How Many Breeches do I Need?

Probably just four: two for schooling and two for showing.

Someone started a blog hop about the number of breeches that we all own. I don't generally participate in blog hops, not because they aren't interesting, but because I am too lazy to figure out how to add my URL to the list. But this topic, the number of breeches I own, is timely since I just added four new pair to my already ridiculous pile.

I should start with a short story …

When I first started riding endurance, back in 1996, I thought breeches were only for jumpers. After doing some conditioning rides in jeans, I discovered that ANYTHING other than jeans would have to be more comfortable. Since online shopping wasn't quite as easy back then, finding breeches was a little challenging. 

Instead of breeches, I opted for leggings from Target. They were black and far more comfortable than jeans, but they didn't last very long. They tended to get pretty thin and see through. Once I got to know a few endurance riders, I discovered that there were endurance vendors who sold riding tights geared for endurance. I was hooked.

My favorite pair were a super loud giraffe print. I had plenty of others in all kinds of wild colors and prints including electric blue, copper, shiny burgundy, and a cool pair of hot pink paint splatter (down below). I also had many pairs in standard black and brown.

I wouldn't wear them now, but in my late 20s and early 30s, they were fun!

These were BRIGHT!

I share this so you get a feel for my love of riding pants. I still own four pair of endurance tights, three of which are made by a company that have long since gone out of business. 

I answered my question from above: how many pair of riding breeches do I need. The more important question should be: how many pairs of breeches do I own? The simple answer is too many. Why I have so many pair is a mystery to me, especially since I like to wear one pair over and over. Somehow, being filthy makes them more comfortable.

Since I added a few new pair to the collection, I needed to empty out my two drawers set aside for breeches so that I could make room for the newcomers. Here is what I found.

Three pair of new Piper Breeches ...

Three pair of Carousel pull on tights - two with padded knees and bum, one pair with padded knees only. I ADORE the pair on the far right. I'll weep when they're gone.

Top - one pair of Ashley full seats which I HATE and NEVER wear; bottom left - one pair of Sticky Seat breeches, and bottom right - one pair of Platinum breeches (both of which I like but save for winter riding as they are a bit thick.

Four pair of Irideons - the top two are the Cadence pull on, bottom left are polar fleece, and the navy pair are the regular Irideon pull on tights. The Cadence breeches are okay for winter, the polar fleece are usually too warm, and the tights are my least favorite of the bunch.

This is my go-to pile; they get the most use. I have four pair of Ovation low rise breeches - top row, and two pair of the thick waist band, Euroseat Ovations. I love all 6 pair and wear them the most.

I keep my show breeches in the trailer, but this pair happened to be at home because they need a small repair, but there are two other pair in the trailer which brings the show breech count to three.

I certainly don't need all of these breeches. As it is, I wear the same pair most of the week. And even though I ride five to seven days a week, it would still take me almost three consecutive weeks of daily riding to get through the entire pile. There is nothing else in my life that I hoard. As a general rule, I am frugal, conservative, and hate waste.

I guess we all have that one thing … So what was my total count?

Twenty-two pairs of breeches (two not pictured)

I would really like to know how many pairs you all own. Is your count anything like mine?