Horse riding pants are collectively called riding pants, but the specific terms depend on style and discipline — breeches are standard for English riding, while jodhpurs, tights, and leggings serve different roles.
The number of names for riding pants can be confusing. The answer depends on your riding style and footwear, but almost everyone fits one of four categories: breeches, jodhpurs, riding tights, or jeans.
The Four Main Types of Riding Pants
Each type pairs with different boots, determining comfort in the saddle.
Breeches are the standard English riding pants. They fit tightly through the seat, thigh, and calf, ending at mid-calf — designed to be worn under tall riding boots. They are the most formal option for dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Most have silicone grip patches on the knee or full seat for stability.
Jodhpurs (“jods”) run full length to the ankle, ending in a snug strap or cuff that fits over short paddock boots. Originally for younger or informal riders, adults also wear them for casual hacking. The elastic ankle strap prevents the pant leg from riding up.
Riding tights and leggings are a newer category — a cross between breeches and yoga pants. They are lightweight, pull-on (no buttons or zippers), and made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric. Tights are sometimes called seamless riding breeches. Neither is appropriate for formal shows but both are popular for everyday riding in warm climates.
Western riders don’t use the term breeches. Standard boot-cut jeans are the norm, sometimes covered by protective chaps (full or half leg).
If you’re shopping for your first pair, our guide to the best breeches for women breaks down top options by grip, material, and price.
Breeches vs. Jodhpurs: What’s the Real Difference?
The key difference is length and boot compatibility. Breeches stop at mid-calf and require tall boots. Jodhpurs go to the ankle and pair with short paddock boots. In the show ring, adults should wear breeches — jodhpurs are less formal, reserved for short-stirrup riders or casual schooling.
Boot cut breeches have a wider leg opening to fit over tall boots without bunching. Flared-leg breeches follow the same concept. Neither should be confused with jodhpurs, which are straight-cut to the ankle.
What to Look for: Grip and Fit
Modern riding pants use two grip styles. Knee patch grip places silicone or leather patches only on the inside knee — common for general riding. Full seat grip covers the seat and inner thighs for maximum stability in dressage and jumping; it can feel sticky for riders who shift position frequently. Worn grip patches increase fall risk, so check them before every ride.
For sizing, measure your inseam from crotch to mid-calf (breeches) or ankle bone (jodhpurs), and thigh circumference at its fullest point. Sizing varies by brand, so always compare your numbers to the specific brand’s chart.
Common Mistakes Riders Make
The most frequent error is wearing breeches with short boots — the mid-calf hem sits awkwardly, leaving a gap that catches dirt. Conversely, wearing jodhpurs in a formal show ring is another classic mistake; adults should be in breeches with tall boots. Tights and leggings lack the formal structure for competition. Matching the pant to the boot type solves the problem.
FAQs
Can you wear riding tights to a horse show?
No. Most competition rulebooks require traditional breeches with tall boots. Tights are fine for schooling at home or low-key clinic days.
What pants do Western riders call their riding pants?
They call them jeans — typically boot-cut jeans that fit over Western boots. Some add protective chaps, but “breeches” is not used in Western disciplines.
Why do jodhpurs have a strap at the ankle?
The elastic strap keeps the pant leg from riding up over the paddock boot, preventing bunching and discomfort. It’s a practical design unique to jodhpurs.
References & Sources
- Breeches. Wikipedia entry on breeches. Defines breeches as tight-fitting riding pants ending at mid-calf, standard for English disciplines.
- Jodhpurs. Wikipedia entry on jodhpurs. Explains full-length riding trousers with ankle cuffs, originally designed for younger riders.
- Horse Pilot. “The different types of riding pants.” Compares breeches, jodhpurs, tights, and leggings across disciplines and use cases.