Save yourself some grief
Pick the right pair of jeans
One reason some people don't enjoy riding is because it causes so
much chafing and general skin irritation. What they may not realize is
how easy it is to solve this problem just by wearing the right pair of
jeans.
Fabric and cut affect riding comfort more than you might realize.
Jeans designed for riding are different from regular jeans, and
especially from fashion jeans. Ordinary jeans usually have their heavy
seams along the inside of the legs and the smooth seams on the
outside. Cowboy or western cut jeans have heavy, double-welted
seams on the outside, and the inner seam next to the horse is smooth
and much less bulky - which makes a significant difference in comfort
when riding.
Back pockets on cowboy-cut jeans are set slightly higher, so the
stitching doesn't rub on the tailbone.
Fashionable wide-leg jeans and low rise jeans are utterly impracti-
cable for riding because they wrinkle up in all the wrong spots and
cause chafing. Relaxed fit can work, but it is cut fuller through the
thigh and knee, so you need to be careful that you don't have too
much loose material at those points to wad up and create pressure
points.
Boot-cut jeans are designed to be easily pulled down over boot tops,
in contrast to narrow leg jeans, which will often twist, ride up and
create additional pressure points. A little extra length can be useful-
so buy a pair with an inseam a little longer than your fashion jeans.
Jeans that are just a little bit too long when you're standing on the
ground, and sag a little in the calf, will be just right when
you're in the
saddle.
Jessica Jahiel, at horse-sense.org, suggests that you shop at a tack
shop so you can make use of the saddles they have on display to
check fit. Ask first, though, because some saddle stands are strong
enough to hold a saddle, but not a human. By sitting in a saddle, you
can get a better idea of how the jeans will fit when riding. Check to be
sure the bottom hem is below your ankle bone.
Jeans come in 100% cotton, cotton-lycra blends, and woven poly-
ester. Cotton denim is easy to find, comes in lighter weights that
chafe less and can be starched for extra crispness. Cotton-lycra
blends provide a snug fit with less bulk and stretch for comfort.
Polyester is lightweight and is comfortable under chaps. On the
downside, polyester breathes less, so it is hotter and it
isn't very
durable.
Stretch denim is an attractive choice, but when you buy stretch jeans,
do not stuff yourself into the smallest size possible. First of all,
you'll
use up all the stretch just getting into them, leaving no stretch for
riding...and for mounting and dismounting.
Some people feel that tan jeans are softer and less irritating to
sensitive skin. Most experienced riders recommend Wranglers.
If you are a woman, don't hesitate to try on men's jeans. They may fit
your body style better when you're riding. You can always have
women's jeans in your closet for other occasions.
Both men and women may find they are more comfortable wearing
panty hose or tights underneath their jeans when riding. Men who ride
in endurance competitions almost always wear tights to reduce
irritation and chafing. Nobody sees that interior layer and it can make
a huge difference.
If your non-horse partner is willing to go out on an occasional trail ride
just to be sociable, it is worthwhile to check what kind of jeans (s)he
is wearing. When your sidekick has one pair of jeans that fit correctly
and are suitable for riding, it makes the experience so much more
enjoyable that (s)he may volunteer to go riding again.
