Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
Tredstep logo embroidered on the Integrated Cuff of the Argenta breeches - Photo by Lorraine Peachey
It is just me, or does the unexpected absolutely always seem to happen when you’re in a rush to get somewhere? There never seems to be enough time in the day for me. From the time that my alarm clock goes off in the morning, I try to go through my morning routine efficiently (well…as much as it can be when I’ve got 3 horses to feed, water & check before turnout).
Once my barn chores are done, the next order of business is to get cleaned up and get dressed to head into the office. Which usually means I’m throw on a top and pair of tailored pants, or maybe a dress—instead of the jeans and a tee that I oh-so prefer.
Then I grab up my bag and travel cup for the drive into work. Everything is going pretty smoothly…until I inevitably have some kind of mini-disaster that involves the travel mug and my outfit.
My klutz-like tendencies can (and do) cause the occasional ‘wardrobe-malfunction’. But being around horses really bumps up the chance of having horse snot or dirt land on your clothes. And on a day when you’re planning to travel to a show, clinic, or even trailer out for a lesson, forget about it.
I very much liked the feel of the Schoeller Prestige fabric (which has the added Nanosphere technology to keep stains OFF) – it was super smooth and soft to the touch – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
If you’re traveling somewhere with your horse, you should probably just face the music. Perhaps try some creative uses for saran wrap – wrapping yourself up might possibly help the situation. But probably not. Because some part of your riding outfit is most likely going to get dirty during the trip.
My money is on the breeches getting it – white or light tan colored breeches always look the absolutely best with a combination of coffee, slobber and grass stains…right? (Um…HECK NO!). So I’ll admit—I know that when some of my breeches have fallen victim to such atrocities in the past, I’ve absolutely felt like crying. Especially if it’s RIGHT before I go into the ring. *smacks forehead*
About a year ago, I saw an absolutely heart-attack inducing demo for the very first time. The demo involved—riders with a sensitive nature may want to stop reading now—no? Ok then. Well, it involved dumping a cup of coffee on a pair of white breeches. Intentionally. I literally flinched.
Until, that is, I saw that the coffee beaded up on the surface of the breeches. And then just rinsed right off when a bit of water was poured over them as well. And this is how I was first introduced to Tredstep Ireland’s breeches, which includes Nanosphere technology (aka – the magic behind the coffee rinsing right off the fabric).
Needless to say, I was head over heels for the concept of fabric that allows things like coffee to be rinsed right off with water. And not leave a mark. So, I’ve been wearing several pairs of breeches from Tredstep’s Symphony collection quite a bit this year – and one of the pairs that I’ve enjoyed riding in is the Tredstep Argenta breeches, in full seat.
The definition waistband is probably one of my favorite features of the Argenta breeches – it allows the waistband to literally feeling like it is hugging against me the whole way around my back – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
From the time that I pulled Tredstep’s Argenta full seat breeches out of the package they arrived in, I simply did not want to sit them down. Once I picked the breeches up, I found that I very much liked the feel of the Schoeller Prestige fabric (which has the added Nanosphere technology to keep stains OFF). It was super smooth and soft to the touch, and I also felt like the four-way stretch fabric had a good amount of give to it.
After looking the Argenta breeches over, I couldn’t wait to try them on for myself. Once I tried them on, I found myself noticing that some of my favorite elements of Tredstep’s Symphony collection have been incorporated into the Argenta breeches. The Motion Fit design of features an integrated cuff, definition waistband and well as an articulated knee patch design.
The definition waistband is probably one of my favorite features of the Argenta breeches – it allows the waistband to literally feeling like it is hugging against me the whole way around my back. This helps to eliminate gapping – which I don’t think anyone likes!
The Argenta breeches have a Mid Rise Waist, and the waistband itself cuts down in a ‘v’, which provides a nice fit and a look that is pleasing to the eye.
The integrated cuff allows the breeches to fit the curve of my calf and ankle very well – I really like the fact that it cuts up the side of my leg (rather than having a seam that runs straight across the leg). This makes them contour to my legs especially well, and it helps to reduce the bunching of the fabric behind my knee as well.
The Argenta breeches also feature two front zip pockets, as well as a silver front button – breeches of Tredstep’s Symphony collection are color coded, and each of the different pairs of breeches in the collection have a different color button. The breeches also have belt loops that are both functional, and pleasing to the eye.
The articulated knee patch has light padding on the upper portion, in order to increase the comfort of the leg against the saddle. And, the lower portion is scalloped, in order to eliminate bulk – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
I also like the articulated knee patch is incorporated into the full seat design of the Argenta breeches. The design is made to give rider’s some light padding on the upper portion of the knee patch, in order to increase the comfort of the leg against the saddle. And, the lower portion of the knee patch is scalloped, in order to eliminate bulk. All in all, the breeches lay very nicely underneath tall boots.
The Argenta breeches look especially nice – they have an oh-so lovely tailored appearance, and look as though they are ready to enter the show ring. While they capture an elegant and traditional look, and look like they are ready for special occasions, they also have held well to normal schooling sessions as well.
I’ve also found that the Argenta breeches are quite comfortable to ride in. The features of the Motion Fit design aid in helping the breeches to fit well while I am riding (and look great while I’m doing it).
The four-way stretch helps the breeches have enough ‘give’ to feel comfortable – and I’m also happy to have the Scholler fabric with the Nanosphere technology at my back, so that I don’t have to worry about the unexpected happening to them. Because coffee can just rinse right off.
Tredstep’s Argenta breeches are available in both a Knee Patch and Full Seat version. The Knee Patch version retails for about $219.95, while the Full Seat version retails for about $229.95.
Oh, and have a look at this amazing (and slight panic-inducing) video that shows Nanosphere technology in ACTION:
Go Stylish and Comfortable Breeches (that say NO to stains!). Go Tredstep Ireland. Go Eventing.
