| By Meghan Ney There are SO many equestrian products available that it can be overwhelming, which is why I love hearing from other riders about the brands, apparel and gear they like. So in the spirit of sharing great finds, here's my review of Sync Equestrian leggings… Riding breeches/leggings and I haven't always gotten along; I remember the absolute dread I had walking into the tack shop to buy my first pair. I knew I wasn't going to be comfortable sporting the classic equestrian ensemble of breeches with a fitted shirt neatly tucked in with a belt, as much as I love how it looks (personal preference and comfort-level – I say wear whatever you feel good in), and if shopping for riding bottoms was going to be anything like shopping for pants, I knew I was in for a long, frustrating process. I'm a curvier gal so finding jeans has always been a challenge. I've got a short waist and even shorter legs, so I'm well acquainted with pants that are far too long, gape at the back, and don't stay up (if I can even get them on at all). I think I tried on five different styles of breeches and tights before settling on one, and they do their job when I'm not stopping every 10 minutes to pull them back up. I then added a few more breeches to my collection but they also kept shifting down, not to mention the fact they have tiny pockets that can barely fit my phone. This meant I'd end up riding without it, missing out on capturing so many great moments as a result. Then I stumbled across Sync Equestrian. Their riding leggings looked amazing and when I started doing some research, the design features were just as good. Needless to say, I was intrigued, but not enough to actually order a pair. Honestly, I went through the selection and check-out process multiple times over the course of several months but convinced myself that they wouldn't look good and wouldn't fit. Then I saw a fellow adult rider raving about them in one of her posts and I decided I should just take a chance. I ordered the Venom Knee Patch leggings in black and thank goodness I did because I am now officially hooked. Based in the United States, shipping was reasonably priced and quick. The leggings arrived lovingly wrapped in gold tissue paper, along with an inspirational magnet (why yes, I do ride a 1,300 lb animal, which does make me pretty fearless). So took a deep breath and tried them on. Much to my surprise, and relief, they fit and looked pretty darn good (in my humble opinion). But then came the real test, how would they feel when I was riding? The answer was, they felt even better than they looked. From that point on, there was no going back. I even ordered the Venom full-seat leggings to round out my collection. Here's what I love about them… - - The fabric is so soft and smooth. Honestly, it feels like I'm wearing a pair of my beloved Lululemon leggings to the barn. Dirt, horse hair, and hay (my constant companions) brush right off and the fabric is thick enough that it provides total coverage without being super hot to wear. This is thanks to the quick-dry, moisture-wicking technology and the air vents down the sides of the legs in the full-seat version.
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- The waist is nice and high which means there is ZERO slipping down. I'm serious, I have not had to pull them back up into place once, whether I'm in the saddle or doing barn chores. For riders who may need it, there is also an inner adjustable band that you can use to make them as snug as you'd like. -
- The silicone grips on the knees, or knees and backside for the full-seat version, look sleek but also do their job without being overly sticky. -
- There are two, very deep pockets where I can securely stash my phone, along with a face mask, horse treats, my keys, and a variety of other random things. I really like that my cell is secure but also easily accessible. -
-They are holding up well. I ride three times a week so each pair gets used at least once a week and is washed after every ride. They still look as good and fit as well as the day I got them. -
-The leggings are well-priced. I appreciate the fact I can get a stylish pair of functional riding bottoms for under $200 CAD and they often have promos happening for 15 percent off. When you combine the smart design and fit, along with the brand's values of inclusivity (they offer the leggings in sizes XS to XXL and stand behind their motto "every rider is an athlete") and the fact they donate a portion of each sale to Egypt Equine Aid organization, which gives working horses and donkeys medical care, it's a win-win and I'm proud to be a customer! | 
