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Yes, another one. As promised, to myself anyway, I bought another pair of Esprit Equestrian Wear breeches -this time in white. That makes three pairs if you're counting. I already had a pair of the Classic Riding Tights in black, which are my all-time favorite pair of summer breeches/tights, and a pair of the now discontinued PRO Riding Tights in Hunter Green. While the PROs are discontinued, EEW is selling out the rest of their inventory at drastically reduced prices, so if those are your jam, get them before they sell out. I reviewed both the Classics and PROs here. While the PROs weren't quite for me, I was excited about trying out the new PRO 2.0s since EEW seemed to have fixed the things I didn't love about the original PROs. Stick with me here as this might appear to go off track. At the last show I did with Izzy, I realized that one of the reasons I get so stiff when showing him is that I wear my white show breeches which are not nearly as comfortable as my summer tights are. I wondered what might happen if I showed in white tights which are much stretchier and less rigid than traditional breeches. That was the main reason in trying out the PRO 2.0s. Of course, I haven't shown in them yet, but I am eager to see if riding in the same style I school in will help me feel more relaxed and less stiff.  All three pairs for comparison. While the original PROs were not for me - that inner lining had way too much compression for my tastes, EEW has changed the lining so that it doesn't cover the seat area. They are much more comfortable, and the addition of two inches in the rise in the rear helped them fit me a lot better. The Classics are a bit more comfortable for every day schooling, but the PRO 2.0s are definitely cuter. And frankly, the extra bit of compression fabric will probably help my fluffy parts look better when I show in them in a few weeks. I'll share any photos I get.  A side by side comparison. One last interesting thing: The day after placing my order, EEW announced that they now carry the Classic in WHITE with a GRAY seat. Yes, please! Those are now my next purchase. Do I feel bad for having an obsession with breeches? No, not really. I ride nearly every day of the week, plus we have extremely long, hot summers here which means I am always searching for comfortable breeches that are also cute. More important than comfort or cuteness though is always the price. At $64.99, I don't feel bad having four or five pairs of these.  There are several other colors besides the white with gray that I am hankering for. If you get a pair, let me know what color you chose. And if you do order, you can use the discount code bakersfielddressage to save 5%, although I think you might only be able to use the code once.
It's a good thing I am not obsessed with diamonds. Or Maseratis. Or yachts. When you go to the grocery store and use your debit card to pay, and it asks if you want cash back, do you think to yourself, "Yes! I DO want cash back. Someone else's, that is." I think it every. Single. Time. They say money won't buy you happiness, but I sure as hell would like to give it a try.  Yes, please! I must have needed some retail therapy last week. Either that, or I completely ran out of stuff to watch on Netflix, Prime, and Disney+, but since that can't be true, retail therapy it must have been. It all started with that fly mask I bought Izzy. (Which, by the way is now $11.98 with the discount code and no minimum for free shipping!) In order to get "free" shipping, I threw in a Kerrit's Sports Tank (in Walnut) that was 20% off the yellow ticketed price. At $18, how could I resist?  You'll see this top again! The problem with pulling out your credit card and leaving it on your desk next to your laptop is that it tends to get used. A lot. The next thing I knew, Amazon was reminding me about Prime Day. Yes, it's a made up holiday, and yes, Amazon suckered me in. Before I knew what was happening, I bought a five-pack of athletic wear t-shirts for $32.99. That's $6.59 a shirt. The color block on the sides bumps these up a notch from your basic t-shirt, and the poly/spandex fabric means they're nice and stretchy. They're also super thin which makes them perfect for our scorching summer heat. And really, for the price, they're practically disposable, so who cares if they only last through one hot season.  Tell me these aren't cute. While I was on the hunt for summer weight tops to freshen up my riding wardrobe, I also landed on these Champion tank tops. Have I mentioned how hot it is here in the summer? I bought three of them; ebony, ebony heather, and mulled berry. At $16.99 each, they weren't a great steal or anything, but they're exactly what I needed to replace some rather funky and stained tank tops.  I love the racer back style. While nine, new, summer riding shirts isn't that much of an extravagance, I didn't stop there. Dover suckered me in AGAIN with one of those 50% off TODAY ONLY deals. I usually resist, but this deal was for a pair of their Riding Sport™ Ladies’ Full-Seat Tech Tight. I have two pairs of these and really like them. They're not as nice as my new favorites, Esprit Equestrian, but at $24.99, I couldn't say no. I ordered them in this really pretty chocolate/olive combination. Oh, and to get free shipping, I through in a pair of one of my favorite socks (on sale!), the Noble Equestrian™ Over the Calf Peddies™.  I am loving the chocolate and olive combo! Both shirts look great with these. It does seem a bit weird to be stocking up on summer wear in late July, but our heat lasts until Halloween, and even November can have some warm afternoons. Frankly, I was just sick to death of most of my summer day-to-day riding tops. All of them were really old, and most had pit and slobber stains front to back. When my new stuff arrived, I ruthlessly threw out a dozen or more tops. I like to stick to the strategy of bringing something in means something else must go. And usually, I toss out two old things to every new thing.
After I pay off this bill, I'll be ordering one last new thing, a new pair of Classic Esprit Equestrian breeches in either navy or chocolate or mahogany or white. Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy me a pair of breeches (or seven)! At this point, I am all in. Esprit Equestrian Wear (EEW) is definitely playing my song. So far, I've purchased a Surcingle Belt, a pair of the Classic Breeches, and a pair of the (discontinued ) PRO Breeches. I should note that while the PROs have been discontinued, EEW has created the 2.0 PRO which is currently available in white only with the assurance that more colors are on the way.  Left to Right: Classic in Black & PRO in Hunter Green While the Classics are a perfect fit for me, I wasn't as happy with the fit of the PRO breeches. My friend Jen LOVES them, so it seems that body type is probably a factor in whether you prefer one over the other. The PRO breeches are definitely cuter with the contrasting sparkle trim.  There is so much I love about this brand: the fabric is fantastically smooth and soft; the faux zipper and belt loops push these tights into a whole new category; and the pockets are what equestrians with a cell phone addiction have been pining for. Hey, you never know when you need to take a photo of something. Or call your vet, or the farrier, or your trainer.  Flipped inside out. I wanted to love the PROs as much as I love the Classics, but the compression lining just didn't work for me. Again, my friend Jen loved it. The compression fabric is sewn in across the inside top of the Classics, but I can't feel it. In the PROs, it covered every inch. Since it was just too much compression for me, I simply cut it out. If you choose to do that, be careful. I accidentally snipped a little too quickly, and now I have a little tiny hole at the knee. Once the lining was removed though, I enjoyed all of the cuteness of the PROs with the comfort of the Classics.  PROS in Hunter Green The fit is nearly identical from one style to the other, but the PROs are definitely a little lower in the rise. On the EEW website, it states that "The 2.0's have 2 more inches of rise in the rear for more coverage, no inner lining in the seat area, and an added front phone pocket seam to hide the pocket line." Those are basically the things I noted that would improve the fit for me. The large pockets on the Classics are on the outside of the fabric of the leg while the pockets for the PROs are on the inside. The pocket seam was a little too visible on the PROs for my tastes, so I am glad they're fixing that. And of course, removing the lining from the seat will make these more comfortable for my body type (AKA Chunky Monkey). After wearing each pair, I created a spread sheet to compare the the two different styles.  In order of importance - fit is first, cuteness is last. For me, the Classics beat out the PROs in comfort and pocket configuration while the PROs win for cuteness. Both are priced so well that you won't feel bad ordering them in multiple colors. I actually like that Esprit Equestrian Wear is offering more than one fit because we all have different shaped bodies with different preferences. If you decide to give one of their products a try, use the code bakersfieddressage for a one-time 5% discount. Hey, every bit helps.
Now I need another belt ... oh, look some of them are on sale! I finally caved. Twice. In early April, a friend turned me on to Esprit Equestrian Wear. Their breeches, tops, and belts are all over Facebook. Ordering something seen on Facebook is a bit of a crapshoot, but I was intrigued enough by their marketing strategy to give one of their belts a try. If you know me at all, you'll know I have a thing for belts. The belt arrived in a super cute shipping bag with lots of we want you back type of packaging, and I've been wearing it ever since.  Surcingle Belt - Dark Grey Not long after, my friend Jen ordered their PRO Breeches. Esprit Equestrian Wear was clearing out the older models in preparation for an updated version, so the PRO breeches were heavily discounted. I had a navy pair in my cart, but I just couldn't justify the expenditure. Not long after, I realized that the price was too good to pass up, but when I went to order them, they were sold out. I chose every other color, but alas, I had waited too long so nothing was left in my size. Instead, I ordered a pair of the Classic Riding Tights in black.  Classic Riding Tights in black As soon as they arrived, I knew I was going to love them. They checked off all of my boxes:
 Box #1 - Comfort/Fit I don't know how they made polyester and spandex so comfortable, but these are completely off the comfort chart. The fabric is ULTR stretchy, silky soft, but not the kind of soft that hay sticks to. It reminds me of soft shell material without the weight. I also felt they were true to size. I am a bit chunky lately so I am back in a 32. I ordered the large, and I have plenty of room left over. Also, and this is something Jen and I comiserated over, with regular breeches, I have to constantly yank up the zipper as my chunky-monkey belly forces the zipper open. With these, I realized I get the look of a zipper with pockets and belt loops, but there is no zipper to slide down.  Both thigh pockets have a "lid." Box #2 - Cell Phone Pockets The thigh pockets on the Classic tights are something extra special. The opening to the pocket is in the middle of the pocket. I know that sounds crazy, but the way they've cut the pocket, you can slide your phone in and then pull the top half of the pocket over the top to keep your phone from getting bounced out. I won't even buy breeches now if they don't have at least some kind of a pocket. This pocket design is very clever and was clearly made with riders in mind.  Box #3 - Full Seats Years ago, when I first started riding in English breeches, I didn't like full seats of any kind because they were hot and too sticky. Once silicone came along, I made the switch to fulls seats and never looked back. Even today I don't like my breeches too grippy. I like to do a rising trot without my pants staying stuck to the saddle. When I first sat down, I felt the stick of the silicone, but once I got riding, I never noticed it again. They're sticky, but not so tacky as to be glued to the saddle's leather.  Some thoughtful detailing. Boxes #4 and #5 - Priced Right & Cute
The Classic Riding Tights run $64.99 plus $4.99 for the flat rate shipping. I also had a discount code that took off a few bucks. I like these breeches/tights so much that I went back and discovered either inventory had been changed on the PRO tights or else I hadn't checked carefully enough because in the Hunter Green, they do have the large in stock still. Right now, those are selling for $49.99. I ordered them. I like cute breeches, but comfort, fit, and price are more important. For black tights, these have a lot of extra features that make them stand out from boring black. The faux back pockets have a cute sparkle button sewn on (not glued), and one of the rear "pockets" sports Esprit Equestrian's logo. On the front, there are faux pockets and a "zipper" placket that help camouflage any tummy bulges. For the price, these are cuter than you'd expect. If you decide to order something from Esprit Equestrian Wear, use the discount code, BakersfiedDressage for a one time, 5% discount. Even though the PRO breeches are getting an update, I'll let you know what I think of them. Now I am looking at that maroon/navy color block shirt which would be perfect for showing in my maroon or navy jackets ... Not long ago, my friend Jen tagged me in a Facebook post. Bless her and curse her both. The last thing I need is to be pointed at fun, fashionable and affordable riding wear. If you haven't yet heard of Esprit Equestrian Wear, you can find them on Facebook, obviously, and on their website.  I know money is tight right now; I keep blogging about it, so it must be so. Even so, this company is calling my name, loudly and repeatedly. I finally caved. Not in a big way mind you, so I think I am good, but my trigger finger is getting very restless. So what did I buy? A pair of their many, many cute breeches? Nope. I practiced self-control and went for one of their stretchy belts. You might remember that I have a HUGE thing for C4 belts, and frankly, any belt will pique my interest. I can't help it. Belts, breeches, and socks are just my thing.  Surcingle Belt - Dark Grey I prefer the snaffle bit belts, they come in some fun colors, but the surcingle belts were on sale. Out the door with the added shipping, I paid $24.48; they normally sell for $24. The sale price essentially covered the shipping cost. They're still on sale if you're interested.  Snaffle Belt - $24.99 Since Esprit Equestrian Wear was new to me, I wasn't really willing to risk buying something pricier like breeches. After this experience though, I am doing everything I can to resist. First of all, the package arrived fast - win. Secondly, it was shipped in a turquoise blue bag covered in pink flamingos - another win. The belt came nestled in a little black satin bag with the Esprit logo stamped in sparkly gold - right?! And as if all that weren't enough, they tossed in some of Speedy's favorite mint candies. I am ALL IN.  They nailed it with the "oh, my gosh, I am such a girl!" packaging. They have a huge selection of breeches - all pretty much the same style, but they have oodles of interesting colors. Their three styles are the Classic, PRO, and Winter (which I'll never buy). These are actually riding tights, but tights with attitude. The company describes them as a breech-legging - the comfort of a legging with the durability and function of a breech. They are speaking my language.  Just some of the colors offered in the Classic - $64.99. The Classic has a mid-rise, faux front and rear pockets, and two large cell phone pockets on the thigh. The PRO has most of the same features except that it comes in a low rise and regular front pockets without the cell phone pockets on the thigh. They also have the Tuxedo and Lace finishes in the Classic as well as a version with no faux pockets (Ash with pink sparkles and black with gold sparkles).  Shown with the Snaffle belt. I am so eager to buy a pair of these. The price is well within my comfort range, and the cute factor is way up there. My only reservation is how snugly they seem to encase the body. I do not think these will leave much to the imagination. On the other hand, many reviewers like the sculpting and compression design, so maybe one's bulges get flattened a bit? They do show a couple of images with a fuller figured gal sporting the breeches along with one of their base layer shirts, and she looks pretty nicely put together.  Bulges don't look too bad. When I do order a pair, I've got my eye on the black Classic tights pictured above or the PRO navy blue which have the low rise which I am not too sure about. How low is low? You know what I mean? Plus, the PRO version doesn't have the cell phone pockets on the thigh which I love. So ... anyone have any experience with this company? Are these tights as nice as they look? Please convince me ... to buy or not to buy. I am not sure which. By the way, if you do order something, here's a code for 5% off: BakersfieldDressage.  I love the blue on blue. Just kidding. I WANT them!
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong 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
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy 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 showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2022 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic (Q) Qualifier 2022 Show Schedule
pending ... 2022 Completed … (*) Tehachapi 5/22/22 (*) Tehachapi 7/24/22 (***) Tehachapi 8/28/22 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: 62.115% Score 2: Archives
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