Shop Horse Riding Tights & Leggings
Browse our range of some of the most popular horse riding tights and leggings from the top brands around Australia. Popular brands include BARE Equestrian tights, Lemieux leggings, and many more. With a range of both Australian and international brands, you'll find exactly what you're looking for. You can also see our men's jodpurs and breeches and women's jods and breeches.
Horse riding tights have become a popular part of equestrian and riding apparel in Australia and around the world. These modern alternatives to traditional jodhpurs and breeches offer flexibility, comfort, and performance that riders demand. Choosing the right pair of riding tights ensures optimal performance during training and daily riding activities.
Overview Of Horse Riding Tights
Horse riding tights are a form of flexible, breathable riding gear designed to maximise a rider’s comfort and mobility. Riders have transitioned from traditional breeches and jodhpurs to riding tights due to the increased flexibility, lightweight fabric, and advanced features like silicone grip panels.
The combination of stretchy materials and breathable fabrics allows riders to focus on their technique and performance without discomfort. Riding leggings offer excellent alternatives for both casual and competitive riders.
Benefits of Wearing Horse Riding Tights & Leggings
The advantages of wearing riding tights are undeniable. Compared to traditional riding breeches or jods, tights are lightweight and provide better flexibility. Riders experience fewer restrictions when mounting and dismounting horses or during active movements. Tights are often made from moisture-wicking materials that keep riders dry and cool, even during long rides.
Additionally, riding tights come with integrated silicon grips on the knees or seat area, giving better control over the saddle. This combination of comfort and performance ensures riders can handle different terrains and movements effectively.
Key Benefits:
- Breathability: Keeps you cool during intense rides.
- Lightweight: Enhances freedom of movement.
- Stretchy Fabric: Conforms to body shape for optimal fit.
- Silicon Grip: Improves control in the saddle.
Key Features to Look for in Horse Riding Tights
When choosing riding tights, it’s important to prioritise features that align with your riding needs. Key features include:
- Material Quality: Look for stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Grip Technology: Silicone grips on the seat or knees help riders maintain stability during their ride.
- Fit and Comfort: A snug yet comfortable fit improves riding posture and performance.
- Durability: High-quality materials prevent wear and tear.
- Pockets: Some tights come with phone pockets or small compartments for storing essentials.
Performance fabrics such as nylon, spandex, and polyester blends provide riders with superior flexibility and moisture control. These materials ensure that tights dry quickly after intense rides, keeping riders comfortable throughout the day.
Different Types of Horse Riding Tights
Riding tights come in various styles, each suited to different riding conditions and preferences. Key variations include:
- Full-Seat Tights: Offer complete grip in the saddle, ideal for dressage and eventing. Examples include the Premie Equine Hattina Tights
- Knee-Patch Tights: Designed for jumping and general riding, providing flexibility and moderate grip.
- Winter Riding Tights: Insulated with thicker materials for warmth during cold-weather riding.
- Summer Riding Tights: Made with lightweight, breathable materials to keep riders cool in warmer temperatures.
- Thermal Tights: Perfect for cold weather.
By understanding these variations, riders can select the best type of tights to match their riding style and environmental needs.
Horse Riding Tights vs. Breeches: Which One to Choose?
When deciding between riding tights and breeches, it’s essential to understand the differences. Breeches are the traditional equestrian attire, offering a more structured fit and formal appearance, especially for competition settings. They typically feature zippers and buttons and are often worn with tall boots.
On the other hand, riding tights provide greater flexibility and comfort. They are designed for everyday training and recreational riding, with a focus on functionality and ease of movement. For riders who value comfort and performance, tights are the clear choice. However, for competition, breeches may be more appropriate. You should consult the show organisers for clarification if tights are allowed as some competitions will not allow leggings or tights in Australia.
Key Differences:
- Riding Tights: Flexible, casual, designed for training
- Breeches: Structured, formal, best for competitions.
How to Care for Your Horse Riding Tights / Leggings
Proper care is important to extend the life of your riding tights. Most riding tights are made from delicate stretchy fabrics that require careful handling. To preserve the quality of the tights, follow these steps (but also check the manufactures directions):
- Wash in Cold Water: Hot water can damage the fabric’s elasticity.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: Softeners can degrade the silicone grip and stretchy materials.
- Air Dry: Tumble drying can weaken the fibers and cause shrinkage. Always hang to dry.
- Wash Inside Out: This helps protect the silicone grip from wear during the wash cycle.
- Spot Clean When Necessary: Minor dirt spots can be cleaned with a damp cloth, reducing the frequency of full washes.
By following these steps, riders can maintain the quality and fit of their tights for a longer time.
Finding the Perfect Pair
Choosing the right pair of horse riding tights or leggings is about finding the balance between comfort, performance, and style. Riders should prioritise essential features such as breathability, silicone grip, and stretchy fabrics that suit their specific needs. Whether you are training daily, competing, or riding casually, the right pair of tights enhances both performance and enjoyment.
Ladies riding tights offer practical, comfortable alternatives to traditional breeches, combining the best of modern fabric technology with rider-focused design. Investing in high-quality tights is a wise decision that improves both riding performance and overall comfort.
- Find the Right Fit: Ensure a snug, comfortable fit that allows movement.
- Focus on Material: Choose breathable, stretchy fabrics that suit the weather.
- Consider Grip: Look for silicone seat or knee patches for better saddle control.
- Style and Purpose: Select tights that suit your riding style, whether casual or competitive.
By investing in quality riding tights, riders can enhance their performance while enjoying the comfort and flexibility that these modern riding leggings offer.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we're asked about out riding tights range.
What are the benefits of horse riding tights compared to breeches?
Horse riding tights are more flexible and breathable than breeches, making them perfect for casual rides or long training sessions. They often feature silicone grips that provide better saddle control, are lightweight, and offer better moisture-wicking properties. In contrast, breeches are more structured and formal, making them ideal for competitions.
How do I choose the right size for horse riding tights?
To choose the right size for horse riding tights, use your waist and hip measurements. Most brands offer size charts for guidance. Ensure that the tights fit snugly but are not restrictive, allowing full mobility during your ride. Opt for tights with stretchy fabrics that provide a comfortable fit.
How do I care for my horse riding tights?
To care for your riding tights, wash them in cold water and avoid using fabric softeners, which can degrade the silicone grips. Air drying is recommended to preserve the fabric’s stretch and durability. Always turn your tights inside out before washing to protect the grip areas.
Can I wear horse riding tights for competitions?
Some riding tights are designed for competitions, especially full-seat tights that offer the necessary grip and structure. However, many formal events still require breeches. Always check the event's dress code to confirm whether riding tights are acceptable.
