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Post by mparnell on Feb 28, 2008 0:31:55 GMT -5
Hi all - just a quick question from a know-it-all-quarter-horse-western-gal to an unknowing-thoroughbred-owner-english rider!!! Breeches - in choosing my lower body wear I have came to an impasse....... It appears that full seat would be easier, more stable, and make you a more confident rider - but it feels to me sort of like CHEATING - that I should be working on my balance without the aid of fancy pants (he he he) and just using knee patch breeches. So - give me your inputs - I'm sure everyone has experience here!!!  |
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Post by JulieM on Feb 28, 2008 0:46:50 GMT -5
It would depend on what you're doing. Flat, jumping, dressage?
I've always found full-seat to be uncomfortable -- too sticky. The patches inside the knees on breeches are to protect your leg from getting pinched and your pants from wearing thin from leathers.
In the past (ie, teenage years), I wore jeans and duck boots to school and saved the breeches and field boots for shows. I found the breeches to be much more slippery than jeans. Now that I'm older I wear schooling breeches, half chaps and paddock boots to school and find it comfortable and stable. However, if I'm going to ride for 20 minutes or less 'll wear jeans and duck boots. My barn isn't very "proper" either, so as long as you have shoes with a heel, that's fine. Honestly, I don't think the pants will make or break you. It's all in what you find to be comfortable.
I was a QH riding girl - turned TB lover, too! Even though I've always been a hunt seat rider, I'm finding it to be VERY different. And fun!
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Post by adcooper on Feb 28, 2008 7:31:41 GMT -5
I don't think it's cheating to wear full seat, but I don't like them. They seem stiff to me, and the grabbiness they provide just bugs me. Plus I'm cheap! The knee patches are really nice, though.
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Post by johnnysauntie on Feb 28, 2008 8:10:07 GMT -5
I'd say both, but I'm quick to add that I'm a rank ammie and there are some very savvy folk here, but here's why: I ride mostly in knee-patches, because they are a bit more challenging, and I'm working hard to aquire decent form. But I use full-seats for some extra security when doing more challenging (for me still) thinks like dropping my stirrups. I also tend to buy what's on sale!  |
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Post by Einstein on Feb 28, 2008 8:30:22 GMT -5
I'm with Ad I don't think full seats are cheating but I don't like them. I have worn them for dressage and cross country, and honestly, can't tell the difference in the saddle. That said, I just don't like them. They aren't as comfortable to me, but also not what I grew up showing in. I think you should get whatever is the most comfortable for you. On a daily basis, I wear jeans, paddock boots and half chaps, which is actually the most comfortable for me.
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Post by Smay on Feb 28, 2008 8:45:39 GMT -5
I've never worn them although sticking to the saddle would be a GOOD thing for me.... however, I bought my daughter several pairs when I saw her teeny size on clearance for $10, and she says they give her a wedgie.... she doesn't like them!
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Post by Dawn on Feb 28, 2008 9:28:41 GMT -5
LOLOL smay....poor Caroline!!!
I don't have any fullseats but then I just trail ride although we do some long days, but not jumping etc like some do so don't see the need. I agree go for comfort and to tell ya the truth I find the riding tights the most comfy or a good pair of stretch jeans. I don't normally wear tight jeans but for riding I like a slimmer fitting pair with some stretch to them. And go with half chaps if I am riding in the dressage saddle so legs don't get pinched.
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Post by filly on Feb 28, 2008 9:42:49 GMT -5
Ok, I'm different, but we all know that!  I love my full seat breeches. They help me stay put in my dressage seat, when Katy loves to bolt! hahaha.... I used to ride in tights, no knee patches, then patches. I find the knee patches don't help me much and sometimes I think they help riders pinch at the knee to hang on? I really love Irideons full seat and I bet the knee patches would be great as well. |
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Post by janebo on Feb 28, 2008 9:57:06 GMT -5
Full seat chafe me to no end, or should I say rear end . Knee britches and half chaps work best for me. |
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Post by BoyleHeightsKid on Feb 28, 2008 10:14:50 GMT -5
I don't like fullseats because I don't feel like I can really "sit" in them. I always feel like I'm sittling up off the saddle and I think knee patches are more comfortable anyway.
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Post by Katelyn on Feb 28, 2008 10:52:00 GMT -5
I always wear full seats...
That said, you definitely have to find the RIGHT pair!
The ones I ride in don't make me feel "sticky" or "stuck" at all.
And you need ones that BREATHE!!
Believe me - it takes a bit of trial and error to find the ones that fit AND are useable/comfortable!!
In the winter, I swear by the Irideon 3 season winter breeches - full seats.
In the summer, I wear Equissentials or these OLD full seat tights I got from State Line Tack about 10-15yrs ago!! love them, but they don't offer then anymore!!
And - as far as being "cheap" - they wear waayyyyy longer than any knee patch breeches I've owned!! So definitely cost effective!
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Post by tbrescue on Feb 28, 2008 17:27:44 GMT -5
I always wear full seats... In the winter, I swear by the Irideon 3 season winter breeches - full seats. I agree with Katelyn. I used to ride in knee patch breeches, then I started riding dressage and now I find them too slippery. The Irideon 3 season breeches are great, toasty warm and comfy with just the right amount of "stick" I also ride in equssentials in the summer, but they can be hot on really humid days. |
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Post by samantha on Feb 28, 2008 17:32:10 GMT -5
I like both! I wear both on a regular basis, although I definitely own more knee patches than fullseats... It's just for lack of funds I have to say, though- I ride in jeans and 1/2 chaps most of the time. Just for convience and comfort! |
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Post by TeachU2Ride on Feb 28, 2008 17:36:33 GMT -5
Fullseats make me feel like I'm wearing too-thick undies. Ugh.
I go to the middle and wear half-seats... the leather extends up the inside of the leg to the crotch, but doesn't cover your butt. Just enough extra stick for a little more stability over knee patches, but not enough to glue you in the wrong part of your saddle.
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Post by alisonph on Feb 28, 2008 19:54:06 GMT -5
I have both and I love my full seats. They're the Irideon microcord and I wear them every time I ride, regardless if it's summer or winter. In the winter I put on some Under Armour and they're nice and toasty.
I like the way the full seats help to stick me to my tack. In the summer when I'm really sweaty, it's like glue. The sweat even comes through my boots and makes me stick to the tack from calf to seat. I love it! It's a bit gross, but works when I'm riding the back-cracking, bucking Benson!
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I love my full seat breeches. They help me stay put in my dressage seat, when Katy loves to bolt! hahaha.... I used to ride in tights, no knee patches, then patches. I find the knee patches don't help me much and sometimes I think they help riders pinch at the knee to hang on? I really love Irideons full seat and I bet the knee patches would be great as well. 
