The History, Styles, and Performance of Samsheild Riding Breeches

The History and Evolution of Samsheild Breeches

Riding breeches have come a long way over the centuries, evolving alongside the sports of horseback riding and equestrian competitions. One brand that has become synonymous with high-quality breeches is Samsheild. Let's take a closer look at the history and ongoing evolution of the Samsheild breeches.

The Origins of Samsheild Breeches

Samsheild breeches were first developed in the 1960s by Sam Shields, a British equestrian and engineer. Frustrated with the breeches available at the time, Shields set out to create a pair of breeches that offered both comfort and performance for equestrian sports. Using newly available stretch fabrics, Shields designed breeches that moved with the rider, providing flexibility without restricting motion.

The first Samsheild breeches hit the market in 1965 and quickly became popular with competitive riders. The brand sponsored many top riders and expanded their catalog to offer breeches tailored for various equestrian disciplines. Their innovative use of fabric blends and construction set them apart from other breeches of the era.

The Rise of Samsheild in Professional Equestrian Sports

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Samsheild breeches became widely used by professional equestrians across multiple disciplines. Their popularity rose as riders appreciated their comfort and performance during rigorous training and competition. Samsheild sponsored many of the top show jumping and dressage riders of the era.

During this period, Samsheild also became known for continually improving their breeches by experimenting with new fabrics and design features. They evolved from a single style to multiple breech options tailored for specific disciplines. Their rise in the professional equestrian world drove the brand's rapid growth and popularity.

Samsheild Breeches for the Modern Rider

Today, Samsheild continues to innovate and create high-performance breeches suitable for both professional and casual riders. Their breeches feature premium fabrics like flexible cottons, breathable stretch materials, and moisture-wicking synthetics. Riders can find Samsheild breeches tailored specifically for disciplines like:

• Show jumping
• Dressage
• Eventing
• Hunt seat
• Endurance riding

Features like knee patches, stretch panels, grip textures, and contoured seats provide the flexibility and support needed for time spent in the saddle. Samsheild offers breeches for men, women, and children to suit any rider's needs.

The Future of Samsheild Riding Breeches

As technology and fabrics continue to advance, Samsheild strives to leverage innovations while retaining their heritage of quality and performance. Recent additions incorporate athleisure-inspired designs and environmentally-friendly fabric blends. Supportive compression and cooling airflow are some of the newest features found in their breech catalog.

Samsheild also continues to adapt sizing and cuts to match the evolving needs of riders. Today's breeches fit and perform differently than earlier generations. By gathering input from equestrian communities and sponsored riders, Samsheild incorporates real user feedback into their ongoing designs.

While the core focus remains on delivering optimal comfort and flexibility, Samsheild also integrates style into their breeches. Riders can now choose from traditional colors, vivid patterns, and detailed accents to make a statement in the show ring. Function and fashion now go hand-in-hand.

Popular Styles of Samsheild Breeches

With over 50 years of experience crafting high-performance breeches, Samsheild offers numerous styles tailored to different riding needs. Here are some of their most popular breech styles among competitive and casual riders.

Samsheild SJ Classic Breeches

Designed for show jumping, these breeches feature a grippy Clarino seat and knees to help riders stay firmly planted in the saddle. Stretch panels allow for freedom of movement while inner grip socks prevent slipping. Made from a cotton-spandex blend, these breeches offer lasting comfort.

Samsheild Eventer Breeches

Built for the demands of eventing, these breeches incorporate moisture-wicking fabric to keep riders dry through all three phases. A Flex-Tec seat conforms to the rider's shape while providing security during jumping rounds. Slip-resistant Microsure knee patches provide grip and durability.

Samsheild Heritage Dressage Breeches

Featuring a mid-rise waist, these breeches allow freedom through the hip and thigh. Made from super-soft cotton with spandex, the fabric provides stretch and recovery. Silicone O-grip knee patches and a contoured seat give even the most subtle aids a direct impact.

Samsheild Endurance Breeches

With endurance rides covering extensive distances, these breeches focus on comfort. Made of lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, they allow easy movement in the saddle. Quick-dry and thermo-regulating properties keep riders cool and dry mile after mile. An ergonomic low-rise waist prevents pressure.

How Samsheild Breeches Are Constructed for Performance

Every pair of Samsheild breeches is carefully designed and crafted to support a rider's needs in the saddle. The brand uses specific methods and features to create breeches that hold up to even the most demanding riding disciplines.

Premium Athletic Fabrics

From stretch cotton blends to moisture-wicking synthetics, Samsheild selectively uses technical fabrics suited for high-exertion activities. These fabrics flex rather than restrict, keeping riders comfortable after hours in the saddle.

Strategic Paneled Designs

Paneled construction allows breeches to incorporate multiple specialized fabrics in key areas. Stretch panels at joints paired with abrasion-resistant overlays provide both mobility and durability. Different fabrics deliver tailored performance across different zones.

Grippy Aids

Clarino leather knee patches, silicone prints, and tactile seat surfaces help increase contact and stability in the saddle for precise communication between rider and horse. These grippy areas allow aids to have maximum impact.

Contouring and Shape

Curved seams, tailored rises, shaped knees, and molded seats all combine to make Samsheild breeches move seamlessly with a rider's body. The result is a second-skin feel that delivers freedom of motion and seamless transitions.

Durable Construction

Reinforced stress points, double-stitched seams, and bar-tacked knee patches allow Samsheild breeches to hold up to regular use and repeated washings. Durability ensures each pair provides long-lasting value and performance.

Caring for and Washing Your Samsheild Breeches

To get the most out of your Samsheild breeches, it's important to properly care for and clean them. Here are some tips on washing and caring for your breeches:

Read the Care Instructions

Always check the specific care label on your breeches, as instructions can vary based on fabric blend. Follow any special washing directions to avoid damage.

Wash After Each Wear

Ideally, breeches should be washed after each use to avoid build-up of dirt, horse sweat, and odors. Allowing dirt to set can accelerate wear and tear.

Use Cold Water

Wash breeches in cold water to avoid shrinkage or colors running, especially for darker-colored breeches. Detergent will clean just as effectively in cold water.

Minimal Detergent

Only use a small amount of mild detergent to avoid residue build-up on stretch fabrics that can degrade elasticity over time.

Hang Dry

Always hang your breeches to dry rather than machine drying. This helps preserve the stretch and shape. Hang inside out to prevent fading.

Touch Up Scuffs

Use soap and water to gently clean any leather knee patches. Avoid soaking. Condition occasionally with leather balm to prevent cracks.

Remove Pills

Carefully shave any pilling on the fabric using a fabric shaver or sharp razor. Take care not to accidentally cut the surrounding material.

Store Properly

Fold breeches neatly and store in a breathable area to prevent odor build-up. Do not stack heavy objects on top of them.

By incorporating these care tips, your Samsheild breeches will keep performing for many seasons to come.

Why Samsheild Breeches Are a Worthwhile Investment

While higher in price than basic riding breeches, Samsheild breeches represent a worthwhile investment for riders looking for performance and durability. Here are some of the top reasons to choose Samsheild:

Innovative Fabrics

Samsheild continually integrates new technical fabrics that provide moisture control, compression, cooling, and freedom of motion in the saddle.

Discipline-Specific Design

With extensive expertise in equestrian sports, Samsheild creates breeches tailored specifically for demands of individual riding disciplines.

Premium Construction

Careful construction and reinforced stress points allow Samsheild breeches to maintain their shape and performance season after season.

Pro Rider Tested

Extensive testing by professional sponsored riders means each Samsheild breech style has been thoroughly performance tested before production.

Lasting Comfort

Engineered specifically for spending long hours on horseback, Samsheild breeches offer lasting comfort ride after ride.

For riders who train and compete hard, Samsheild breeches provide an edge in performance, comfort, and durability that makes them a smart investment.

FAQs

What fabrics are used in Samsheild breeches?

Samsheild uses high-performance fabrics like stretch cottons, moisture-wicking synthetics, four-way stretch fabrics, and compressive fabrics. The exact fabric blend depends on the specific breech style and purpose.

Are Samsheild breeches true to size?

Samsheild breeches are designed to have a snug, second-skin fit. Most riders recommend ordering your normal size. If between sizes, consider sizing down for a compressive fit.

How long do Samsheild breeches last?

With proper care and washing, Samsheild breeches can last for multiple seasons of regular riding. Their durability comes from reinforced stress points and premium construction.

Do Samsheild breeches run hot or cold?

Some styles use lightweight, breathable fabrics that help keep riders cooler. But most are designed more for performance than temperature regulation. Layer accordingly for your climate.

Can you customize Samsheild breeches?

Samsheild does not currently offer custom breeches. But they do offer a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes to choose from to suit individual needs and tastes.