Equestrian question...Do I need full seat breeches for half chaps and paddock boots?

I'm 28. I started riding and competing in hunter/jumper events starting at age 6 and was also on a college team. I haven't been on a horse in 4 yrs. The last time I competed was in 1999. I was diagnosed with Lupus and Rhuematoid Arthritis 4 yrs. ago and was unable to ride. I miss being around horses and riding. I'm trying to overcome my illness and want to try to ride again. I am a bit "out of the loop" on everthing going on in the horse world and need help. I don't want to spend a fourtune incase I have to quit because I'm unable to ride. I don't want to look like an idiot either. I was use to having the best of everything. Getting the best now would be really stupid with out knowing what my future holds. Oh yea...and since I moved to an area around Wellington, Florida it's really been rubbed in my face. I want the adrenaline rush back. I want to ride threw an open field with my eyes closed. I may sound a little nutty but if you've done those things...then you understand.

Equestrian question...Do I need full seat breeches for half chaps and paddock boots?
Congrats on wanting to ride again and sorry for your illness. It is great that you can overcome that! It does not matter what you wear. You can mix and match anything. I wear breeches with the knee patches, paddock boots, and half chaps. I sometimes even wear jeans with my half chaps and paddock boots! I do not personally like full seat breeches because they can be really hot and they make my legs sweaty and damp in the summer. That is just my personal experience with them. You could try to find a pack of breeches for sale (maybe on eBay) that have tights and breeches half/and full seat. That way you could try out those and choose your favorite for future reference.





Good Luck!
Reply:Congrats on beginning to ride again, I hope all goes well! I think your choice in breeches is exactly that, your choice. Full seat breeches are more expensive than most breeches with a knee patch, but I believe they are worth it. I love full seat breeches compared to knee patch ones. I think it depends on your discipline, if you're going to be jumping you may not need the full seat, however if you're doing dressage I think they are better suited for that discipline. Hope this helps, and just remember riding horses will be fun no matter what you wear! ;-)
Reply:personally i like paddock boots and half chaps... but if you are really competing you will need tall boots. whether the breeches are full seat or not, i don't think it matters... its really your choice, but if you are doing shows you must have tall boots and tan breeches
Reply:You can wear jeans under half-chaps if you so desire! Unless you're in the show ring, it's all about your comfort. Generally, breeches are more comfortable than jeans in an English saddle, but you don't need full-seat breeches if you don't want them. I've been riding and competing in eventing for over 10 years (not counting childhood or early teens) and I've never worn a pair of full-seats in my life!





May you feel the wind on your face when you get your wings back.
Reply:If you are just riding, you might want jeans and half chaps, or in Florida - shorts and full chaps. I ride in jeans in the winter and start working in breeches when it gets closer to show time.





I got a pair of full seat breeches because I rode in jeans most of the time and had difficulty feeling like I was slipping out of the saddle in my dressage classes - so then I start training in breeches and now I have the problem where I feel WAY more attached to the saddle at a show.....I can't win. It would help if my mare and I weren't so crazy.





As far as showing goes, follow the culture of the area and if you need show boots - go with an inexpensive care. For you, it would probably be worth the extra few bucks to get an inexpensive pair with zipper up the back. I find them to be much easier to put on than those without. You might also want full seat breeches as they will probably make you feel more secure in the saddle.
Reply:Full seat breeches are traditionally used for Dressage, but not in hunters. Regular breeches with half chaps (or even jeans with half-chaps depending on the stable you ride at) is suitable for schooling at any time.





If you are planning on showing then half-chaps are not suitable for ANY level show... some will use them at local shows but (especially in south florida) it is considered "tacky" and not suitable.... If you are short on cash and need tall boots then buying used is a good option and they also have the "pleather" brands which aren't suitable for rated shows but are perfectly OK for local shows.





I am an instructor in Ft. Lauderdale which is VERY near to Wellington so I certainly know what you mean! It is possible to ride on oa budget - even in the hunter/jumper world - but it requires quite a bit of effort.





Good Luck!





Jennifer
Reply:its your choice. i personally do not like full seat breeches, but know many older women who dont have the same strength they had when they were younger using them to keep their seat still. if you are looking to not spend a lot, then go to a tack store that has used tack and apparel
Reply:No. You can have normal jods. or breeches with paddock boots. Especially for showing, I don't recommend full seat.
Reply:Hi


I am only 16 but I have been ridning and showing in rated since I was 5. You do need breeches for showing but they don't have to be full seat. But there are more and more riders schooling in jeans and half chaps.
Reply:i ride in jeans and full chaps or jeans (or shorts) and half chaps if bareback and paddock boots. when i show, its regular breeches and field boots.





unless you are showing, i would just get some paddock boots and full chaps.



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