Okay, so this is a slightly awkward problem.  Do any of you other lady riders ever have problems with the seam of your jeans being uncomfortable while riding?  Especially in the crotch area?  I have the regular "teen style" flare bluejeans, but sometimes that durn seam is so awful my horse is a lumpy shifty ride when she strides out.  I think I'd look like a dope, but I was thinking of some breeches.  I typically ride western, so english-y things like breeches have NEVER come across my mind.  I wear about a size 4-5 pants.  Can anyone recommend a good brand/type of breech or riding pant without an annoying chafing seam?  Unless I wear the whole englishy outfit, I think breeches might look a little odd.  I don't like high rise pants, I feel like they're eating me alive.  Any savvy pants shoppers out there?  I know breeches stretchy, and I'm not fat, but I don't want to look like a 10lb sack of potatoes in a 5lb bag.  You know. Any sizing suggestions?

Amanda

Hi Amanda, I had chaffing on the inside of my thigh and "girl area" when I switched to a gaited horse. The front to back motion was a completely different feel to me than the side to side motion of QHs and Arabs. I went through more styles of underware and pants than you can count. I finally found a couple of stretch denim jeanbrands that were comfortable to me. I trail ride a lot, so denim is more practical for the trails than breeches.

I really like Smooth Stride Parade pants (but they no longer make them). Smooth stride doesn't have an inside seam and fit more like breeches, but with a regular jean look. Very thin and nice for summer riding. You will need to hem them to your leg lenghth. They have new denim styles now. http://www.smoothstride.com/index.php

For the past two weeks I have been trying out The Horsewoman Spirit Stretch Denim Riding jeans. These run a little big and stretch a lot, so order a smaller size. The denim is thick, so not sure what they will be like in hot humid weather. They do stick to you, but I have not been uncomfortable in them. Rode a total of 7 hours (2- three hour rides and 1 hour tonight) in them and no chaffing issues. http://www.horsewomanspirit.com/

I have also found that a saddle with flatter seat and a narrow twist has really helped the jean/undie riding up the back side too.

Ebay is a good place to try some brands at a lower cost. Just look up stretch riding jeans. Good luck with your comfortable apparel search.

I have  a friend that rides trail quiet a bit (lots more than me) and she never wears jeans for that reason.I have some "breeches" (she tells a story of some guys on a ride somewhere that came up to her and wanted to know about "those britches" she had on,HA HA!) and mine are by Devon.

A little on the small side since I first bought them,but,soon as I can,I plan to be back in them and I'm wearing them this fall.The thing is: they are pretty forgiving in the saddle,but,when you are going solo and standing around,they aren't,because,THEY FIT.Just wear a long shirt if you like.

Angelmay,

Do a search for "riding jeans" and you can find several jeans with no or flat inseams.  Also you can find the "padded" riding underwear.  I haven't tried those yet but they look like they'd help.

Haven't tried the new "girl" products for "hot spots" but one that I love and have used in the past is Calmoseptine.  Stings a bit on first application to those chaffed spots but sure makes it feel better and heal quicker.  You may have to order it online (used to be able to order a sample from the company too).

BTW, I'd have to chime in with the others about riding in breeches or tights.  Once you've tried them it's hard to go back. 

I thought it was just my TSC.   It never fails, I drive ALLLLL the way over there and they are out of some staple, like chicken feed or bedding.  What kind of farm store runs out of bedding!? 

    Anyhow, thanks for all the pants input,  I just have to scrape some sheckels together to afford 60 dollar pants!  I know they'll last nearly forever, but it's still a lot of money for pants.  I'm usually a Goodwill/secondhand store shopper.  It's amazing how much money you can save there.  I like the smoothstride jeans style, and I wrote the company to ask about the crotch seam, and they don't have one.   I think I might try those first.

Amanda

Amanda

I haven't ridden in jeans in over 20 years. Once I found out how comfy breeches were I never went back.  My favorite are Kerrits and the Devon Aire X-Wear Sensation breech is great. The Kerrits Cargo tight and the Devon Aire tight has great pockets on the side for your cell phone, keys, carrots, etc. Both come in a lower rise which still covers all of the important parts. I've never worn Irideon but the material is very similar to the Devon Aire x-Wear tights.  All are good but these two are my favorites. The nice thing about breeches or tights as well is that you can get them with a full seat for extra grip and you can buy winter ones that are like wearing sweats and really keep you toasty in the saddle without bulk. Half chaps are a must for me but some do ok without. Ariat has a great line of really breathable footwear and chaps that I swear by.

All of the products stated here are good for the chafing but good old petroleum jelly will work too.  Many endurance riders use a product call Anti-Monkey Butt for chafing as well.

If you really want to know how to be comfortable for long hours in the saddle, search the places endurance riders shop. If they're good for a fast 100 miles, they're good for several hours of a nice trail ride. Who cares what you look like as long as you're comfortable and you can ride?

Happy (comfortable) trails!

I haven't had to do this, but I keep the thin menstral pads on hand.  Several horse show rest rooms have them on the cabinet.  Breeches are the best, but the saddle must fit also.

I had a pair of Georg Shumacher breeches that fit wonderfully but had a seam on the inside that was terrible.  Got rid of them.  Pikeur, EuroStar, Pytchley, Romph, Royal Highness, all good. 

I'm late to the party as always. 

Carousel Riding Tights are great, there are 3 choices of fabrics and they do custom sizing.  Through my website www.zegifts.com they start at only $65 and custom sizing is only $25 extra.

They also make riding underwear... kneelength for men and women, and french cut for women.  You choose, padded or non-padded.  I think those are $35.

My setup of choice: Carousel tights in Dri-Flex material; Low Rise with no knee grips and with seat padding.  Underneath, I wear non-padded knee-length riding underwear and tons of Monistat Anti-Chafing Powder Gel.  So far that combo has gotten me through 50-milers... wish me luck this weekend on my first 75!