9 Best Horse Riding Breeches for Hot Weather Relief

Our #nosweat guide helps you find the best summer riding breeches and tights.

Summer is such a fun time to ride! We enjoy daylight well into the evening, weather is usually sunny, and there are tons of horse shows and events to attend.

Sometimes we get so caught up in having fun with our horses that we don’t realize how much we’re sweating and sweltering in the heat. (Wearing my favorite Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight, I stay a lot cooler now.)

Wearing weather-appropriate breeches for horseback riding is an important part of an overall heat-safety plan for your fun horsey activities. Here are the 9 best breeches and tights for summertime:

Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight
Ariat Freja Cooling Tight
TuffRider Ladies Ventilated Tight
Irideon Ladies Issential Low Rise Tight
Ovation Ladies AeroWick Full Seat Tight
FITS PerforMAX Zip Front Full Seat Breech
Devon Aire Versailles Ladies Classic Riding Breech
Pikeur Gia Grip Athleisure
Horze Leah Women’s UV Pro Riding Tight
HR Farm Silicone Pocket Tight

Ready to beat the heat? Be sure to also read about our 8 best horse riding helmets for hot weather.

Best Lightweight Summer Riding Breeches

1. Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight

The Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight is available for women and children. It comes in bright, fun colors like teal, plus conservative darker colors and the traditional tan look.

With a solid 5-star rating from over 120 reviews, the Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight is definitely a favorite for summer riding.

Click to see it on State Line Tack

PROS:

Lightweight material, even on the grippy knee patch / seat areas.
Thick, high-sitting elastic waistband is flattering and does not roll down.
Pull-on design does not result in the dreaded bagginess sometimes associated with tights.
Side pockets large enough to securely hold your phone while you ride.
Moisture-wicking material to continuously pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you cooler.
UPF 50 to prevent sun burn!
Elastic at ankles prevents the pants from riding up.

CONS:

The material wears out over time, especially if you spend a lot of time at the barn in them. Expect to replace them each summer, if they get heavy use.
The moisture-wicking property means you’ll leave sweat marks wherever you sit.

See customer reviews on State Line Tack

Learn why this breech also made our list of the 9 best breech brands.

2. Ariat Freja Cooling Tight

Ariat’s Freja Cooling Tight is on par with the Kerrits Ice Fil Tights, except the fabric is of higher quality.

After trying my first pair, you’ll want to fill your drawer with these buttery soft tights–especially in the summertime.

Click to see this tight at Amazon

PROS:

Wide waistband that’s super comfortable
Very soft fabric that’s both cool and flattering
Grippy knee patches help keep you in the saddle
Cell phone side pocket

CONS:

Limited color choices (only two)
Runs a tad small, so you may want to size up

See customer reviews at Amazon

Learn why this breech also made our list of the 10 best riding breech brands.

3. TuffRider Ladies Ventilated Tight

The TuffRider Ventilated Pull-On Tight has silicone knee patches and a stripe of extra-meshy material on the outside of each leg to provide that additional ventilation for hot days.

It comes in tan, black, grey and dark brown. For the hottest climates, you may want to avoid the darkest colors.

Click to see it on State Line Tack

PROS:

Lightweight material that helps wick moisture away from skin.
Affordable price makes it easy to stock up on a few pairs.
Ventilation stripes are not see-through!

CONS:

Hit-and-miss with material quality over the long run.
Hit-and-miss with sizing. Two mediums were ordered by one reviewer: one fit like a true medium, but the other fit like a large.

See customer reviews on State Line Tack

Learn why this breech also made our list of the 9 best breech brands.

4. Irideon Ladies Issential Low Rise Tight

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to Irideon.

The Issential Low Rise Tights are made of a Polyester, Lycra and Chamisoft blend that makes it soft, stretchy and breathable: perfect for summer riding!

Click to see it on State Line Tack

PROS:

Very low-profile seams that will not cause chafing
Wide, flat waistband with body contour panels offers flattering fit
Low-rise waist offers a more comfortable fit if high-waisted tights tend to squeeze you around the middle.
Belt loops allow you to wear a belt securely.
Elastic at ankles prevents the pants from riding up. (Pun intended.)

CONS:

Fit can be tight through thighs, knees and ankles, so you may want to size up.

See customer reviews on State Line Tack

5. Ovation Ladies AeroWick Full Seat Tight

The Ovation AeroWick Tight is available up to XXX-L and comes in many fun colors, including at least three shades of blue.

Ovation has four patented technologies that come together in these breeches to make them ideal for hot weather. Time to try on this great-fitting, made-for-summer riding tight!

Click to see it on State Line Tack

PROS:

Although a pull-on design, the 4-way-knit fabric does not stretch so much that it becomes loose and baggy; it retains its shape.
The material is resistant to: abrasions, hair, dirt, odor and microbes. This makes it durable, even if you wear them while you muck stalls and haul water buckets after your ride.
UPF 30 to prevent sun burn.
They have pockets large enough for a smartphone.

CONS:

They run a little small, so order one size up.
The silicone grips can be very powerful at first, which may make it challenging post the trot.

See customer reviews on Amazon

6. FITS PerforMAX Zip Front Full Seat

This is the first zip-up breech on our list so far, if you prefer that style over pull-on tights.

The FITS PerforMAX Zip Front Full Seat breech is certainly a high-end performance breech that looks great in shows and can even be used year-round.

Click to see it on Amazon

PROS:

Great value because they are said to be “all season” riding pants that help you beat the summer heat and keep you warm in winter.
Heat releases through the material on the knee patches and seat.
Mesh lower legs provide even more summer riding comfort while allowing you to comfortably wear tall boots.
Resistant to dirt and hair.
Front pockets that can hold a phone.

CONS:

The support panels may make these riding pants fit extra snug.
The design of the crotch area can result in an unflattering look.

See customer reviews on Amazon

7. Devon Aire Versailles Classic Riding Breech

The Versailles front-zip riding breech has a classic high waist, belt loops and a front zip pocket.

Its lightweight material makes it a popular choice for summer riding pants.

Click to see it on Amazon

PROS:

Lightweight cotton/spandex blend keeps you cool while ensuring a great fit.
High waist design means you don’t have to worry about showing off more than you bargained for!
Stretch panels ensure a tight but comfy fit so that the pants don’t ride up.
No inseams make these breeches ultra-comfortable when wearing tall boots.

CONS:

The button closure may need repair/reinforcement over time.

See customer reviews on Amazon

8. Pikeur Gia Grip Athleisure

If you’re looking for high-quality, long-lasting, comfy-day-in-day-out riding tights, Pikeur’s Gia Grip Athleisure won’t disappoint.

Click to see them at Pikeur

PROS:

Lightweight and stretchy material designed specifically with summer riding in mind.
Wide waistband offers maximum comfort.
Sweat-absorbing fabric features a 3/4 grip seat and concealed zip side pockets, and a mobile-phone pocket on the thigh.
Glitter print along the left thigh gives these tights extra pizzaz.
A choice of three rich colors lets you select the pair ideal for your discipline.

CONS:

These tights may not be suitable for most show rings thanks to the schooling style and glitter.

See more details on Amazon

9. Horze Leah UV Pro Riding Tight

We ask a lot from our riding tights, including comfort, style and convenience.

The Horze Leah Women’s UV Pro Riding Tight delivers on all three factors.

Click to see it on Amazon

PROS:

Mesh panels add ventilation.
UPF 50 to prevent sunburn!
Traditional and vibrant colors available for fun or show.
Full seat silicone grips offer security in the saddle.
Side zip pocket big enough to hold a smartphone.
Soft Lycra blend with silky inner lining means you’ll feel great even if you spend hours in the saddle.

CONS:

These run a little small and may fit tightly on the thighs and waist.

See customer reviews on Amazon

Learn why this breech also made our list of the 9 best breech brands.

10. HR Farm Silicone Tight with Pocket

When the word “pocket” and “horse riding leggings” appear in the same sentence, you know you’re looking at a good design, but HR Farm’s Silicone Tights are super summer riding pants for even more reasons.

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and comfortable even while you sweat.
Fun colors and designs on the fabric, including two-toned colors.
Thigh pockets to keep your phone secure and out of the way.
Gel grip knee patches keep you from sliding around in the saddle.

CONS:

Lightweight material may not hold up well to heavy riding use or barn chore use.

See customer reviews on Amazon

How to Choose Horse Riding Pants

When you get overheated, your whole body starts to get sluggish. Your reaction times are poor, your brain doesn’t think clearly, and you’re not as physically strong as when you’re in top condition.

Now, combine this information with the fact that you’re a horse rider.

Riding in the summertime requires the proper gear. (Source: Pixabay)

You’re on a 1,000-pound animals that can hurt you if you’re not able to pay attention and react quickly. You always need to have your wits about you in order to stay safe around horses–especially in hot weather.

What factors impact how quickly you overheat in the summer? We’ll talk about some summer safety tips at the end of this round-up, but first we want to talk about how important it is to have lightweight and breathable riding pants.

Chief Rookie Aside: See the best horse riding helmets for hot weather.

Yes, you might have a comfy pair of jeans that you love to ride in. But, in the heat of summer, these can be uncomfortable and even dangerous to your health because the material is just too thick.

Well, what about shorts?

If you ride in shorts, you can quickly get a saddle sore on the inside of your legs where the leather rubs against your skin.

This makes it painful to ride for several days or even a couple of weeks! Riding pants have flat seams and knee patches for good reasons.

Remember that not all riding pants are ideal for hot summer days. Some are made of material that’s too heavy or thick for hot and/or humid weather. That’s why we’ve brought you a list of favorites for you to stay cool and comfortable in during your ride.

Hot Weather Horse Riding Tips

It’s important to be aware of how our own bodies – and those of our horses – react to the heat. Heat stroke and dehydration can have very serious consequences.

Luckily, they can be avoided by taking preventative measures.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water and quality electrolyte drinks.
Be smart about riding in the cooler parts of the day and stay in the shade whenever possible
Take plenty of rest breaks if you become winded or overheated.
You can keep yourself and your riding friends safe by making sure everyone knows the first signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and what to do if those symptoms appear.
Never be afraid to tell someone that you need to sit down, drink water or even spray some water on your head and arms.

Similar rules should apply to your horse.

Remember to offer cool, clean water to your horse in his stall or paddock and to let him have a chance to drink throughout your ride too.
Consider adding electrolyte supplements to daily feed during warmer months. (Chief Rookie Aside: Read about why I keep my horse on electrolytes year-round.)
Don’t expect your horse to work hard during the middle of the day.
Make sure you properly cool out your horse and know how to use water safely and effectively for such a purpose.
Set limits on when it’s too hot to ride.
Be careful about using polo wraps, no matter how cute, because you can damage your horse’s tendons if they overheat. Same goes for non-ventilated boots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best riding tights for summer?

Ariat’s Freja Cooling Tight is our favorite choice hot weather riding. Not only is the fabric insanely soft, it wicks away sweat to keep you cool. Plus, it’s got our must-have cell phone pocket.

Q: Are HR Farm breeches good for summer?

If you’re looking for a hot weather riding pant from HR Farm, we recommend their Silicone Tights with Gel Grip.

These tights feature moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, a cell phone pocket, and come in tons of fun colors!

Q: What are the best summer jodhpurs?

Very few adult riders wear jodhpurs. (Saddleseat riders are the exception.)

So stick with a riding tight or breech for your summer schooling and showing. Ariat’s Freja Cooling Tight is our favorite hot weather pant. Just remember to size up since they run a bit small.

Q: What are the best cooling breeches?

The FITS PerforMAX Zip Front Full Seat breech is a high-end option that looks amazing in the show ring and is also cool enough for schooling in the heat of summer.

Beat That Heat

In short, err on the side of caution when it comes to balancing fun and safety when riding in the summer.

Taking simple steps to minimize the affects of heat and selecting cooler apparel, like the pants on our list, go a long way.

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9 Best Horse Riding Breeches for Hot Weather Relief