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.
Most days after I arrive home from work, I’ve found myself riding. When you have a horse in training, it’s really important to keep a consistent schedule. And for me, it’s been a great feeling to spending so much time in the saddle.
Spending so much time in breeches and boots means that I prefer to find apparel options that work well for me. Comfortable and functional are the two key characteristics that I look for in any piece of riding apparel that I like to wear.
And since it’s the middle of the summer season, keeping cool is also a consideration. I tend not to do so well when I start to overheat. So It’s especially important that I outfit myself in preparation for riding in warm temperatures.
One of the outfits that has been a part of my riding wardrobe this season includes the Ashley Performance Long Sleeve Shirt, paired with the Signature Breech. Both pieces are from Noble Outfitters, and look and perform beautifully together.
Let’s start from the top down, shall we? The Ashley Performance Long Sleeve Shirt is a lovely quarter zip thats made to suit riding in warm and sunny weather. The super lightweight fabric is rated with UPF 50+ protection, to help shield against the sun’s harmful rays.
Looking a little closer at the fabric, the content is a 91% Tactel nylon and 9% spandex, which is feather light and stretchy. And the back of the shirt? It includes a stretch mesh panel that is ultra breathable to help promote air flow.
The Ashley Shirt also includes some other terrific features for comfortable riding. Opti Dry Technology helps to pull away moisture quickly from skin. And let’s not forget the patterned and chic looking power mesh underarms to promote addition ventilation.
And it’s the little details that help set the Ashley Shirt apart. The princess seam side panels, coupled with the flat seam construction help to provide a flattering fit. The mock neck also does feature a stock tie loop on all colors of the shirt.
Onwards to the Signature Breeches! Something that I noticed right out of the gate is that the Signature Breeches include a number of the same specs and fabric technologies that the Ashley Performance Shirt does.
Like the Ashley, the Signature Breeches also boast UPF 50+ protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Also, the cotton/nylon/elastane blend fabric also features Opti Dry Technology, which again, helps wick away moisture quickly.
From there, the Signature Breeches branch out and bring some other terrific features to the table. The ultra smooth fabric also includes 4-way stretch, for a flattering and comfortable fit. They also feature a mid ride, euro seat design for modest coverage.
The Signature Breeches feature a front zip closure, as well as a zip pocket on the left front. I also find the belt loops are a nice feature, especially with the added extra belt loop with the Noble Outfitters Signature Strip pattern.
Another feature not to overlook are the Toray ultrasuede knee patches. The slightly darker coloring contrasts with the tan of the Signature Breech nicely. And, they are more than just a pretty face, when they help provide extra grip in the saddle.
Enough about features: what do I really feel like when riding in the Ashley Performance Shirt paired with the Signature Breeches? Both pieces fit me comfortably, and help flatter in all of the right places. And looking great also helps me to feel more confident!
While in the saddle, I feel like the fabric of both pieces is non restrictive and really moves with me. And while being comfortably active, the lightweight fabric also helps by wicking away moisture quickly from my skin.
Keeping cool is a bit easier with the well ventilated Ashley Shirt. Not only does the stretchy mesh panel allow for more airflow, the super cute patterned underarm power mesh does so too. I gain additional ventilation by partially unzipping the quarter zip mock neck.
And keeping a grip has been made easier for me while wearing the comfortable Signature Breeches. Flattering both on the ground and in the saddle, the Signature Breeches are also extremely comfortable to wear.
Plus, they offer a good amount of grip. Which has been helpful for me, especially when I’m riding my pony while he is learning how to jump and gallop like a ‘big boy.’ The Toray ultrasuede knee patches really give me grip when and where I need it.
Both the Ashley Performance Long Sleeve Shirt and the Signature Breeches are available from Noble Outfitters. The Ashley Shirt is available in a number of colors, some with patterned power mesh panels. It has a retail price of $64.95, and you can find it here.
The Signature Breeches are available in sizes 24 through 34 in a traditional tan color, which is designed with the show ring in mind. They have a retail price of $149.95, and you can find them here.
Go Staying Cool in the Saddle. Go Noble Outfitters. Go Eventing.