When you find the right pair of jeans you can't beat that comfortable feeling that comes with wearing them. This is especially true when it comes to wearing them in the saddle. When it comes to choosing pants for Western riding then jeans are the most traditional and comfortable choice. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about buying the best horse riding jeans. We’ve also reviewed our favorite women's, men's and children's horse riding jeans to help you in your search.
What Pants Should I Use for Horseback Riding?
When it comes to choosing the right kind of horse riding pants, one thing's for certain, they need to be durable. Most horses are exercised 3 to 5 times a week and some that are in lighter work may be ridden every day. That’s a lot of time you could be potentially spending in the saddle so your riding pants have to hold up to the demands.
To get the most from your riding pants, you should choose them according to your riding discipline and the saddle you’re using. Take a look at the two main types of riding pants below.
English Riding
Horse riding is popular all over the world, however, it's usually categorized into two forms of Western and English. Both the Americans and the British have paved the way with horsemanship and riding over the years. For English riding, you should generally use jodhpurs or breeches. These are tight-fitting pants that are usually elasticated and are worn with English riding boots. They also provide a good grip in the saddle which is necessary for the English riding disciplines.
Western Riding
When it comes to Western riding, then you should wear a good pair of horseback riding jeans. This is because riding jeans are a lot more comfortable and durable up against the heavy western saddle and the long hours that may be spent in it. Jeans are favored also because they fit the busy and demanding Western lifestyle. The best horse riding jeans should be stylish too, which means you can go straight from the saddle, to the bar, or any other social activity.
How to Choose the Best Jeans for Horseback Riding
We love horse riding in jeans because, when you find the right ones, they’re so comfortable. To make sure that you choose the best Western riding jeans for your needs, follow our guide below.
1. Material
The most traditional material when it comes to jeans is, of course, denim. Denim is a form of tough, durable, breathable cotton. This makes it perfect for the demanding conditions of Western riding and rodeo life.
The best horseback riding jeans will be mostly be made up of cotton but you may also find them made from a blend of other materials too. Ones that are made with a blend of polyester or rayon have an extra edge when it comes to durability. If you’re looking for stretchy jeans then look for jeans that are made with a small percentage of spandex.
2. Style
As tempting as it might be, don’t buy your equestrian jeans based on style alone. Of course, style is important but it's not the most important thing to consider. Don’t be tempted by fancy seams and rhinestones on back pockets. These won't be comfortable and can even cause a safety hazard when you’re riding.
3. Cut
Another thing you should consider about a pair of riding jeans is the “cut”. This refers to the style of the jeans, more specifically the shape around the lower leg. Options will include, straight cut and boot cut for example.
If you have particularly nice pair of western riding boots that you’d like to show off then choose a “mid-rise” boot cut. A mid-rise cut will reveal more of the boot when you're walking around and sitting in the saddle.
The most popular styles of cut for Western riding are boot cut, straight cut and cowboy cut jeans. Avoid buying ones with a wide cut like flares, for example, these aren't practical for horse riding.
While you're at it consider some of the most comfortable cowboy boots to go along with your boot cut jeans.
4. Brand
With jeans being such a popular item of clothing then you must be sure that your jeans are designed for horse riding and that they’re not standard fashion jeans.
Standard jeans won't be as comfortable or as durable when you’re riding. The raised seams can even cause severe chaffing. When you’re choosing jeans, check the brand to see if it's been approved for western riding. Look for brands such as Ariat or Wrangler jeans.
5. Fit
Horse riding jeans have to be comfortable and to be comfortable they must fit well. So that you can find the most comfortable jeans for riding horses, you should measure yourself first to get an exact idea of your size.
Sizes can vary a lot between the different manufacturer's so always refer to individual sizing guidelines. Whether you choose low or high waistband jeans, comes down to personal preference. Often, women's jeans with a low waistband will also feature a high rise back. This keeps the riders lower back covered when they're in the saddle.
It's worth noting that horse riding jeans often need to be broken in. This means that sometimes a pair that fits well may seem a little rigid at first.
Reviews of the Best Horse Riding Jeans for Women Men and Children
In our bumper review, we’ve covered the best jeans for horse riding, for women, men and children. Take a look at our top choices below.
Women's
There's a lot of women's horse riding jeans out there, but after lots of consideration, we think these are the best women's horseback riding jeans on the market.
1. Wrangler Women's Q Baby Mid-Rise Boot-Cut Riding Jean
The Q Baby, boot cut riding jean from Wrangler is a hit amongst female Western riders. They’re made from 99 per cent cotton and 1 per cent spandex meaning that they have an extra edge when it comes to flexibility. These trail riding jeans offer a performance fit that sits on the hips with a no-gap waistband and a high rise back so they stay in place and keep you covered. You can also enjoy full knee flex with unrestricted movement and flat comfort seams which prevent chafing.
The Q Baby jeans have a traditional 5 pocket styling and embellishments and a mid-rise boot cut fit. They're also machine washable, have a zipper closure and come in a huge range of colors.
2. Ariat Women's R.e.a.l Mid-Rise Boot-Cut Jean
These women's boot cut, mid-rise horse riding jeans from Ariat are a bestseller on the market place. They’re made from 93 per cent cotton, 6 per cent polyester and 1 per cent spandex. This means that these jeans are, breathable, flexible, durable and offer you the maximum amount of comfort in the saddle. They're available in four unique, hand-sanded colors and they feature thick contrast stitching that will help you stand out.
To give you the perfect fit both ion and out of the saddle, these jeans feature a contoured, no-gap waist, mid-rise back and slimming core control panels. These are a great pair of all-round horse riding jeans to invest in.
3. Wrangler Women's Western Stretch Boot-Cut Jean
This is another fantastic pair of women's riding jeans from Wrangler that provide everything you need for comfortable riding. They're made in a classic Western-style with signature Wrangler embroidery, from durable and high-quality materials. The unique blend of cotton, rayon, polyester and spandex makes these jeans super flexible yet tough and durable too. The mid-rise design features a contoured, low waistband for a flattering fit and a classic, boot cut design for elegance in and out of the saddle.
These jeans are built for function but also with fashion and style in mind and they're available at a great price. You can’t go wrong by investing in a pair of Wrangler Jeans.
Men's
When it comes to choosing the best men's horse riding jeans, we thought the following three provide the best value for money.
1. Ariat M2 Relaxed Fit Men's Denim Jeans
These men's jeans from Ariat have it all when it comes to horse riding jeans. They offer the ultimate in comfort with no-rub comfort inseams and they're made from 100 per cent breathable cotton. These jeans have a zipper closure and are machine washable. They look great out of the saddle too with a durable, ring-spun denim, stackable design and a perfect over the boot silhouette. These jeans are comfortable right through the hip waist and thigh.
2. Wrangler Men's 20X Relaxed Fit Competition Jeans
Wrangler are brand leaders in comfort when it comes to riding jeans and these x20s are no exception. They're made from 100 per cent cotton with advanced comfort technology meaning that they are tough, durable and made to last under hard work. These Wrangler jeans' a perfect choice for hardworking men and they’re great to relax in too. They certainly catch an eye with their stylish five-pocket styling, classic cut finish and traditional embellishments. These jeans have a zip fly button closure and are machine washable.
3. Wrangler Men's 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans
This is another fantastic jean from wrangler and they're the classic choice amongst cowboys. Their timeless classic cowboy style is so popular that they’re the official pro rodeo jean. They're made from 100 per cent, breathable, heavyweight cotton and feature-filled seams for extra comfort. This pair of riding jeans have it all when it comes to cowboy style. They feature 5 pocket styling, signature W Wrangler stitching, and an attractive boot stack design. These jeans have a zipper closure, are machine washable and they’re available in a huge range of colors.
Children's
Little legs are growing all the time and probably encounter a lot more rough and tumble. Below, we've selected the most durable horseback riding jeans for children.
1. Wrangler Girls Retro Stretch Boot-Cut Jean
This stretchy, boot cut girls riding jean from Wrangler will keep little legs super comfortable in the saddle. They’re made from a mix of cotton, rayon, polyester and nylon which makes them durable but comfortable and stretchy too. These jeans feature a special “adjustable fit” waistband that gives the jeans a custom fit even as the wearer grows.
These jeans are eye-catching with all the traditional Western features and styling. This pair of riding jeans combine the best of traditional styling with all the modern comfort features making them a great pair of kids jeans to invest in.
2. Wrangler Boys Original Cowboy Cut Strait Jeans
This is a pair of classic boys jeans from Wrangler that are made from durable material in a straight cut fit. They’re a favorite among young cowboys because of their original comfortable design. They’re made from 100 per cent breathable cotton which is comfortable and durable both in and out of the saddle. These jeans feature an “adjustable fit” waistband which can be used to customize the fit as the child grows. These are a fantastic pair of jeans to invest in for any aspiring young cowboys out there.
3. Wrangler Girls Stretch Boot-Cut Jean
This is a fantastic pair of stretch fit jeans from wrangler that are perfect for any little cowgirls out there. They have a classic eye-catching design and an elegant boot cut fit which looks great both in and out of the saddle. The stretch denim is made from a durable blend of cotton, rayon, polyester and spandex. This means that as well as being stretchy, they’re comfortable and durable too.
These horse riding jeans can be customized to fit even the fastest-growing little girls with the “adjustable fit” waistband. This is a great pair of machine washable jeans that will endure even the toughest of child's-play.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best riding jeans then its natural that a high-quality brand like Wrangler would get our endorsement. The women's Q Baby jeans are designed with the rider in mind and offer the very best in comfort and protection. These are a great pair of jeans to invest in and they’re backed by many positive reviews. In our opinion, if you want the ultimate riding experience then these are the best Wrangler jeans for horse riding.
When it comes to choosing the best horse riding jeans, by following our guide, you’ll be sure to find your perfect match. Always choose ones that are suitable for riding to ensure maximum comfort and protection. Once you find the ultimate riding jeans, they’ll last you a long time and provide many hours of comfort both in and out of the saddle.
