Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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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