I have ridden in Miller's riding jeans for 5 years. The same pair, as a
matter of fact. I love them. The only downside - they are about $60/pair.
I am too cheap to own more than one pair at a time. I got a new pair for
Christmas but can't bear to throw the old ones away.
My McClellans have a round girth ring right at mid-calf. As anyone who has
seen me recently can testify, the rings have rubbed holes completely
through the calves of my jeans. My legs are not bothered, however, not
even on 60 mile one days in the rain. I guess that riding a long time in
the same saddle on the same horse has made my skin tougher than denim.
Regular jeans bother me because of the seams and tights are just too
flimsy for Ohio raspberries! A friend goes through tights (and skin) on a
regular basis due to thorns. English breeches are not comfortable enough
for long rides, although I have resorted to them when my jeans are wet. Of
course I only own two pairs of breeches and one has to be saved for shows.
My husband and the girl who rode Quark for me last year both complain about
my saddle so I put half-chaps on 'em - they both ride in sweat pants and I
think that it just wasn't enough protection from the girth. Seemed to
solve the problem (though I couldn't resist using the "wimp" word).
So, I love my riding jeans - very stylish, tough and comfortable. I'll
probably keep my old ones for day two of two day rides, but they are
getting embarrasingly ratty.
Shannon Loomis and Quail Meadow Star (and Quark, the emergency back-up Arab
who is for sale!)