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Anyone who rides through the middle of summer knows the feeling. The sun is already high by mid-morning, the air barely moves, and suddenly every layer you’re wearing feels heavier than it did when you left the house.
When temperatures climb, what you wear in the saddle starts to matter a lot more. Standard riding pants can trap heat and moisture, which quickly turns a good ride into a sticky, uncomfortable one. That’s why summer riding gear is often designed with lighter fabrics that breathe, stretch, and move moisture away from the body.
Whether you prefer the feel of riding tights or the structure of a traditional breech, the key to staying comfortable in hot weather usually comes down to fabric.
What Makes a Good Summer Riding Pant?
Hot weather riding pants are designed a little differently than cooler-season gear. The goal is to reduce heat buildup while still providing support and grip in the saddle.
Many riders look for features like:
lightweight stretch that doesn’t feel heavy in the heat
breathable fabric that allows airflow
moisture-wicking materials that dry quickly
UPF protection for long hours in the sun
Cooling fabrics can make a noticeable difference during long rides or full days at the barn. Instead of letting sweat sit against the skin, these materials help disperse moisture so it evaporates faster.
Coolcore® fabric was designed with exactly this in mind. Rather than relying on chemical cooling treatments, the fiber construction spreads moisture across the surface of the garment so it dries quickly and helps regulate body temperature.
For riders spending hours outside during the summer, that kind of moisture management can make a big difference in comfort.
Riding Tights vs Breeches in Summer
Both riding tights and breeches can work well for hot weather riding, but they offer slightly different experiences in the saddle.
Riding tights tend to feel lighter and more athletic, which many riders appreciate when temperatures climb. Breeches offer a bit more structure and a traditional look that some riders prefer for training rides, clinics, or days when they want a more polished feel.
In the end, the most important factor isn’t whether the garment is a tight or a breech—it’s the fabric and how well it manages heat and moisture.
Cooling fabrics like Coolcore are designed to help riders stay more comfortable in warm weather regardless of the style they choose.
Best Cooling Riding Pants for Summer
Kerrits offers several riding tights and breeches made with Coolcore fabric. Each style has a slightly different feel, giving riders options depending on their riding style and personal preference.
Coolcore® Full Leg Tech Tight
For riders who prefer the feel of an athletic tight, the Coolcore Full Leg Tech Tight is a natural choice for summer riding.
The fabric is lightweight and flexible, with just enough compression to feel supportive without restricting movement. Because the Coolcore material spreads moisture across the garment, sweat dries quickly instead of sitting against the skin.
A few details riders tend to appreciate:
full-leg silicone grip for secure contact in the saddle
lightweight Coolcore fabric designed for hot weather riding
two side pockets large enough for a phone
four-way stretch for unrestricted movement
It’s an easy tight to reach for on hot days when comfort and breathability matter most.
Coolcore® Silicone Full Leg Riding Tech Tight
$119.00
Stay cool, supported, and confident on the hottest summer riding days with the best cooling tights for equestrians. Lightweight and technical, these horse riding tights offer compression that holds you in without restricting movement. The high-rise waistband flatters your shape,… read more
Coolcore® Powerlite Knee Patch Pocket Tight
Our new Coolcore Powerlite Knee Patch Pocket Tight offers a slightly more structured feel while still maintaining the comfort of a riding tight.
Some riders prefer this style for everyday schooling rides because it provides a bit more coverage and durability while still remaining lightweight. The knee patch grip adds stability in the saddle, and the cooling fabric continues to manage moisture throughout the ride.
Key features include:
supportive stretch fabric that maintains its shape
knee patch grip for stability
convenient pockets for small essentials
Coolcore fabric designed to manage heat and moisture
It’s a good option for riders who want cooling performance but like a little more structure than a traditional tight.
Coolcore® PowerLite Knee Patch Pocket Tight
$99.00
Step into cool comfort with a lightweight take on Kerrits’ best-selling riding tight, engineered with Coolcore® fabric for high-heat performance. Breathable UPF+50 fabric uses Biomimetic Fiber Geometry™ to wick moisture, speed evaporation, and dry fast. Silky four-way stretch fabric provides… read more
Free Motion Coolcore® Breech
For riders who prefer a more classic look, the Free Motion Coolcore Breech brings traditional breech styling together with cooling performance. It is available in Full Seat and Knee Patch.
It features the familiar breech silhouette—belt loops, front zip, and a polished appearance—but the fabric is designed for warm weather riding. The Coolcore material helps move moisture away from the body so it can evaporate quickly, making the breech feel lighter and more breathable during summer rides.
The silicone grip adds extra security in the saddle, making it a good choice for riders who prefer a breech but still want the cooling benefits of modern fabric technology.
Free Motion Coolcore® Full Seat Breech
$139.00
Designed for peak performance on the hottest training days, this modern front-zip full seat breech blends classic tailoring with advanced Coolcore® fabric for sleek support and powerful cooling. Built with Biomimetic Fiber Geometry™, it wicks, dries and cools faster, ideal… read more
Choosing the Right Coolcore Riding Pant
If you’re deciding between these styles, the choice mostly comes down to how you prefer your riding gear to feel.
Coolcore Full Leg Tech Tight – lightweight and athletic, ideal for hot weather rides
Coolcore Powerlite Knee Patch Tight – slightly more structured for everyday schooling
Free Motion Coolcore Breech – classic breech styling with cooling fabric
All three use Coolcore technology designed to help riders stay more comfortable when temperatures rise.
Staying Comfortable in the Summer Saddle
Summer riding often means longer days at the barn, early morning rides, and plenty of time outdoors. While the heat is part of the season, the right riding gear can make it much easier to stay comfortable.
Cooling fabrics like Coolcore help manage heat and moisture so riders can focus on their ride instead of the temperature. Whether you prefer the flexibility of riding tights or the traditional feel of a breech, choosing lightweight, breathable riding pants can make a noticeable difference on hot days in the saddle.
