Children's breeches are designed with growing riders in mind, using stretchy, comfortable fabrics and adjustable waistbands that handle the demands of a full lesson and frequent washing. Whether your child is just starting out or already competing, the right breeches make riding more comfortable and help them sit correctly. Browse our full kids equestrian clothing range for jackets, shirts and accessories.
About Our Kids Riding Breeches
Riding breeches give young riders the grip, comfort and freedom of movement they need in the saddle, without the bulky seams and rubbing that ordinary leggings or trousers cause. Children's breeches use soft, stretchy technical fabrics that move with the rider and a grip panel at the knee or seat that helps keep them stable and secure.
Because kids grow quickly and ride hard, the best children's breeches balance quality and durability with an affordable price, and many feature adjustable waistbands to extend how long they fit. The right pair helps a young rider develop a correct, confident position from the start.
Knee Grip Breeches
Knee grip breeches have a silicone or suede patch on the inner knee that helps young riders stay stable without restricting how they move their legs. This is the most popular and versatile style for children, suitable for lessons, hacking, Pony Club and jumping. The grip gives beginners extra security and confidence in the saddle while still allowing freedom to develop an independent leg position. Knee grip is a great all-rounder for kids who do a bit of everything.
Full Seat Breeches
Full seat breeches extend the grip panel across the entire seat and inner thigh, giving maximum stability in the saddle. They're popular with children focusing on dressage or flatwork, where a still, secure seat matters most. The extra grip helps young riders sit deeply and stay balanced through transitions and schooling. As children progress and start to specialise, many move from knee grip to full seat for their flatwork and competition riding.
Competition Whites
White and cream breeches are the standard for showing, dressage and many competition disciplines. For children competing at Pony Club, EA events or agricultural shows, a clean pair of white competition breeches is an essential part of correct turnout. Because whites show every mark, many parents keep a dedicated competition pair separate from everyday riding breeches and reserve them for show days. Look for a fabric that washes well and resists staining where possible.
Everyday and Training Breeches
For lessons and daily riding, darker colours like navy, grey, beige and black are the practical choice because they hide arena dust and stains. Everyday breeches prioritise comfort and durability, with stretchy fabrics that handle frequent washing and active young riders. Having two or three pairs of training breeches in rotation means there's always a clean pair ready for the next lesson, while the competition whites stay pristine for show days.
Sizing and Fit for Growing Riders
Children's breeches are sized by age (e.g. 8, 10, 12, 14 years) or by height, and fit varies between brands. European brands like Cavalleria Toscana and Pikeur may fit differently from American brands like Ariat and Kerrits, so check the size guide on each product page. Look for adjustable internal waistbands, which let you fine-tune the fit and extend how long the breeches last as your child grows. Breeches should fit snugly without being tight, with the sock cuff sitting smoothly inside the boot so there's no bunching or rubbing.
Common Questions About Kids Riding Breeches
Below you can see common questions we get asked.
What size breeches does my child need?
Children's breeches are usually sized by age or height, but the right fit varies between brands. Measure your child's waist and height and compare against the size guide on each product page, as
often fit differently from American ones. Many kids' breeches have adjustable waistbands, which help get a good fit and extend how long they last as your child grows.
What is the difference between knee grip and full seat kids breeches?
Knee grip breeches have a grip patch on the inner knee only, giving stability while allowing free leg movement. They're the most versatile choice for lessons, Pony Club and general riding. Full seat breeches have grip across the whole seat and inner thigh for maximum stability, which suits children focusing on dressage and flatwork. Knee grip is the usual starting point for younger or beginner riders.
Do kids need white breeches for competition?
It depends on the discipline and competition. Dressage, showing and many Pony Club and EA events require white or cream breeches as part of correct turnout. More casual events and training don't, so darker colours are fine for everyday riding. Check the dress code for your child's specific competition, and it's worth keeping a dedicated pair of whites just for show days.
Are kids riding breeches worth it over regular leggings?
Yes. Proper riding breeches have grip panels that help young riders stay stable and secure, flat seams that prevent rubbing and chafing, and a sock cuff that sits smoothly inside riding boots. Regular leggings lack grip and have seams that can cause discomfort during longer rides. Breeches help children develop a correct riding position and are far more comfortable in the saddle.
How should I wash kids riding breeches?
Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C, inside out to protect the grip panels, and avoid fabric softener as it can degrade the silicone grip over time. Hang dry rather than tumble drying to preserve the stretch and shape of the fabric. For white competition breeches, treat stains promptly and wash separately to keep them looking their best.
