Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
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 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. 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? I would really like to know how many pairs you all own. Is your count anything like mine?
12 Comments
What an incredible collection!
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jenj
10/30/2014 05:23:07 am
Wow, that's quite a collection! Next time my husband says I have too many, I will point him to this blog entry... :D
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Appydoesdressage
10/30/2014 07:41:35 am
I have 13 schooling breeches (3 winter breeches, if that makes the number any better?!?) and 4 show breeches. I regularly only use probably 3 pairs of schooling breeches, why so many more? Can't help it!
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10/30/2014 09:24:24 am
Oh my goodness … I am so embarrassed! I thought I was maybe in the middle of "number of breeches" owned. I am definitely CUT-OFF until I start wearing some of these suckers out and the number is thinned down. :0)
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Six. One white pair dedicated to showing, two for when I'm pregnant/fat and three for when I'm not carrying all the baby weight any longer. The preggo ones are getting a hard work out with two little ones already, and a third on the way!
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Wow! That's a lot of breeches! I have 4 pairs of schooling full seats, one pair of white show breeches, and 2 pairs of knee patch breeches (in the process of selling these...). I also have a really old pair of tights I need to just throw away at this point (holes in the knees!), and a pair of full seat polar fleece. Oh! And a pair of winter full seat pants, that I actually bought as ski pants. :)
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Ashley G
11/2/2014 11:48:49 pm
I have 2. I wish I had more. :,( I have one set of TuffRider Ribbed lowrise KP which I love but are thinning in the lady bits and a pair of Devon-Aire X Wear Sensation Tights that I HATE. :( I'll take your worn out hand me downs.
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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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