to horse riding, it can be tempting to make your current wardrobe work rather than buying a lot of expensive new clothing.
Theoretically, you can wear anything you want when riding a horse, but can you wear leggings for horseback riding? Let’s find out!
Traditional Horseback Riding Attire
Have you ever wondered why horseback riders dress in the way they do? Well, it all comes down to tradition, but it is traditional for a reason!
Some horse riding clothing is specifically designed for specialist equestrian pursuits, but most are intended to keep the rider as comfortable as possible.
Sun shirts and button-ups offer lightweight sun protection, many with cooling or extra-ventilated fabrics. Riding pants offer comfort and stability in the saddle due to their specialist design and are also more durable than our day-to-day clothing to withstand constant contact with the leather.
You may notice that the clothing worn by horseback riders varies greatly between western and English disciplines, but the result is the same – a comfortable and pleasant riding experience.
Western
Western riders typically ride in heavier denim, although some opt for lightweight bootcut breeches for comfort. Jeans are the go-to and are sometimes worn with chaps or chinks. “Working” brands and styles such as Wrangler, Cruel Girl, or Cinch are better options for the saddle in comparison to “fashion” jeans.
Horseback riding will put a great deal of wear and tear on the crotch areas and inseams of jeans. Riding jeans are typically longer than regular inseams so the denim can be “stacked” over the boot. This prevents jeans from riding up.
Find The Best Western Horseback Riding Boots
English
English riding apparel is a little more specialized than visiting a farm and ranch or western store. English riders typically ride in a type of trouser called breeches – also known as jodhpurs.
Breeches are similar to leggings in many ways but are specially adapted for horse riding. They are normally snug-fitting and are frequently manufactured with elastic ankles. They feature a full-seat or knee-patch design, meaning they have reinforced areas on the full rear of the pant or inside of the knees for comfort and stability. Materials greatly differ, from traditional deerskin, Ultrasuede, or even silicone gel patterns. Although bootcut breeches are not intended to be worn with tall boots, they too can be made with full-seat or knee-patch designs.
Riding apparel has changed a great deal in the last decade. Heavy-duty fabric breeches are not ideal for schooling during the hot summer months. As a result, riding “tights” are on the rise. These are typically lightweight and breathable athletic fabrics, but they feature the same reinforcements for strength as riding breeches. Due to the stretchy and light nature of the material, many wonder if more economical leggings can take their place.
Read more about The Best English and Western Saddle Brands
Can You Wear Leggings Horseback Riding?
Of course, you can ride in leggings, so long as you are not in competition. However, there are multiple downsides when compared to actual riding tights. Leggings tend to be made of thin material and lack many of the specialist features found in riding tights.
- Grip: Riding tights feature reinforced areas on the full rear of the pant or inside of the knees for comfort and stability. These provide extra padding that will not be present if you ride in leggings. Riding in leggings can also make the rider feel quite unstable, as they lack the traction of riding tights.
- Durability: Leggings are made for casual wear – they were not intended to withstand the constant rubbing which occurs when riding a horse. The stitching and material will wear out due to the constant friction against the saddle. This can result in tearing, holes, or the material wearing so thin that it becomes see-through.
- Coverage: Tights and breeches are designed to be worn with standard-fitting tops, or tucked in sun shirts and polos. They tend to be high-waisted and will not ride down at the rear when you are sat in the saddle.
- Decreased Protection: Thin leggings will not protect against chafing and snags, particularly from the stirrup leathers.
If you love the look, simplicity, and feel of leggings, check out some of the top-rated riding tights below. They will offer the same look and feel as leggings, with the necessary features to enjoy time in the saddle in comfort.
Can you wear yoga pants for horseback riding?
Yoga pants might seem like a tempting choice for horseback riding, but they come with the same problems as leggings. For a one-off or occasional ride, yoga pants or leggings may well be sufficient, but if you plan on riding frequently it is worth investing in some riding tights or jodhpurs.
The issue with yoga pants is that they lack the reinforcement and specialist design features found in purpose-made riding trousers. If you ride wearing yoga pants, you may find that your legs get chafed by the stirrup leathers, and you will lack the stability in the saddle that comes from a good pair of riding tights.
What to wear on horseback riding in winter
It is during the winter months that leggings find a useful place in a horse rider’s wardrobe, as many riders choose to wear them under their regular riding trousers! Wearing leggings or tights under your jeans, jodhpurs, or riding tights acts as a thermal layer, helping to keep you warm and comfortable during long winter rides.
However, if wet or snowy weather is forecast, another good option is to wear waterproof over-trousers. These are worn over your regular riding trousers and will keep you dry no matter what the weather. Padded versions are also available for those super-chilly winter days.
Recommended Horseback Riding Tights
So, while leggings are fine for an occasional horseback ride, if you plan on riding more often it is worth investing in a pair of horse-riding tights. These are a modern alternative to jodhpurs and breeches, providing the ultimate level of comfort and stability in the saddle. And you may be pleasantly surprised at just how affordable some of them are!
1. Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight
These are our top picks in summer riding tights! Available in a wide variety of colors including awesome vibrant seasonal releases, these offer sun protection, a cooling material, and a full seat grippy design. The inside is so plush, they feel like your favorite pair of pajamas! A must-have for summer riding. If you still want a polished breech-like look, Kerrits tights feature belt loops to fit standard belts, including the popular equestrian C4 belts.
2. FitsT4 Ventilated Riding Tight
Looking for a great summer tight, but wanting a price closer to leggings? This is our favorite economy schooling tight. They feature cooling mesh side panels, ultra-stretch, and an eco-suede knee patch. These are sure to be a favorite for spring and summer riding. The best part? They are cheap!!
3. Dublin Performance Active Tight
Dublin’s performance tight is the best gel pants for horse riding we have come across. They have a sleek and modern look, and the silicone full-print seat will keep you securely in the saddle. It features a flattering 4-way stretch material, several color options with seasonal releases, and is a great option for all seasons.
4. Irideon Issential Tight
Irideon brings another home run to the table with their Issential tight. Available in several colors, we love their fit options- ranging from an XS to a 3X! They feature soft knee patches, elastic ankles to comfortably fit under half chaps or tall boots, and no-chafe seams. These are perfect year-round and will last season after season.
5. Ovation Equinox 3-Season Tight
These tights are great cold-season riding tights- all the benefits and stretch of riding tights, with an added layer of lush Velvetex for warmth. Without the bulky feeling of traditional winter breeches, these soft tights use WindShield breeze-resistant fabric and offer sun protection of UPF 30. Finally, an affordable winter tight made for total comfort! We especially love these for layering under heavy winter work coveralls.
6. Kerrits Microcord Riding Tight
Kerrits makes the list again! The Microcord tight features an ultra-stretchy ribbed material suitable for year-round riding. This riding tight is figure-flattering and brings out your best features. This is a great option for someone that wants the freedom and mobility of a tight or legging but opts for a little more coverage.
Summary
Although there is nothing wrong with wearing leggings for horseback riding, there are certainly better options for avid riders. The growing popularity of riding tights and available features make tight shopping a breeze. Take a look at some of the recommended tights above, and experience the comfort and longevity riding-specific attire provides.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the best pants to wear for horseback riding! Do you have a favorite riding tight that you’ve tried? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for some good horse-riding leggings with a phone pocket?
If you’ve got friends with horses, be sure to share this article!
FAQs
What should you not wear when horseback riding?
The riskiest items to wear when horseback riding are anything that is baggy, floaty, or has dangling toggles or tassels. These have two risks - they could startle the horse, and they could become entangled with the buckles of the saddle.
Make sure that any items of clothing are zipped or buttoned closed, and tuck any laces or toggles inside your clothing. Some horses can be spooked by flapping fabric, so avoid hooded tops. Other items to avoid are baggy pants, bulky sweaters with loose waists, and flowing scarves.
Many horse riding establishments will not permit people to ride if they are wearing jewelry or piercings. This is for your own safety, as they can be hazardous should you fall from the horse.
Can you ride horse in shorts?
In some situations you can wear shorts for horseback riding, but it is not always advisable. The main issue is that when wearing shorts, the bare skin of your legs will be in contact with the saddle, which can cause pinching and chafing. Wearing jodhpurs, breeches, tight-fitting jeans, or riding tights will be far more comfortable than riding in shorts.
The only situation where shorts can be a comfortable option when riding is to go bareback - yes, riding without the saddle! There are many horse riding activities that can be done bareback, including trail rides, dressage, jumping, dressage, racing, western, barrel racing, polo, show jumping, dressage, and jumping. However, this is not advisable for novice or inexperienced riders, as there is a high risk of falling off.
What do you wear horseback riding when it’s hot?
In hot weather, your riding gear should be light enough for you to move around in it, yet sturdy enough to withstand the elements. If you're a beginner, a safety helmet, a short-sleeved shirt, and long light-weight pants are all you need.
Should I wear pants horseback riding?
Undeniably, horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and as long as you're properly dressed for the weather, you'll be fine. However, there are some things you should consider before hitting the trail.
Long pants are normally preferable over shorts for horseback riding. Regular riders wear specialist pants that protect the legs against saddle sores and chafing. If you're new to riding, it is fine to wear comfortable denim jeans or a good pair of leggings for your first try. After this, if you get the riding bug, then a good pair of riding pants such as breeches, jodhpurs, cowboy jeans, or riding tights will be a worthwhile investment.
Equestrian, Marine Corps vet, and Morgan horse enthusiast.