Does anyone wear winter breeches when it gets cold? I think I'm going to invest in a pair but I didn't know what kind to get! It seems like they're all the same: windproof fleece, but the prices range anywhere from $40-$120. I'd much rather spend money to get a pair that are really warm and will last, but if I don't have to spend a lot I'd rather not! Any recommendations?

I think they're a bit small actually. I'm a 28 in almost all breeches (cotton naturals, ariats, tailored sportsmans, etc), but I always buy a 30 in TuffRiders. I like my breeches a little baggier then I think they're supposed to fit and by the time the tuffriders shrink a little the 30's fit me perfectly as I like. Also yes, continuous riding in jeans will wear out the leather in the twist area, particularly in the saddles they're making these days with super soft leather. Some

There are a lot of reasons that can cause swelling hocks. I would highly suggest getting a vet out to look her over. He can give you more info about what's causing it, treatment options, and whether or not this will hinder her future as your riding horse. 8 y/o is kind of young to be retiring as a dressage horse, I'd be leery!

Reading the USEF manual is great.But there's a book out called Judging Hunter Seat Equitation by Anna Jane White Mullin that I love. It has all info you'll need about what the judges are looking for, but also has a lot of really great pics to illustrate.

Have you tried Cotton Naturals? I LOVE them! They fit great, durable, pretty thick, and last for years and years. I'm very hard on my breeches and they rarely last for more then a year, but I've had a pair of CNs that I've had for like, 5. For cheaper more durable breeches I also like Sigma schoolers. They're inexpensive, durable, and very comfortable.

I personally hate Ariats as well! None of the people I know who ride a lot of horses a day can get them to last for more then a few months. The stitching that keeps that patch in the middle of the calf wears out and then the patch rips off, the zippers give out (and i know with the boots, are not covered under any kind of warrenty!), and the elastic doesn't stay stretchy. I'm a huge huge fan of Tredsteps although I haven't ever tried the Galway Gaitors. My Tredstep suede half chaps were

I would definitely recommend trying one out before you buy to see what you like in a saddle. A tack shop sent several for me to try to get an opinion on before they stocked up on them and I (and the other trainers at our barn) wasn't very fond of them! I don't remember all of the models they sent (Esprit was one of them) but a lot of them were really too wide and flat for my liking. Although the seat was very squishy and comfortable. And I remember the knee rolls in the Esprit hit my leg

I would say a 34. I always buy a size bigger because 1. they shrink and 2. I don't like my breeches to be too tight. But it depends on your comfort and the brand! Some run bigger then others. I think that Ariats and Riding Sport (the dover brand) are bigger. TuffRiders, Kerrits, and DevonAires tend to run small.

I would have to agree with your friend... only I'd say it's closer to TEN years ago that newmarket was considered cool! There aren't many in the show ring that have newmarket tack anymore, but if you like it and you aren't planning on showing a whole lot in the upper levels, I say go for it. But oiling won't make it darker, it's been treated to make it stay that color.

I have a pair of ariat tall boots that were pretty tight (cut off the circulation on my calves and make them throb!). Unfortunately I'm between Slim and a Regular and I didn't want to buy another pair. I took them to a boot repair store and they used some special device to stretch them out in the calf area. They're still pretty snug, but comfortably so. And there are no visable signs of being 'messed with'. I think it was like, $10? And completely worth it!