On first glance some of the design elements of these Equetech H2O winter breeches really appealed to me, including the high waist with double front fastening and deep pockets on both upper thighs, which reminded me of the useful phone pockets found in many summer riding leggings. The material felt really robust and like it would repel dirt easily as it was quite slippy to the touch, while the lining is a soft fleecy material that I expected to be warm. Bearing in mind the slippy feel of the outer material, I was pleased to see they had a full grip seat with hatched pattern of small silicon ovals to help with security in the saddle. The breeches also have belt loops around the waist and lycra inserts at the ankles.
Once on, I found the high waist to be slightly on the tight side, while the rest of the breeches were very generous, which made them slightly baggy. I am of slim build (UK size eight) with a fairly straight up and down figure. I normally wear 24in waist breeches and had received the XS size for testing. I expect I would have found the small (S) size more comfortable around the waist, but as the XS were already a bit baggy elsewhere, I think the cut of these breeches is just not ideal for my shape. I suspect they would fit a more curvaceous body shape with more difference between the waist and hips better.
On wearing around the stable yard, the breeches were comfortable and one of the warmest winter breeches I have worn, with a supportive feeling to my lower back, but I wasn’t a fan of their baggy appearance. The nice deep pockets have plenty of room for my mobile phone without any concerns about it accidentally falling out.
In the saddle I found the grip seat a little too sticky, which caused the saddle to move the breeches around underneath my seat when in rising trot, which wasn’t a pleasant experience. This grip did proved invaluable out hacking though when pheasants exploded out of the grass beneath my horse. These breeches have kept my legs warm and dry when riding in light rain.
The breeches have washed well, looking like new when they come out of machine and dry fairly quickly, but the issues with the fit mean I have not worn them as frequently as the other pairs I have been testing.
Verdict
Keep you warm and dry both in the saddle and around the yard, but better suited to a more curvaceous body shape than my own.
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Who tested these breeches?
Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She exercises her six-year-old Irish Sport Horse every morning before work, come rain or shine throughout the winter. They are currently following a careful rehab plan, which involves ridden schooling, work in-hand and hacking to help build strength so the clothes Carol tests will have been put through a thorough workout both in the saddle and around the yard.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
