Ariat Ascent Half Grip tight
Pros
- Smart, sporty look
- Extremely comfortable both in and out of the saddle
- Technical fabric is flexible but really supportive
- Excellent phone pockets with flap to keep the phone secure
Cons
- Regular length is a tiny bit on the short side
Manufacturer:
Price as reviewed:
£110.00
Ariat Ascent Riding Tights
I loved these Ariat Ascent riding tights! They have all the flexibility and comfort that you would want from a pair of leggings, but with a robust, technical feel more like thicker breeches. I’ve worn them out hacking, long-distance riding and in schooling and jumping sessions, and couldn’t fault them in the saddle. They neither pinch nor wrinkle and they allow full freedom of movement, yet have enough structure and cushioning to ensure there is no rubbing.
Appearances are important even when you’re schooling at home, and these do look the part. They are smart for an everyday, casual pair of tights, and I’d happily wear them for a lesson or clinic. They look (and feel) sporty, and I like the different panels – mesh, compression strips and silicone grip – which make the tights look as technical as they are.
Compression panels run down the leg and across the thigh
On the technical side, the highlight is these engineered compression panels, which run down the length of the leg and diagonally across the thigh. I am not currently suffering from an injury, but I did appreciate their supportive action. They are designed to deliver the benefits of athletic taping, supporting muscles and joints without constriction. This is supposed to help reduce injury and promote post-training recovery. They are so comfortable I actually wore them for a jog, and I did notice the support .
The silicone grip is effective and looks durable
The silicone grip did its job in stopping me sliding about in the saddle. It looks quite strong and durable, so only time will tell if the pimples rub off. I’ve now worn them for several hours in the saddle and a few washes, and there is no sign of wear. A friend tells me her five-year old Ariat breeches still look as good as new, so I’m hopeful their durability compares.
The snag with some tights can be that they are overly lightweight, but that is not the case with the Ariat Ascent riding tights. The compression fabric, four-way stretch and high waist all help to make you feel supported throughout your legs and core.
Another useful accessory is the excellent phone pocket. There are two of these, which are situated in the appropriate place on the upper thigh/hip so as not to impede any freedom of movement. The flaps that secure the phone are very reassuring, and my phone didn’t budge throughout my rides. The pockets either side are handy for left- or right-handers depending on preference, or simply another phone-sized pocket for a handkerchief. Anyway, it does not affect the overall look, as the pockets lie completely flat when they are empty.
Phone pocket is secure
I tried the black tights, which look smart. Navy is also available. They are expensive for leggings at RRP £110, however Ariat is a high-class brand and this item is quality.
A tiny bit on the short side…
They come in sizes XS to XL. I am a size 8/10 and I tried the size small, which I feel is true to size, if anything on the small side. They feel very snug when you put them on, but not tight anywhere – you can just notice the compression panels in a subtle way. Ideally, they would be slightly longer in the leg – they only offer “regular”. I’m not particularly tall at 5ft7in and there was a gap above my jodhpur boot. It doesn’t bother me as I wear either chaps or long boots for riding.
Verdict
Smart, technical and sporty both in look and feel. Really comfortable and supportive both in and out of the saddle.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com
Who tested these riding tights?
Martha Terry is Horse & Hound’s features editor. She has a horse and is at the yard every day. She is currently producing a four-year-old ex-racehorse with a view to eventing after several years off the circuit.
Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products
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