04/05/2018

“Bare Essentials EVERY Equestrian Needs“

Author: Annalise Wagner

When it comes to picking out clothes for my riding wardrobe, I find I can be quite picky! It’s finding that perfect balance between style, durability, and performance! That’s why, the moment ride-in gym tights became available; I knew I needed a pair of my own! 

It just makes sense, if equestrianism is a Olympic recognized sport, why are we still training in thick cotton overpriced custard coloured leggings- when other sports have evolved to the next level of high performance attire? 

Historically equestrianism is a bit of an “elitist” sport, which does explain our traditionalist approach to riding attire, however I do sometimes find it interesting that we are willing to give up comfort, and overall performance benefits just to “look the part”. 

 Ride-in gym tights are genius. After firsthand experiencing the displeasure of slipping around in the saddle with ordinary skins meant for the gym, I longed for an equestrian alternative. Think breathability, quick dry material that wicks away sweat/water from a XC jump, a contoured fit, grippy seat, light-weight feeling, and full movement! 

Which brand though? 

A few years ago, ride-in tights were made available to the equestrian market, however with so many brands offering similar but different products, which is the best? When it came to ordinary gym tights, I preferred skins brand due to the light weight silky feeling, overall durability and fit, and I was really aiming to find a ride-in alternative with a similar material, cut and quality! I tested a few brands I found at a local saddler, and they were close but no cigar. 

This is when I discovered Bare Equestrian! 

Bare Equestrian has by far the best overall quality, fit, performance and design in comparison to other equestrian ride-in tights I have seen on the market. 

First impressions are everything, and so when I opened up the postal bag with my bare tights inside; I can assure you there was absolutely no disappointment. 

The material used is perfect. Bare went with the silkier lighter fabric, closely relating to skins brand, which has extra benefits that I will discuss further on, a stunning black and grey design, pockets and beautiful branding. 

Over the past few weeks I have put the ride-in tights up to brutal daily testing to simulate what they would possibly go through in the regular equestrian life. Here are my results! 

First, I decided the most important thing is both fit, and comfort! The Bare Equestrian tights feel like a second skin, and throughout all my stable activities, and day-to-day home/exercise activities I had full comfort and I really loved the fact throughout all activities- the Bare Equestrian tights never lost their shape or stretched, guaranteeing a perfect fit every time! 

Next, it was performance! As I mentioned earlier, Bare Equestrian decided to go with that lighter silkier material with their ride-in tights! This choice actually is what made these tights superior to other brands on the market! The tights are incredibly breathable, which makes them perfect for all seasons as they keep you cool in summer, and dry quickly in winter! The quick drying feature also makes them perfect for water jumps/washing your horse! The tights have silicone grip, which I was slightly skeptical about as I find silicone grips on breeches generally are either great or awful- however Bare has used the perfect balance of silicone giving the tights amazing grip in the saddle! 

The pockets are UH-MAZ-ING! What a clever design feature to have not only included a deep pocket (Which is a huge plus because I hate using my bra to hold my phone) but to place it on the leg…, which is pure genius! When you ride, either you have your phone digging into your hip or you have to take it out, as to not sit on it, by having the pocket on the leg Bare Equestrian has eliminated this issue- and the pocket is deep allowing security for the phone! 

Finally, washing. Whilst it seems least important, on the contrary, washing is actually a big issue I find with most equestrian attire! Either after 1 wash silicone grip begins to fade, or I find colours start to run- fabric starts to deteriorate! However there has been absolutely no issue with the Bare Equestrian tights! After washing, they come out looking brand new again! 

I’m really happy with the Bare Equestrian ride-in gym tights, and can highly recommend them to all riders of all sizes! I can honestly not rate these high enough, the tights tick all my boxes and finally I feel comfortable and confident in what I’m riding in! 

You can pick up a pair here!

https://bareequestrian.com/

Be sure to check out their social media too! 

https://www.facebook.com/Bareequestrian/