Types of Equestrian Riding Pants

Equestrian riding pants come in many different styles and serve many different purposes. Horseback riding is an activity used for sport, as well as for work purposes, so the type of pants a rider wears will depend on his or her riding activities.

Jodhpurs
This long-lasting style of riding pants has transformed over the years. Originally tight around the cuffs and baggy around the hips, jodhpurs have evolved into structured pants that are tight from top to bottom. The design is meant to be flexible and supportive, which allows the riders to maintain a full range of motion.

Breeches
Breeches is a blanket term for many different types of riding pants. Some breeches stop at the knee and are designed to be paired with knee-high boots. Others are made with grip material to help the rider maintain a tight seat on the saddle. Jockey breeches are made of a thin material with elastic around the leg openings.

Tights
Riding tights are designed to give coverage without adding any bulk to the rider’s body. They are made of thin but durable materials that stretch to fit over the rider’s legs. The ends of riding tights can be tapered for easy tucking into boots, or they can be boot flared to fit over riding boots.

Chaps
Chaps were originally designed to protect a rider’s legs when he or she was riding through rough terrain. Although these thick riding pants are still used for work purposes, they are also worn as a fashion statement by show riders. Chaps are often worn over regular pants.