Category: Clothing

Review: LeMieux Engage Full Seat Breeches

5/10/2019

I've had my eye on the LeMieux Engage Breeches for a few months. When I first tried to order them in late winter, they were out of stock. They're now back, and I was finally able to grab a pair.

I kind of like the funky color combination - red with purple?

As it turned out, I ended up ordering them twice. Since losing so much weight, I just can't seem to figure out what size to order in anything. And we all know the sizing for breeches runs wildly erratic as it is. I already found that in the Ovation Aquas when I had to order a size 30. Just for the record, I am 5'3" and weigh 124 pounds. I would think that would put me in a smaller size, but nope.

The mini pocket is actually quite deep..

When I ordered the LeMieux Breeches, I closely watched the video that Katie did, she works at Riding Warehouse. Katie looks a bit heavier than me (does the camera still add 10 pounds?), but she still ordered a 26. At 124 pounds, I thought that finally a pair of breeches were going to run true to size. When they arrived, I eagerly tugged them on but was disappointed in how snugly they fit. I like some room in my breeches, especially in the summer. I promptly boxed them back up and ordered the 28s.

Full seats with silicone.

While the 28s are a bit roomy, I've decided that I prefer some space in my breeches. It's so dang hot here in the summer that I need a place for some air to circulate. Even in the winter I like my breeches roomy as it's never actually COLD. So while they don't hug my hips and butt, I don't really want them to. Yes, I'd like to wear a 26, but I like air flow more.

Like every pair of breeches I own, I gave these a hard wear right out of the gate. I am not gentle on my breeches which means they have to be durable to get my approval. With that said, I don't want to walk around in chain mail either. I want my breeches sturdy, but lightweight, stretchy, but not baggy, stylish, but not expensive. I can be a bit of a hard sell.

I wore these breeches several days in a row, including one bareback ride. I have to say, they took a beating and came back looking relatively crisp and sharp for another day. Yeah, they have dirt smudges, but I cleaned water troughs, climbed in and out of the fence, and rode several different afternoons. I would expect them to look worn.

I just thought this was funny!

The fabric on the Lemieux breeches reminds me of a softshell jacket. Dirt, hay, and feed just brush off which I love as nothing annoys me more than having bits of hay and hair sticking to me. I also like the silicone full seat slightly better than the silicone on the Ovation Aquas as it's less sticky. I don't need to be stuck to my saddle. Just give me a little texture to keep me from sliding around, and that's all I really want.

The breeches are also quite stretchy, especially since the fabric is somewhat heavy. I am not sure how much I'll love them in the midst of our brutally hot summer though. The Ovation Aquas are MUCH lighter, so I may rely on them and the Horze tights I bought last year for our hottest months.

After a sweaty bareback ride on a gray horse.

I also like the small details that give these breeches a bit of style. The contrasting color is fun but not so in your face that you have to wear a shirt that matches. While I try, some days I am just in too much of a hurry to coordinate what I am wearing. On those days you're likely to see me in green breeches with a purple shirt. Sue me.

The pleats on the front pockets add a bit of of interest, and the wide belt loops look good while being useful. The lycra panel on the leg bottoms keeps the breeches from riding up. Can you even buy breeches with velcro bottoms? And if so, why would you?

Cute branding in a place no one ever sees.

Overall, I'd buy the LeMieux Engage Full Seats again. They come in white and a blue that they call midnight/indigo but look more like azure/sky blue. Not sure I am digging that color, but maybe it's darker than it looks. While I might not be able to wear them in the dead of summer, there really aren't any breeches that are comfortable in our heat. I have my fingers crossed that the Ovation Aquas will be cool enough for our triple-digit days.

At $112.95, I think the LeMieux breeches are a great buy. They're sturdy, stretchy, impervious to hay and hair, and pretty fashionable to boot. And as a bonus, if you order them from the Riding Warehouse by June 1, you can get them 20% off with code RWEJ, and of course the shipping would be free.

That's a hard deal to pass up. Where's my credit card?

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And That's How You Get New Gloves

4/29/2019

2 Comments

Congratulations to Kirrily. Hers was the name my husband drew for the Roeckl Melbourne Gloves and the $25 Riding Warehouse Gift Card. Thank you to everyone who commented. I only wish I could have sent everyone a pair of gloves, but Ellen Degeneres or Oprah Winfrey I am not.

Enjoy them Kirrily!

I've been using the Melbournes every day for the past few weeks, and I have to say, these gloves are a great addition to Roeckl's already expansive line. The two things that I most enjoy are their weight - great for our summer heat, and that cuff. I never realized how often I have to pull back my gloves to see my watch.

Riding Izzy takes very quiet hands, so being able to glance down to check my watch without taking my hands off the reins has been a bonus I hadn't expected. Nice thinking, Roeckl!

Roeckl Melbourne Gloves

Since I started this giveaway, I've had no less than two boxes delivered from the Riding Warehouse. I know I am preaching to the choir here, but if RW is not on your top 3 places to shop, you really and truly should give them a try. It's rare that they don't have what I need, and with their lightning fast shipping (I live two hours away) and readily available discount codes, I can't afford to shop anywhere else.

Speaking of which, I just placed another order while I was writing this. Love you/hate you, Riding Warehouse. Need something? Here's that 20% off code (it's good through June 1, 2019): RWEJ.

2 Comments

A Give-Away From Roeckl

4/22/2019

24 Comments

And just to sweeten the pot a little bit, the Riding Warehouse jumped on board with a $25 gift card!

Roeckl "Melbourne" - Size 7.5/Black

It's no secret that I love Roeckl gloves. In fact, they're the only gloves I wear. Yes, I know they're a tad bit pricey, but they are absolutely worth it. They're long wearing, they feel like a second skin, and as a bonus, they look good doing it. So when Roeckl asked if I would take a look at their new glove, the Melbourne, I shouted YES!

Roeckl Melbourne Gloves - Rose Gold (but they're almost Aubergine in sunlight.

Taken from Toklat's website:

The Melbourne was designed with eventers in mind. It has a long double-layer cuff and no Velcro for a bulk free wrist area, and allows one to wear a watch over their glove. The backhand is made with ECONYL® yarn, which is made entirely from regenerated nylon waste (such as fishing nets) and is infinitely recyclable without sacrificing quality. The palm is made of Roeck-Air, a thin but hard wearing material designed for both grip and breathability.

I am glad that Toklat explained the cuff because I was initially perplexed by the lack of velcro. After riding in them though, I appreciated being able to see my watch.

A little extra that Toklat didn't mention is the handy little pull strap located on the inside of the wrist. At first, I thought it was there to affix the label to the gloves. As I was riding though, I felt myself reaching down to give my gloves a little tug to reposition them, something I obviously do without noticing. Since the gloves have a cuff, it was too form-fitted to grab and tug. When I looked down in confusion, I noticed the little pull tab positioned right where I needed to pull to get my gloves in exactly the right place. Ingenious!

Do you see the little pull tab at the top of the cuff but just below the palm?

While Toklat asserts that the Melbourne Glove is designed for eventers, this dressage rider thought they were great. The same features that eventers enjoy appeal to dressage riders.

The grip on the palm is what I expect from a pair of Roeckl gloves: grippy without being tacky or too sticky. The fit was true-to-size, if not maybe a bit generous. Don't trust me on sizing though. Since I've lost more than 40 pounds, everything seems to be running big. I've typically worn a 7.5 in gloves, but I could have maybe gone down to a 7.0.

The material on the back of the glove is thin and stretchy and feels almost like a pair of tights. I love that the fabric is made from 100% recycled nylon waste. When I checked out Econyl's website, the company who makes the fabric, I was heartened to read that they rescue nylon products from the ocean and landfills, clean and purify it, and then reuse it.

Perfect to wear your watch over the cuff.

The true test of whether or not I like a product is if I completely forget that I am evaluating it as I ride. The second I climbed into the saddle, I forgot to think about the gloves. Just like my Roeckl Lona's - the two-toned version, they feel like I am riding with skin to leather contact without damaging my skin. There was no bulk or anything to interfere with my "feel" on the reins. And because of the fabric on the back of the glove, they were also very cool during our recent hot weather.

There aren't a whole lot of vendors here in the U.S. selling the Melbournes yet, so if you're interested your best bet would be to buy them from Toklat ($59.95) who carries every single Roeckl glove. Other retailers who carry them are Adams ($59.95) or in the UK, Horze (€42.95). Or, you can win a pair here!

Love having too many choices!

I rarely do giveaways, I think I've done four?, but this company makes a product that I truly love, so I am happy to spread the word. Since I don't do complicated, the rules for this giveaway are pretty simple.

1) Roeckl and the Riding Warehouse are giving away a pair of Roeckl Melbourne Gloves, black/size 7.5 and a $25 gift card, respectively.

2)The giveaway will run between Monday, April 22nd and Friday, April 26th.

3) Head over to Facebook and "Like" their page - Roeckl Equestrian.

4) Head over to Facebook and "Like" the Riding Warehouse's page.

5) Leave your email in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. No one else can see your email address.

6) Leave a comment describing your experiences (if any) with Roeckl and Riding Warehouse.

7) Since I like simple, over the weekend, I'll write everyone's name down on a slip of paper and have my husband pull a name out of a hat (or whatever I find laying around).

Good luck!

24 Comments

Ovation Breeches Updated Review

2/7/2019

4 Comments

A few days ago, I reviewed the Ovation Aqua X Lightweight & Cool UV Full Seat Breeches. I need to update my review. These things are stinking AWESOME. They are so fabulous that I need them in every color. And lucky for me, they actually come in several additional colors which is why I needed to do an update.

Like this tan color. Perfect for Bakersfield's grueling summers.

Let me back up a bit. When I first reviewed these breeches, I lamented the fact that they were a closeout item. I hate finding a product that I like, especially breeches, only to find out that I've jumped on the bandwagon too late as they're disappearing from this earth, never to be heard from again. Just my luck.

Much to my delight, the fine ladies over at the Riding Warehouse let me know that only some of the colors were being discontinued while the rest would remain as a part of their regular inventory. Not only that, but they're adding colors this spring and fall. Be still my heart.

And these for sure as I ADORE white breeches with a gray seat.

Besides new colors, there must be something else to necessitate an updated review, right? There is, and it's a good one. I generally wash my breeches after every one to three uses. In the summer, my breeches are only good for one, maybe two wearings. After that, they just stink beyond what I can stomach wearing. In the wintertime, I can get more wear out of them.

I have plenty of breeches. It's not like I need to stretch the wearings until laundry day. I just hate doing laundry. So when I started wearing my black pair of Ovation Aquas some time late last week, I was surprised when they still looked (and smelled) good enough for Saturday. And then they still looked good for Sunday's lesson. And then, with no exaggeration, I wore them again on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

After a long day at work AND a quick ride on Speedy.

Here's where I am probably going to lose you. When I woke up on Wednesday morning, it was freezing cold. I knew I would have my students out on the field practicing the high jump - it's track season, so I wanted to be comfortable. On top of that, I just couldn't face changing into my barn clothes later that afternoon while shivering in the feed room. With only a moment's hesitation, I pulled my heavily worn black Ovation breeches out of my barn bag and donned a (clean) black riding shirt. I topped those with a horsey-themed fleece vest and yanked on my Dublin river boots. Some lipstick and jewelry helped dress it all up.

After a week's worth of hard use.

And do you know what? Those breeches looked sharp! There was not a stray horse hair, stem of hay, or speck of dirt on those pants. There was no bagging at the knees or butt, nor any other indication that they had been worn every day for a week. In fact, once I was back home, I shoved them back into my barn bag to wear this afternoon.

If you need a new pair of breeches, I promise you, you will not be disappointed in these. If you're looking for a deal, there are still some of the discontinued colors/sizes available. And if that's not enough incentive, message me for a 20% off discount code.

You can bet I'll be stalking Riding Warehouse's page for the new spring colors. And since my first show probably won't be until April, I have enough time to get that white pair, too.

4 Comments

Review: Ovation Aqua X Silicone Full Seats

2/1/2019

6 Comments

I've mentioned this several times already, but in case you missed it, I've lost a fair amount of weight - close to 40 pounds in fact. I actually need to write about that in a separate post as it has changed my riding in some ways. The reason I mention the weight loss is because it created some problems with my wardrobe.

Can you see the problem?

None of my breeches fit anymore. And I don't mean they're a little loose. I could live with loose. They're so big that I can take them on and off without unsnapping them. They're so big that the butt sags in a most unattractive way. These are the same breeches that I used to suck it in in order to snap them closed. When I ride, the saggy butt bunches up and forms lumps under my seat. I had to order some new ones.

This pair is even bigger.

I discovered that this is not necessarily the best time to buy breeches. It seems like everyone is getting rid of their old inventory (cheap, but limited sizing) and bringing in new inventory (pricey). Since my body has changed so much, I've had a harder time finding breeches that fit my new shape, especially at the price point I was interested in. I am firmly in the $100 range, but will go up to $125 if something is just perfect. Speaking of which, I actually ordered the LeMieux Engage X-Grip Full Seats, but the backordered date got moved to March. That wasn't very helpful when your pants are falling off today.

So, I went with the Ovation Aqua X (silicone seat). Their price point is fabulous at $89.88, especially if you can find a pair in your size. The problem is that they're a closeout item which means if I totally love them, which I do, I won't be able to get more.

After spending all morning at the ranch.

I wasn't sure I would love them, but they have quickly become a favorite. The first thing I noticed when I pulled them out of the box was the fabric. It feels like they would be water proof. In fact, while I was hosing out a bucket, I over-sprayed and splashed water down my leg. The water simply beaded up and rolled off. Bonus feature, for sure.

The fabric is also really stretchy without losing it's shape. The tag reads 77% Nylon, 16% Micro Nylon, and 7% Lycra. They definitely hold their shape without bagging at the knees or butt.

The other thing I noticed is that nothing seems to stick to the fabric. I've actually worn them for a week straight, and they still look clean with no hair, hay, or dirt sticking to them. The photos are actually after giving both horses a thorough grooming and riding Izzy for 45 minutes. There's not a spot on them.

I've only just started buying silicone seats, and so far, nothing has been too sticky. Once I sat in the saddle, I never even gave the grip a second thought. Silicone is definitely cooler than suede or leather, and with our brutally hot and extra long summers, I need all the cooling features I can get.

The mid-rise is where it's supposed to be, and the bottoms have a stretchy panel instead of a sock bottom - and no nasty velcro. They have front pockets but no rear pocket - I do love a rear pocket, and my C4 belts fit in the belt loops even though they look like they'd need a narrower belt.

Stretch panel bottoms.

I took a chance and ordered all three colors - gray, white, and black. The "features" really sold me.

Ultra-light cool Aqua-X™ fabric
Inner cool IceSilk™ lining
ChannelFlex™- 2-way stretch and moisture channels
Resistant to abrasions, dirt and hair with RepelTech™
Odor Resistant and Antimicrobial FreshLock™
UltraUV™ 50+ UPF protection

What's not to like? Anything that helps with heat (our recent January highs were hovering right around 70℉) is my best friend.

A rainbow of grayscale.

My only complaint is the sizing. Before losing what amounted to a bag of beet pulp (doesn't that put weight gain and loss in perspective?), I was wearing a 32. Sure they were a little snug, but not uncomfortably so. All those pounds later, I was certain I was down to at least a 28 if not a 26. HAHAHA. Nope. Or at least not in these breeches. I had to go with a 30.

Overall, these are really nice breeches, despite the humbling sizing. My fingers are crossed that they'll actually help with our summer-time heat. And maybe those LeMieuxs will get here sooner rather than later.

6 Comments

Team Symphony

1/29/2019

2 Comments

You all know how much I value my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables. First and foremost, her teaching is sound, and horses and riders improve under her tutelage. Almost as important is her ability to promote and maintain a positive attitude within her team of students. Team Symphony is pretty drama free; not something you always see amongst a group of dressage riders.

That includes Team Speedy

Just over a year ago she relocated from Simi Valley to Tehachapi which is just under an hour from Bakersfield - woot! woot! Moving to Kern County meant a new group of adult amateurs and juniors joined Team Symphony.

I already have Symphony Dressage Stables emblazoned on everything from shirts and a jacket to saddle pads to vehicle stickers and even on a license plate frame. I knew Chemaine's new clients might want to sport her team logo as well, so I offered to put together a shirt order from my favorite screen printer and embroider shop, New Generation Graphics.

Team shirts in black.

And so began Operation Team Jersey. I am just gonna say ... wow, was that ever hard! Even though I sent everyone links to the shirts with pricing, getting everyone organized was like herding cats. Some wanted all of us to order the same color. Most wanted to choose their own color. Some wanted long sleeves, some short. We also have a man in the group which meant I had to find a shirt for him. I finally built a spreadsheet to keep everyone's preferences organized. Friday, the last two shirts arrived.

19 Shirts (plus two more coming from the printing place)

Because I know the fit well, I have at least five of them, we ordered the Horze Trista shirt. I like this particular shirt for a variety of reasons. It's flattering for a lot of different body types. It comes in many colors and two sleeve lengths. Equally important is that the price is low enough that paying extra for the printing didn't make the shirt unreasonably expensive.

Pink with dark blue

We're putting Chemaine's logo on back of the women's shirts, but the men's style shirt will have the logo emblazoned on the left chest. We chose a metallic silver ink which should look good even on the gray shirts.

Chemaine's logo

I took everything to the printer yesterday afternoon. I know everyone is eager to get their shirts, even me. I bought three!

2 Comments

Is It Show Season Yet?

1/9/2019

2 Comments

With all this talk about flying changes and half pass, my "Let's Show!" motor got revving. Forget that just a few months ago I was exhausted and grateful to be done showing for the year. What's wrong with me?

Last week, I got a couple of long anticipated packages delivered which inspired me to dig out my show coats from the trailer. Once I had those home, I pulled out all of my whites and laid everything out on my bed. I gave what needed it a good laundering, which was most of it, and then set to work reevaluating fit and style.

But first .. this is what came in the mail.

Oh my gosh is it ever DIVINE!

You might remember that post where I listed the things I would like for Christmas. Sure enough, my mother-in-law felt compelled to send a little cash my way for Christmas. I don't think the money even made it into my wallet before I had my order placed.

Once it arrived and I tried it on, my level of satisfaction shot way past my original expectations. This thing is just WOW! I liked it so much that I turned around and ordered it in maroon. With two new show shirts waiting in the wings, I re-examined my three show coats and breeches.

Oh yes I did!

I may have mentioned this before, but I just got through losing almost 35 pounds. It took me six months, but I feel so much better. Being thinner is a bit of a double-edged sword however. I lost two to three sizes, which is great, but it also means that most of my clothes no longer fit. That includes my breeches. Two pair of my white breeches fit, but I use that term loosely (haha - see what I did there? Loosely!). I have already ordered a white pair for showing, and two for schooling.

On the other hand, things that I had long grown out of, now fit! Things like my black and gray show coats. It has almost been like getting to go shopping for free!

Although quite suitable for an intro level rider, I don't think the black coat will be making an appearance at Third Level.

All last season I shopped for a gray coat, but I couldn't find anything that I liked as well as the one I already had (which didn't fit). While it doesn't have any technical features like vented fabric or breathable material, it's still attractive, and best of all, it fits!

I think that 2015 was the last season that it fit me.

I tried it on with the maroon shirt and knew I had a winning combo. With my black helmet - although I may order another black Ovation Glitz, I think it will be a good option for two-day shows, particularly once coats are waived.

I'd rather have a gray coat with technical features, but this one will do.

My favorite combo is of course my Romfh coat with my navy Ovation Glitz helmet and the new navy Romfh show shirt. What's not to like? The jacket is loaded with technical features: it's stretchy, vented, lightweight, and as an added bonus, it sparkles.

LOVE it!

Before I even washed any of my clothes though, I gave my boots a good cleaning. I had found them discarded on the floor of my trailer caked in dirt from this past August. I am a little embarrassed about that. Good news though, after losing a bit of weight, they zipped right up!

So, let's get to showing. I am ready! ... well ready might be over-stating things as my trainer would probably say. How about just looking good?

2 Comments

Save Your Forehead

11/15/2018

2 Comments

... and if you're like me, maybe even your hair. Any guesses as to what this ugly thing is? No, it's not a beanie.

Whatever it is, it's ugly!

I am pretty gentle on my helmets. They're stored "inside" and out of direct sunlight. I wipe them off periodically with a damp cloth, I don't drop them, and I replace them after several years. Obviously the ugliness up above is helmet-related.

I finally figured out why the skin on my forehead was getting rough and why the hair around my face was suddenly getting shorter and wispier. Even though I periodically remove my helmet liner and wash it, I realized that it had arrived at gross. Just gross, nothing else.

I live in the land of nine month summers. My helmet gets sweat in more often and for a much longer duration than for what it was designed. The liner of my helmet had finally reached a point where I could no longer stomach putting it over my hair. It was crunchy, rough, and frankly, it smelled a bit off.

Oh. Not so ugly from this angle.

While perusing the Riding Warehouse for something completely unrelated, I finally decided to toss a helmet liner in my cart. At just over $9 - I had a discount code, I reasoned that I could afford it. I am actually kicking myself for not getting a second one so that I could wash and dry one while using the other.

So, you're welcome. That's my PSA for the year. Replace your helmet as needed, but for the love of all that's holy (I am looking at you, Sweaney), replace the liner with a bit more frequency. Your forehead and hair will thank you.

2 Comments

Bringing the Barn to Work

10/22/2018

6 Comments

Well hello there. I guess this means I'm back. It was a long week, but the migraines have (mostly) subsided - I hope. Even though I took a blogging break and a few days off from riding, the one thing I really couldn't do was miss work. That pays the (equine) bills after all, so I struggled through the week.

I did manage to at least bring the barn to my classroom though as any pony time makes everything better. In the afternoons, my kiddos worked all week on some science stations where they explored activities that had to deal with conserving Earth's resources. In one of the stations, the kids had to build a model of coal formation. The model required dead leaves (easily found right outside my classroom door), rocks, and "sediment."

You mean I actually get to get rid of some rocks and dirt?

My students were actually quite impressed to work with ranch dirt. When it came time to pour it into the model, everyone insisted on getting a turn to pour. Kids are so funny.

I run a very relaxed classroom where kids sit at tables instead of desks and where movement around the room is encouraged. Fifth graders simply can't sit for too long of a period before they erupt - sometimes literally.

I do a lot of small-group instruction in a space that is not large enough for 31 kids. That means my students meet with me in an area that we've carved out of the front of my classroom. There's not room for a table, and since my "small" groups sometimes number 15, we usually just sit on the floor - myself included.

Oh, have I got a use for you, monthly bucket!

At 47 years of age, sitting on the floor for 30 minutes at a time is no longer easy. If you're my age, you get it. If you're not yet approaching 50, you'll understand in about 20 years. My knees and hips just couldn't take it any longer. I love the intimacy of sitting so close to my kiddos though. When we're all at the same level, the instruction is much more personal, and kids contribute more to the discussion.

They are actually quite comfortable.

I had a year's worth of Platinum Performance buckets stacked in the feed room. It didn't feel right to toss them as they are good, sturdy buckets, so I brought them to school. I used a few of them for storing PE equipment, but I had a bunch left over. After one particularly painful morning, I glanced at the stack of unused buckets and came up with a plan.

The kids love them!

With the help of one of my students, we covered the Platinum label with a bit of contact paper that was buried in a back cupboard. Some of you might remember my post about hoarding all of the things. You never know when something might come in handy! With the label (mostly) covered - my helper was only 10, and I am not particularly crafty, the buckets make pretty cute little stools.

They have been a roaring success. The students love them, my knees love them, and they take up virtually no room once stacked and stored in the corner. And the best part is that if one gets broken, I can replace it easily as I get a new bucket every month. Thank you, Platinum Performance!

"Leggings" from the Riding Warehouse.

I have one last barn to work story. Since I sit on the floor every day, my work wardrobe runs on the casual side. On top of that, I teach PE daily, and frankly, kids are just messy. Last week I wore white shorts and ended up dropping a loaded rubber stamp right on my pant leg. They now read correct and return in bright blue. The kids thought it was funny. I had to agree.

A month or so ago, I bought that burgundy wrap (above) for a dress that was getting too big (long story) and realized it went great with my sleeveless blouse. With the mornings being cooler, I thought it would look great with a pair of leggings that I don't have. I glanced up at my Horze Full Seat Tights and thought why not?

Not gonna lie, I got a ton of compliments on the outfit. No one could tell they were riding pants. And the best part? They were the most comfortable pants I have ever worn to work, especially while sitting on a bucket.

If you can't be at the barn, bring the barn to work.

6 Comments

Full Seats v. Euro Seat

10/1/2018

10 Comments

If you ride dressage, you already know who wins. If you do a different kind of riding, you probably like one for some things and the other for other things. I am not one to disagree with your own preferences, but I learned this weekend that for this girl, it's full seats or nothing.

At the start of summer, which lasts a full six months in my neck of the woods, I bought three pairs of the Horze Juliet HyPer Flex Full Seat Tights. It was a smart move on my part as this summer ended up being nearly as brutal as last summer (and it's not over). There were 67 triple-digit days in 2017 and 54 triple-digit days this summer. Our normal is closer to 33.

I rode in nothing but those three pairs of tights all summer long. The only time I put something else on was for shows, and I sweat my butt off. As a side note, these tights wore amazingly well and look just the same as they did when I bought them.

Back when I bought them, but they really do look the same.

Over the weekend, we finally had a small break in the weather (highs in the low 80s). I decided to drag out an old pair of Piper breeches with a euro seat and knee patches. They're cute, and I have a belt that matches perfectly.

As cute as they are/were, they now live in my discard pile. As soon as I sat in my saddle, I realized how slick it really is. With nothing but Polyester and Spandex between my butt and the saddle, I was all over the place. And while my sitting trot has improved tremendously, I still need all the help I can get.

No more Euro seats for this girl. It's full seats every time, all the time. Can I get an amen?

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About the
Writer & Rider

I am a lifetime rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
Welcome to my dressage journey.

Photo by Lori Ovanessian

Email Karen

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. We're currently schooling Third Level in preparation for the 2019 show season. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

August 2018

About Izzy

Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are schooling the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.

March 2019

Bakersfield Dressage approved!

National Awards

USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

State Awards

CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
CDS Second Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

Ruby Rider Award, 2018

2019 Show Season

Show Rating
(***) CDS/USDF/USEF
(*) CDS
(s) Schooling
(c) Clinic
(t) Ride-a-Test Clinic
(Q) Must Qualify

2019 Pending …

5/26/19 - TMC (*)
6/15-16/19 - El Sueno (***)
6/23/19 - TMC (*)
7/13-14/19 - El Sueno (***)
7/28/19 - TMC (*)
8/10/19 - RAAC (Q) (***)
8/25/19 - TMC (*)
10/26-27/19 SCEC (***)

2019 Completed …

Qualifying Scores for 2019

Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Scores
Third Level Scores:
Score 1:
Score 2:
Score 3:

CDS Championship Third Level Scores:
Score 1:
Score 2:
Score 3:
Score 4:
Score 5:

Working Towards:

CDS Sapphire Rider Award
Third Level:
Third Level:
Fourth Level:
Fourth Level:

USDF Bronze Medal
First Level - 70.179%
First Level - 72.600%
Second Level - 62.879%
Second Level - 61.970%
Third Level -
Third Level -

Review: LeMieux Engage Full Seat Breeches

And That's How You Get New Gloves

A Give-Away From Roeckl

Ovation Breeches Updated Review

Review: Ovation Aqua X Silicone Full Seats

Team Symphony

Is It Show Season Yet?

Save Your Forehead

Bringing the Barn to Work

Full Seats v. Euro Seat

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