From Stable Yard to Saddle: Does GS Equestrian’s Affordable Gear Actually Last?
The equestrian world is notoriously expensive. We joke about the “horse tax” – the baffling extra cost added to any product the moment it’s marketed to riders. And nowhere is this more obvious than in our wardrobes. We’re expected to be athletes, but we’re also expected to look the part, and the pressure to have the “right” brands can be intense. A single pair of breeches can cost more than a weekend city break.
This is the problem GS Equestrian set out to solve. It’s emerged as a major player for riders who are tired of choosing between quality and cost. They’ve built a reputation on their own in-house brand of riding wear that looks, feels, and performs surprisingly like its high-end counterparts, but at a fraction of the price. But is it too good to be true? We looked at what makes their gear a new staple for the savvy rider.
The GS Equestrian Rider & Horse Essentials
- GS Equestrian Riding Tights: The hero product. They blend the comfort of a gym legging with the grip of a traditional breech, featuring that all-important deep phone pocket.
- GS Equestrian Base Layers: The core of the “matchy-matchy” look. These technical tops are made from breathable, sweat-wicking fabric perfect for layering.
- GS Equestrian Saddle Pads: Huge range of colours with smart features like an anatomical high-wither cut, all at a price that lets you own more than one.
- A True One-Stop Shop: Beyond their own brand, they are a major retailer for top names like LeMieux, Ariat, and Shires, so you can get everything in one order.Shop the full collection at GS Equestrian
The Rise of the “Everyday” Riding Tights
Let’s start with the product that put them on the map: the riding tight. For decades, riders were stuck with traditional, often uncomfortable, woven breeches. GS Equestrian, along with a few other brands, embraced the “athleisure” trend and created technical riding tights that feel like high-end yoga pants but are built for the saddle.
What makes them a staple is the combination of comfort and practicality. The fabric is a four-way stretch, technical material that doesn’t restrict you, whether you’re mucking out or schooling. But the real-world win is the phone pocket. A deep, secure thigh pocket is no longer a “nice-to-have,” it’s a safety essential. The GS tights nail this. They also feature a silicone grip seat (in full-seat or knee-patch styles) that provides genuine security in the saddle without the bulk of old-school breeches.1
Building the “Matchy-Matchy” Set Without Going Broke
The “matchy-matchy” trend (coordinating your top with your horse’s saddle pad and boots) is a huge part of modern equestrian style. It’s also a brilliant way to go broke. This is where the GS Equestrian in-house brand really shines. They release their base layers and saddle pads in seasonal, on-trend colours.
The base layers themselves are proper technical garments. They’re not just fashion tops. The lightweight models are sweat-wicking with mesh panels for ventilation, fitting perfectly under a body protector. The winter versions are fleece-lined for warmth without adding bulk. You can build a full, stylish, and functional outfit for the price of a single high-end top. It makes the sport feel more accessible and fun.
What About the Horse’s Wardrobe?
It’s not just about the rider. A horse’s gear needs to be durable, first and foremost. The GS Equestrian saddle pads are a smart buy. They’ve clearly looked at what makes expensive pads work and adopted those features. Most have a high-wither, anatomical cut to prevent rubbing and pressure points, which is a detail often missed on cheap pads. The materials are robust, wash well (a critical factor), and the colour doesn’t fade instantly.
But the brand’s real strength is that it’s also a massive retailer for other brands. This is what makes it a “one-stop shop.” You can buy your affordable GS schooling pads, but you can also get the specific WeatherBeeta turnout rug your horse needs, a new pair of Ariat boots for yourself, and your dog’s lead all in the same basket. It’s this blend of their own value-driven brand and a curated selection of industry leaders that makes the site so useful.
The Durability Test: How Does It Hold Up?
This is the big question. Does a £30 riding tight last as long as a £130 pair? Let’s be realistic. The fabric on a premium-brand breech is often thicker, with more complex stitching and a more “compressive” feel. It might last you for a decade.
The GS gear is what I call “everyday performance.” It’s not disposable fast fashion; it’s surprisingly tough. The riding tights hold their shape, the zips on the base layers don’t fail, and the silicone grip doesn’t peel off after three washes. I’ve found they hold up exceptionally well to the daily grind of yard chores and regular schooling. Will they look brand new after three years of riding five horses a day? Probably not, but at their price, they don’t need to. They’ve hit the perfect sweet spot between affordability and durability.
Smart Gear for the Real Rider
GS Equestrian has earned its loyal following. It’s not trying to be the most luxurious brand at the show. It’s trying to be the smartest. It provides the 90% of riders who aren’t on the Olympic circuit with gear that is functional, incredibly stylish, and accessibly priced.
It’s the brand that lets you try a new colour trend without a huge financial commitment. It’s the brand that lets you buy two pairs of schooling tights so one can be in the wash. It’s the perfect solution for the amateur rider, the growing teenager, or anyone who believes that looking and feeling good in the saddle shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. It’s a genuine workhorse brand for the real workhorse rider.
