Like all athletes, riders are primarily looking for clothing that combines comfort, durability, strength, and support while maintaining elegance. In addition to being waterproof and breathable, pants can also have grips. Grips on riding pants meet all these requirements, specifically in the equestrian world. Easy to put on and very comfortable to wear in both summer and winter, they will be your ally in practicing your sport.
Are riding pants with grip better than those without grip?
What is a riding breeches with grip?
Literally, the translation of "grip" could be "grasp" or "hold". One of its best-known applications is the fabric glued around a tennis racket handle. It prevents the player from dropping it during a sudden movement. Grip is therefore a non-slip material that is added to an accessory to prevent slipping, to ensure hold, which can be made of very soft leather or technical textile. In the case of riding breeches, the grip can be partial, i.e. localised, or full for more complete hold.
Traditionally, to ensure this grip with robustness, the grip was made of leather: very fine and very soft protective skin. We have adapted the new technologies used by the textile industry to offer very high-performance alternatives. Riders must therefore have in their wardrobe riding breeches that bring them comfort, well-being and elegance.
The importance of grip quality (longevity, effect)
Made from lycra elastane, a synthetic fibre for sportswear, riding breeches are no exception to this rule. At Horse Pilot, we aim to use technical innovations for the benefit of the horse/rider couple.
Grip is designed to strengthen the cohesion between the movements of the athlete and their mount: the horse. Its use is now very common and even fashionable. It is all the more important to pay attention to quality among all the models available on the market. We have therefore developed on our riding breeches materials that are both strong and comfortable. Riding breeches with grip benefit from the same guarantees as all our garments.
The garment is breathable and comfortable. Adapted to body shapes with a fitted cut from hip to ankle, movements can remain free in all circumstances. The textiles must resist friction without damaging either the skin or the saddle. Depending on uses and climatic conditions, the models, whether for men or women, must now be able to meet the requirements of different sports practices, without forgetting to maintain an elegant design.
The different types of grip (Partial: between thighs or full: with full seat)
There are different types of grip locations on riding breeches. The location of the non-slip surface insertion depends on each person's level and practices. Only at the contact point between the knee and the saddle, or covering the buttocks and inside of the thighs, it is a partial grip. Full consists of complete coverage of the buttocks and the entire length of the inside of the legs in the non-slip material, called full seat.
The effects of grip depending on its position on the riding breeches
At the knee level, the grip serves to fix it to the saddle. This position is quite difficult to master for beginners. The non-slip fabric makes it easier to keep the joint in place, the leg then descends more naturally and the heels-down position is better perceived. The young rider secures their aids better. Subsequently, this type of riding breeches model with grip is just a tool at the service of the rider, to be able to concentrate their attention on other points of detail, such as hand position for example. It is also very popular in show jumping where knee position is essential whatever the vagaries of the course.
Those who wish to maintain great stability in the saddle are attracted to full seats, full grip. This is particularly the case for dressage riders. The stabilisation of the riding breeches remains impeccable despite small terrain accidents or possible loss of balance of the horse. The independence of the hands is reinforced by the seat of the lower body, which is very stable.
Horse Pilot riding breeches with grip, garments made to last
At Horse Pilot, the different models of riding breeches with grip are designed with the concern of best meeting the expectations of horse people. Wear and dirt are the daily lot of riders. We have chosen to sew stretch fabric to adapt to your movements. Maintenance and repair are fully included in all the specifications of each of the garments we sell. This is how care instructions and eco-responsible solutions have been developed for greater ease of use.
In addition, our repair service is there to ensure a long life for the riding breeches sold by us with or without grip, as with all our other products. Zip replacement or repair of a tear are free during the warranty period, but we also commit to offering this service at a reasonable price thereafter.
Which riding breeches with grip to choose?
Riding breeches adapted to your level (beginner, advanced, competition)
The practice of riding can be occasional or very frequent. The beginner rider will choose breeches for their comfort, but also their material and colour: beige, brown, royal blue... You will easily find in our collection black women's riding breeches. On the other hand, the more frequent the practice becomes, the more the choice of technical materials will be necessary. Jumping in the arena, dressage in the indoor school, forest ride, each of these activities requires thinking about the waterproofing, UV resistance of your full seat breeches.
Even white competition riding breeches, reserved for competitions, can benefit from technical innovations from Horse Pilot and in particular from localised grip according to everyone's needs and in all sizes. You will therefore be able to compete in show jumping with your breeches that will be more grippy.
Riding breeches with partial grip or full grip?
Equestrian practices are diverse and some riders do not wish to adopt riding breeches with grip. Some are afraid of losing their seat, others do not appreciate the feeling it provides. However, choosing a grip at the knee level to try is a good alternative. This allows understanding the effect of the non-slip material against the leather of the saddle.
One thing is certain, full grip will not replace the experience and level of mastery of the person wearing it. Materials are technological innovations at the service of riding; grip on men's, women's or children's riding breeches is a fine example. It is appropriate to tame their use. Full grip is really recommended for those who are already very comfortable on horseback. For others, a gradual widening of non-slip areas seems to be the strategy most widely adopted by users of riding breeches with grip.
To try on the breeches and be sure of your choice, visit our partner retailers' tack shops. Finally, to benefit from the best offers, check out our outlets and stay on the lookout for sales.