Shopping

After a great 3 day conference I am now at my sister's home. I am enjoying hanging out with her, my brother in law and their four great kids. Her second oldest, Caelen also rides (she has stayed with us in the past and enjoyed playing with Irish).

On Saturday, Aimee, Caelen and I went for a drive and we ended up going to The Equestrian Fashion Outfitters. I've ordered from them on-line before but wanted to visit because it's easier to purchase when you can try the clothes on. Equestrian clothing varies wildly in their sizing so it's not always easy to buy on-line.  It is a lovely little shop packed with all sorts of brands. Including one of my favourites: Horze.

Normally I buy things on sale and haphazard. This time I actually put an entire 'look' together. I tried on a pair of horze tights and ended up having to go down a size. But they were so comfortable:

Hayden Tights

I loved the high wast and the zipper detail. The silicone is comfortable and doesn't pull.

I also bought this shirt (again, going down a size- Horze is good for my ego!): 

I've been wanting a vest for a long time but they are not easy to buy- so many won't zip up over my chest or are so baggy that it's awkward to ride in. But this one fit perfectly:

Equetech Quilted vest

If you don't zip it up all the way it makes a loose collar. I liked the soft but fitted cut. My arms have lots of room to move as well.

I also helped my niece pick out some clothes- we got matching breeches. I might not be allowed to come back for a while....

Like I said, this is the first time I actually made an 'outfit'. Certainly other of my tops will work with these as well. But I felt rather snazzy. So I closed my eyes and handed over my credit card.

Because looking good is important, right? God, am I shallow? 

#noregrets

Breeches Review

So I may be developing a breeches problem to go with my saddle pad issues. Since January I have bought three new breeches that I want to review. Finding breeches that fit me is difficult- I am long waisted and there is a difference between my hips and waist.

1. Equetech Denim F/S Breeches

I fell in love with these from the photo. It's always a crap shoot to buy online but I ordered them anyway. I ordered size 32 but they run big and were way too large for me. I exchanged them for a size 30 which fits well.

Pros:

• made of durable denim so are perfect for riding and barn chores. You don't have to worry about picks or holes (unless you get really carried away with a pitchfork). 
• High waist to hold 'things' in. 
• comfortable to ride in

Cons:

• the denim has no 'give' so can feel a bit confining in the waist. It helps to give support when riding but not so comfortable for sitting on the couch. 
• The hips fit well and are even generous. The waist is a bit tight but it's not terrible. 

If you like jeans you will like these. I quite like them and wear them often. 

2. Horze Kiana Women's Full Seat Breeches

Another impulse buy (honestly, I can't be trusted in the winter when I cannot ride).  I ordered 32 and they fit perfectly. 

Pros: 

• the silicone gives a great grip without being over the top
• I love how they look
• sightly wind/rain resistant (which is key when you ride on a breezy hill). 
• They give a bit of slimming effect with the lines. 

Cons:

• This is picky but I wish the waist was a bit higher but it isn't that bad. 
• I wish Horze made a matching shirt. I bought one thinking it would match but it's a different shade of blue. I think if a company is going to make colourful breeches they should have tops that go with it. 

I would definitely recommend these breeches (perhaps in more traditional colour) and will probably buy more. 

3. Fits Flex Full Seat Zip Front

When I was at the show I visited Bits N Bridles in the morning to check out the sales. These were marked down significantly and there was no tax. I tried them on (large) and was surprised at how well they fit. I had some concerns about the seat as it felt quite slick. 

Pros: 

• feel like yoga pants. 
• despite that they don't show all the bumps and bulges. 
• The waist is perfect- it hits just at the sweet spot of the belly button. 
• despite my worries the seat is not slippery at all. I would rate it as more grip then suede and less than silicone. Even when Carmen is bouncing around I don't feel that I'm going to slip out of the saddle. 
• I rode in them in heat and in cold weather and felt comfortable both times. 

Cons: 

• not really a con- I'm not sure how well the fabric will hold up- we shall see. 

So there you have it. Three reviews of three different styles. 

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