Jesse Smith has a need for speed. The hard-working amateur rider had an outstanding winter season in Wellington with her jumpers, earning multiple wins in the 1.30m/1.35m ranks.
You'll find Jesse in WONs when she's competing with her horses, led by her 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Nadav.
"For ages, I've been switching back and forth between breeches brands, looking for something that checks all the boxes: comfortable but flattering; keeps its shape throughout the day but isn't too tight; has thin, cool material; and is fashionable but also affordable. When I tried the Stay Dry Breeches, I said, 'Finally!' Smith exclaimed.
"They’re lightweight and stretchy and not leggings and keep their shape, and they have a sock leg, and they hold up to abuse and don’t disintegrate in the wash, and they dry fast and I'm comfortable in them," she added. "I am just absolutely overjoyed with this product and so happy to be able to work with a company with such an outstanding product and attention to detail."
More from her below:
How do you like to style your WON breeches?
I'm not the most stylish person out there, but black is my everyday go-to color, and I'm always wearing them with a black sun-protection top with long sleeves. One of the things I love about these pants is that I can ride six horses in them and then pull off my riding socks and slip on a pair of shoes and a clean shirt and go to run errands or have lunch and look presentable, because these pants stay miraculously clean. I have no idea how!
Do you consider them rain breeches or suited for all weather conditions?
The first pair of breeches I bought from WON were whites, because we were headed to the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finals in Sarasota. I had at the time only cotton whites and it was meant to rain the whole week. I said, 'I cannot do another week of see-through white pants!'
My white WONs are so comfortable, and they sure were waterproof that week. Then when I was in Tryon for the summer, I thought maybe because these were waterproof, they would also help with sweat. They are so light, so they're more comfortable in the heat. The fabric is incredible: It dries super fast, so I look less sweaty and I am less sweaty!
What is your favorite feature or attribute of the WON breeches?
The fabric is just incredibly breathable and simultaneously waterproof, but it also holds the shape really well. The waistband is comfortable, and so far I have not broken one zipper or seam. They are so stretchy, I can even comfortably mount from the ground, so I think just the overall design is outstanding.
What has surprised you about the breeches?
I got a new saddle this winter for this one horse I have that is incredibly difficult to fit and rather uncomfortable in the back. I was quite worried, because new saddles are always so slippery. But I rode in the saddle for only four days before we went to a show, and I didn't feel like i was slipping around. The knee grip is fantastic.