Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Since I've already owned two other pair, I knew that would be the case. During Black Friday, Dover ran more than one BOGO sale that I took advantage of, and since I wasn't able to get the thing I really wanted - the Black Friday discount didn't apply, I ordered some new breeches (and socks!) instead. While the C4s arrived quickly, my new Over the Calf Peddies aren't expected to arrive until Monday. Stupid Supply Chain issues. Plus, I hate that we all know what that means. Anyway, back to these super cute breeches. Again, like I said last week, Dover's Wellesley Breeches aren't the most stylish breeches out there, but they are cuter than you would expect, especially for the price. The regular price is $99.95, but Dover does lots of sales, especially BOGOs. I paid $162.30 total for the two pairs of breeches. If I lived somewhere without sales tax, I would have paid just under $150. Sales tax in California is ridiculous; $12.37 was what the state got from me. There is (almost) nothing that I dislike about these breeches. First of all, they fit true to size. I am currently a 32, and these fit me exactly right. If anything I have room for a few more pounds which I will NOT be needing. But seriously, I think the sizing is spot on. Besides fitting well, I love the fabric (62% polyester/33% viscose/5% spandex). It is a bit too thick for our hot summers, but so is everything else. These breeches also have a good amount of stretch while still being supportive. All of the stitching is tight, neat, and even, and Dover even thoughtfully did some contrast stitching in places like the belt loops. I also like the contrast piping on the pockets and at the top of the waistband. The sock bottoms have the same contrasting color which gives the breeches just a bit more pop, especially in the navy/papaya. I wasn't sure how that color was going to look in real life, but it turns out that I love it! When silicone seats first came out a few years ago, I was skeptical. Initially, the grip level was just too sticky. I felt like it created a lot of friction because your pants stuck to the saddle with so much grip while your butt still moved back and forth. I feel like the silicone seats have finally reached a perfect degree of stickiness; less is more. The silicone on the Wellesley, a fun little bit design, is grippy without glueing your butt to the saddle. If there is one thing that I don't like about these breeches, it would have to be the rear pockets. They look cute, but they are worthless as a cell phone pocket. I shoved my husband's iPhone 11 (?) in the rear pocket, and you can see how unsafe that would be. My iPhone 12 Pro (not the Max) slides easily into the front pocket, but from experience I know that it isn't comfortable if you're riding or bending over. Why can't all breeches come with a thigh pocket? I rarely ride with my phone in my pocket, but having that thigh pocket makes carrying your phone while doing barn chores a lot safer. Overall, I love these breeches and will buy more as my older breeches wear out. They're priced well, they fit well, and they look good. Maybe by the time I'm ready for another pair, there will be a thigh pocket.
Did you hear that, Dover? Comments are closed.
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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. 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.
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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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