The big test

8 min read

RIDING TIGHTS

TIP TOP comfort

Riding tights are a practical alternative to breeches. We review a selection to discover which pairs cut a dash in the comfort and style stakes

COMFORTABLE LEGWEAR IS essential, whether you are in the saddle or working on the yard, and riding tights have become a wardrobe staple for many equestrians. Riding tights are more similar in design to a pair of leggings, but they feature a full-grip seat or knee patches, like a pair of breeches. They are lightweight, comfortable and offer great freedom of movement. Being stretchy and pull-on in design, they will be on in a jiffy. Our panel of testers has put a selection of riding tights through their paces, assessing them for comfort and fit both in and out of the saddle, as well as considering whether they offer value for money. Read on to discover which ones came out on top for all-day comfort and great looks.

How we score: ★★★★★ Each pair of riding tights is marked out of five for fit, comfort/ performance and value for money. This gives an overall score out of 15.

MEET THE TESTERS

Emily Hanlon is a chartered surveyor and she and her horse, Wilma, compete in affiliated showjumping and dressage. Last year they also enjoyed a couple of days eventing, something Emily hopes to repeat this year.

Julie Harding is the editor of Your Horse magazine. She keeps four veteran equines, all in their 20s — two World Horse Welfare ponies, plus a cob called Panda, and Apollo, an Irish Draught. She has hacked from a young age.

Vanessa Lowther has three horses who she keeps on DIY livery. She competes in all disciplines and is out and about most weekends, riding at clinics or competitions.

Emma Windsor owns two horses and her great passion is dressage. As well as being a regular competitor, she also takes part in clinics and enjoys hacking out.

Emilia Eggar events up to BE100 level with her two horses, Olive and Dawn. She had a successful season in 2023 with several placings and is hoping to build on that further this year.

Autumn Middlemass and her grey horse, Salt, compete regularly for their local riding club and love taking part in all disciplines, including showjumping and eventing up to BE90 level.

Holly Simpson is an apprentice at Eastwell Equestrian. She rides Leanne Jackson’s horse, Leah, with whom she started competing in dressage a year ago. The pair has so far enjoyed success at prelim and novice level.

Leanne Jackson owns and runs Eastwell Equestrian in Cambridgeshire. She competes in dressage up to Prix St Georges and intermediate I level.

Katie Throup and her 19-year-old Irish Cob cross Thoroughbred, Roger, love dressage and compete at elementary and medium level.

Helen Milbank has owned her 14hh piebald cob, Tom, since January 2020. He is a 23-year-old ex-riding school pony who now enjoys hacking and light schooling. Helen shares him with her 14-year-old daughter, Georgie.