2 PAIRS OF RIDING PANTS = FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE
2 PAIRS OF RIDING PANTS = FREE SHIPPING, WORLDWIDE
I’m guessing you’ve heard the saying “Like a fish out of water?” Well, for this read I’d like you to visualise that fish and keep that saying right up in the front of your mind. When you see the fish, don’t make it a playful dolphin that smoothly rises and falls from the water, skilfully manoeuvring itself in the boat’s wake and never straying from its intended path. Nor a majestic whale powerfully thrusting itself from the deep depths into the bright sunlight, twisting its huge body in such a way as to appear graceful before returning to its underwater haven. No, no… I’d like for you to picture a shiny, pink snapper with bulging eyes and frantically flapping gills, gasping and heaving as it flops around after having been dragged from the water, desperately trying to flip itself back into safe, familiar surroundings.
I was very surprised to find that I felt a bit like that fish when I first got back into the saddle; the gasping, desperate pink version, not the skilful, graceful one. I had been wistfully expecting to feel an immediate sense of homecoming, of belonging in that saddle but instead it was all strangely unfamiliar and even a little bit scary. Don’t get me wrong – I was as excited as a 6-year-old that’s been told Christmas is going to come twice a year and the grin on my face stretched from one ear to the other, but I really did feel a bit out of place.
My daughter had trained our little mare beautifully to stand quietly at the mounting block and she stood rock solid as I sort of climbed, sort of hoisted myself into the saddle, then stood patiently while I took a few deep breaths to calm the frantic, flapping fish that was flipping around inside me.
I’m not sure how long we just stood there and savoured the moment, but it was a while. It had taken a big commitment to get here and I had no intention of rushing it.
And then, with a gentle squeeze (and a click of my tongue, which she ignored), we moved off.
It was brilliant! This is ok… I’m ok… We’ve got this!
Until I tried to turn.
The frantic fish started it’s flipping about again, reminding me I was out of my depth. All I wanted to do was turn, surely that was do-able? My ever-patient daughter reminded me that I needed to use the outside rein to turn and I suddenly realised that the thousand hours I had spent watching her ride was worth exactly nothing when it came to putting theory into practice. The outside rein!? What the…!?
Without her guidance I’m sure we would have continued our sort of crab-style walk down the length of the arena until we had nowhere else to go, but she broke it down and before I knew it, we were indeed going in a whole different direction. Let’s just assume it was the direction I had intended.
We kept up with the walking, turning (outside rein!) and halting (we were pretty good at that one) for the rest of the ride, choosing to keep it simple for the time being. Despite having to be constantly reminded to ‘push my heels down’ (seems that the flipping fish has a very short memory), we did ok. I did ok. I took great delight from watching the little mare’s ears as they flicked back and forth, trying to tune in to what I wanted from her. With every step and movement of her powerful shoulders, it all began to seem more and more familiar, more and more like coming home.
And then came the moment that none of us had prepared for – it was time to get off. I had watched my daughter dismount this little mare countless times, always with agility and grace; taking her feet from the stirrups, swinging her right leg lightly over the back of the saddle, dropping quietly to the ground beside the horse with both feet at the same time.
But now the ground seemed a really, really long way away. My basic grasp of physics told me that the extra kilos I was still carrying, coupled with natural gravity, had the potential to create a force that might see me punch a hole in the ground like a pole driver and cause my body to crumple like an accordion. Would my ankles hold me up? Would my knees survive? Was my hip even still working?
Trust me that the result, while successful in terms of separating myself from the horse, was less than graceful and was more like the clamber down that you see when a child decides to awkwardly come down the ladder instead of swooshing down the slide.
But we were still in one piece, the grin was still in place, the legs were still working (although tomorrow might be different) and the little mare seemed happy enough with my basic efforts, so only one question remained…
When can we do it again?
Deb Irving
August 09, 2020
Another great read Deb .I really felt sorry for the fish ,and I can totally understand your comparing yourself to it.I did have a giggle as I can see you as a 10 year old riding Chubby and having the same excitement he gave you.
I hope your journey is bringing you back to what you love and that is To be back in the saddle again .
August 09, 2020
Deb I was so inspired reading “The First Ride” I felt like I was there, it’s so true we are the only ones in our way from doing what we truly want to do, a plan, commitment and action.. Yeah if only it was that easy. We’ll done you I’m so proud of you and your journey xx
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Finding western riding pants for women who actually ride is practically impossible in the US market. Too many old time brands follow impractical fashion trends. I am so glad to find Ride Proud and pants that will actually feel comfortable and stand up to time in the saddle. These fit true to size (US size 6) I’m 5’5” and 140 lbs. I have hips & thighs. They are slightly long but I like long pant legs when in the saddle. I bought two pair. The trainers are slightly large in the waist and the special edition pants fit perfectly. Shipping was uneventful and quick.
I haven't ridden in them yet, but I can still tell that these are like nothing I've ever worn before, in quality, fit, and design. I'll not be stuffing this old butt into another pair of traditional breeches. Worth every penny!
I guess when you find the perfect pant to ride in, the only choice is “what colour next?!” And although going a light colour when your horse rolls in black dust may not have been a perfect choice by the end of the day - it does look great after a wash and when I head OUT on a ride at least!!
Two pairs now…. Still more colours to go (but I might just hold off for a little while???!!)
My jeans arrived during an ice storm. Today it’s a sunny 73 degrees and I finally got to ride. I understand why these Ride Proud jeans are loved!
Super comfortable, no bunching up, no digging into my hip bones. I love them.
These riding pants are fantastic ! I’m carrying a few extra lbs and they are very flattering! Love the suede seat . Attention to detail is excellent. Fabric —time will tell how durable they will be. I think they will be exceptional.
These are the best pants! I’ve never liked breeches, but riding in jeans isn’t ideal. These are the best of both worlds. The suede seat grips nicely, doesn’t rub anywhere. The pants fit amazing and are so comfortable. I love the thigh pocket when I ride out and need to take my phone with me. If I could give these pants ten stars I would!
Good quality
My pants arrived and I am thrilled with the quality and fit, but the thing that I find the most important is the customer service from Colleen has been amazing from start to finish. Well done. Word of mouth goes a long way and I am chatting up Ride Proud clothing in my neck of the woods for sure.
I ordered my second pair of riding pants from Ride Proud recently. When I place the order I was contacted to suggest that I size down with the type that I ordered based on client feedback. They arrived at my home in Canada within two weeks and fit perfectly. I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle (when the weather warms up) with my new jeans. Thank you, Colleen and the folks at Ride Proud. Margaret
Love this one as well, fabric and colour are amazing! They are coming with me to Europe!!!
Once again the sizing is perfect and the fabric just such great quality. Can't wait to take them with me to Europe in April!!!!
Great product and fantastic service. Thank you
Lovingly wrapped and posted promptly,
Incredible quality
Thick strong material however not at all hot to wear even on a summers day
Very secure to ride in and stylish design
Great pants for riding in. Excellent deep pockets, stretchy fabric that is very comfortable.
I was impressed with how helpful Colleen at Ride Proud was with exchanging my Gen Trail pants. I live in Canada, so the sizes are different. I ordered a size 10 but received an Aus size 10, which was way too tight. I was confused and thought it very unfortunate considering the cost involved . Anyway I took a leap of faith several months later and asked if I could exchange, and she made it happen! The new pants arrived, and fit much better and are such excellent quality, I’m thrilled!
Michelle Jones
August 09, 2020
Yes you can Deb and you will❤️