Ovation Horseback Riding Breeches Review
If you’re out there looking for horseback riding attire, you’ve probably come across the brand Ovation. When it comes to equestrian clothing, protective gear, and other riding accessories, Ovation is a brand trusted by most horse riders. Today, I specifically wanted to review the Ovation Women’s Euro Melange Full Seat Cotton Breeches (see here on Amazon.)
Ovation Women’s Euro Melange Full Seat Cotton Breeches
Right now, the Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Breeches are my go-to riding pants. Believe it not, this is my first pair of full seat riding breeches, and I have to say, I don’t think I can go back to just the knee patch breeches anymore.
The Full Seat
The full seat on this pair of pants offers an ultimate grip for the rider. When I ride in these breeches, the material of the seat helps to create friction between your bottom and the saddle. This makes your seat to feel more secure in the saddle. Now, when I ride in a simple pair of cotton knee patch breeches, I feel like I have to fight to keep my bottom in the saddle a bit more.
I was wearing these riding pants one day when the horse I was on decided to have a little bucking fit. I came away still securely in the saddle, not once feeling like I was going to fall off. I immediately credited the full seat breeches I was wearing with my “stickability.”
Maybe it’s just me, but I do really notice a difference in security when riding in full seat breeches 🤷♀️
Durability
These pants are exceptionally durable; I like to put all my clothes, not just my riding clothes, through the wringer and this pair has stood the test. The stitching is strong; I’ve had this pair for a year and have worn them extensively yet the stitching is still holding well. I’ve had other riding pants that have fallen apart at the seams by this time.
Accessories
One of the best things about the Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Breeches is that there are pockets! There are two small front pockets perfect for carrying the things that can easily get lost at the barn. I usually carry my car key in one of these pockets.
One thing I’m not fond of due to personal preference is the length of the pants. I prefer jodhpurs to breeches since jodhpurs will go all the way down to the ankle. These breeches do not; they stay above the ankle. This means that my ankle is usually exposed to mud and cold.
Price
Lastly, the price of this pair of breeches is very reasonable. You get breeches with quality material and build for a very good price. To see what these pants usually run for, you can find them here on Amazon.
Pros of the Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Cotton Breeches
- Reasonably priced
- Full seat offers more security in the saddle
- Made to be very durable
- Stitching holds up
- Classy enough for competitions
- Has two front pockets
Cons of the Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Cotton Breeches
- (Personal preference) I wish the leg was longer and covered my ankles
Overall, the Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Breeches are a great pair of pants and I would recommend them to just about any horseback rider. If you’re looking for a different pair of riding pants, I also included those in this article. See below:
Other Ovation Horseback Riding Pants to Try
Ovation AeroWick Silicone Knee Patch Tights (see here on Amazon)
The Ovation Aerowick Silicone Knee Patch Tights is another popular pair of riding pants produced by Ovation. These pants are made from stretchy form-fitting material that makes you feel like you’re wearing tights rather than riding pants. Nonetheless, this material offers more feeling of mobility to the rider.
Another distinct aspect of this pair of pants is the silicone knee patch. This will help the rider’s leg stay in place and feel less like it’s slipping against the saddle. There’s nothing like a pair of riding pants that contributes to your “stickability.”
Pros of the Ovation Aerowick Silicone Knee Patch Tights
- Reasonably priced
- Trusted brand
- Front pockets
- Silicone knee patch, helping rider stick
- Material is form-fitting and flexible
- Pull-on so you don’t have to mess with zippers
Cons of the Ovation Aerowick Silicone Knee Patch Tights
- May not offer the same classy look as regular breeches
- Some reviews claim that the tights in lighter color are see-through
Ovation Celebrity Slim Secret EuroWeave Breeches (see here on Amazon)
Whether you’re competing or taking a riding lesson, we all know than horseback riding can sometimes be all about your looks. Well, the Ovation Celebrity Slim Secret EuroWeave Breeches were made with that in mind.
Not only do they have the traditional riding pants look classy enough for the show ring, but the special material helps to create a slim look through the rider’s silhouette. These pants are higher waisted in order to keep “everything tucked in.” (I often find myself looking at my tummy rolling over my riding pants so this gives me comfort.)
Pros of the Ovation Celebrity Slim Secret EuroWeave Breeches
- The material helps to slim the rider’s silhouette and keep all that jiggle tucked in
- Classy enough for the show ring
- Well-made with good stitching and material
- Resistant to abrasion and repels dirt
Cons of the Ovation Celebrity Slim Secret EuroWeave Breeches
- Priced more expensive
This pair of pants has great reviews on Amazon, most of which praise the material and the fit. While they are more expensive than the other pants on this list, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
Other Products from Ovation to Consider
Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet
The Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet is a popular, reasonably priced horseback riding helmet. It’s designed to offer maximum safety with minimum bulk and weight. There’s an adjustable dial knob that takes away the hassle of trying on millions of helmets to discover that none quite fit right.
Pros of the Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet:
- Reasonably Priced
- Lightweight and low profile to lessen the look of a bulky helmet
- Rubber finish makes for an easy clean
- Removable breakaway visor to lessen trauma in the event of a fall
- Well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow
- Adjustable dial to make for a better fitting helmet
Cons of the Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet:
- Adjustable dials can be fragile and useless once broken
This item has a 4.7 rating on Amazon out of 5 stars. This helmet is a great find for its price and should satisfy any rider who is looking for a helmet to wear on a day to day basis.
Ovation Suede Ribbed Half Chaps
The Ovation Suede Ribbed Half Chaps are perfect for protecting a rider’s leg while in the saddle. If you or your child prefer chaps over tall boots, then these are probably exactly what you’re looking for! These chaps are classy enough for schooling shows and durable enough to stand up against the wear of daily use.
Pros of the Ovation Suede Ribbed Half Chaps
- Reasonably Priced
- Very durable; the material and stitching can hold up against daily use
- Trim, form-fitting to the leg
- Fits a variety of different rider sizes
- Could pass in local shows or schooling classes
Cons of the Ovation Suede Ribbed Half Chaps
- Should not be worn at the upper level or rated shows
All the Amazon reviews about this product have nothing but good things to say. I’ve found that it’s always useful to have a pair of half-chaps around, whether its at the barn, or in your trailer.
Ovation TekFlex All Season Gloves
The Ovation TekFlex All Season Gloves is what every rider is looking for, especially in this technological age. They have a smart tap texture that allows you to use your phone even with the gloves on! Alas, no more struggling to keep your reins in hand while you try to remove your gloves to use your phone 🙌
Pros of the Ovation TekFLex All Season Gloves
- Made with textured synthetic material to allow for maximum grip on the reins
- Smart tap material so you can use your phone with gloves on
- Velcro wrist straps to have the gloves as tight as you want them
- Reviewed to be quite durable and great for everyday use
Cons of the Ovation TekFlex All Season Gloves
- While called “All Season,” these gloves aren’t quite thick enough to keep your hand warm in cold weather
These gloves look great, work great, and are a great buy. Other people seem to think so as well! Check them out on Amazon.
Overall, Ovation is a great brand that offers quality riding accessories at a reasonable price. Whether you’re looking for a pair of breeches, riding gloves, or helmets, they have you covered. I’m not in any way sponsored or affiliated with them…I just like their products!
Do you prefer tall boots to ride in or short riding boots? If you like the latter, check out our article, Short Horseback Riding Boots: Buying Guide.