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Are you looking for a pair of perfect equestrian breeches but you keep wondering which type of full grip to choose? Learn the advantages of each type - this will help you make an informed decision!
You will find an abundance of breeches made of various materials, in all kinds of colors, and with functional gadgets in equestrian shops. However, experienced riders first check the type of grip and material of which it is made. It is the most crucial element of breeches. How to find the one that would meet your expectations?
Full grip — what does it mean?
A grip is a type of reinforcement of the breeches. Its task is to provide the rider with better stability in the saddle and protect against chafing.
A full seat (grip) goes on the inner side of the legs: from mid-calf, through the knees, thighs, and buttocks, so all the body parts of the rider that come into contact with the horse. A full grip provides better adhesion to the saddle and additional protection, which is why it is often recommended for beginners.
1. Pikeur Philina Grip women's breeches with full silicone grip 2. Animo Nrosa women's breeches with full silicone grip
They are also keenly chosen by dressage riders because of the discipline's specifics - unlike show jumping, dressage often requires the riders to use a training trot and full seat at a canter. Then, the full grip allows the rider to maintain a stable seat and proper pose. It also happens that people who started riding in breeches with full seat simply prefer this type of protection and value its comfort and durability.
Types of full grip
We can differentiate three most popular types of full seat. Despite slight differences, each type has its fans.
Breeches with silicone grips
1. Pikeur Lucinda Girl Grip girl's full grip breeches 2. Pikeur Calanja Grip women's full grip breeches
The latest solution is conquering the hearts of riders from all over the world. It comes as small silicone points "printed" on the material in the area of the grip. It excellently improved adhesion (giving the sensation of being "glued" to the saddle), at the same time not stiffing the breeches and allowing for breathability, which is especially important during summer. A silicone grip could also be almost invisible (if the producer uses silicone in a similar color as the breeches material) or contrast, creating an eye-catching pattern.
Material grips
This solution is very popular for its simplicity and low price. Most often, the grip would be made of the same material (or similar) as the breeches and is simply sewn doubly in the places that touch the saddle. It provides comfort and good breathability, but sometimes (especially in lower quality breeched), it tends to pill.
Leather or suede grips
1. Pikeur Lugana women's breeches with full McCrown leather grip 2. Pikeur Liostro Sretch McCrown women's full grip breeches
It is usually made of synthetic materials that are more resistant to washing than their natural counterparts. It is characterized by resistance to damage and high protection from chafing, but at the same time, it is less elastic and not as breathable, which might be problematic in the summer. This type of grip is often picked by people, who need especially solid clothing (e.g. because of training many horses a day, taking field trips often).
