If you’ve been shopping for riding clothes lately, you’ve probably come across both Free Ride Equestrian and Asmar Equestrian. They’re two of the most talked-about brands in the English riding world right now — but they’re pretty different.
I’ve worn both brands extensively, and here’s the honest breakdown of where each one shines (and where they don’t).
Quick Comparison
| Category | Free Ride | Asmar |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $65-150 | $80-300+ |
| Best For | Daily riding, shows on a budget | Luxury feel, outerwear |
| Breeches | Excellent (Lux line is 🔥) | Good (fewer options) |
| Tops | Great show shirts & sun shirts | Technical tops, sweaters |
| Outerwear | Limited | Exceptional (All Weather Rider) |
| Vibe | Athletic, practical | Elevated, polished |
The Bottom Line Up Front
Choose Free Ride if: You want high-quality breeches and show clothes that don’t cost a fortune. Their Lux breeches are genuinely the best bang for your buck, and their show shirts are show-ring approved without the premium price tag.
Choose Asmar if: You want investment outerwear pieces (their All Weather Rider jacket is legendary), or you prefer a more refined, “country club” aesthetic.
Breeches: Free Ride Wins
This isn’t even close. Free Ride’s breeches are their bread and butter, and it shows.
The Lux Zip Breeches ($95) are what I reach for almost every day. They feel like really great leggings but with proper knee patches and a structured waistband. They run long, which is perfect if you’re taller (I actually have to roll mine). The fabric is lightweight but not see-through — exactly what you want for summer.
Their Lux Hybrid Pull-On ($95) has over 447 five-star reviews for a reason. It’s the same great fabric in a legging-style fit.
Asmar makes breeches too, but they’re not the star of the show. If breeches are your priority purchase, Free Ride is the clear winner.
My pick: Free Ride Lux Zip Breeches — use code ELEVATED10 for 10% off
Show Shirts: Both Are Good (Different Vibes)
Free Ride’s show shirts like the Cassidy and Amelia ($65) are solid, clean, and ring-appropriate. They come in colors like white, navy, hunter green, and some fun options like raspberry and periwinkle. Great if you want to look polished without spending $100+ on a shirt you might sweat through.
Asmar’s tops tend to be more technical — think base layers and long-sleeve options designed to move with you. They’re a bit more refined looking, which some people love.
My pick: For pure show ring value, Free Ride’s show shirts are hard to beat at the price point.
Outerwear: Asmar Wins
Here’s where Asmar really shines. Their All Weather Rider jacket has been an award-winning bestseller since they launched in 2011, and it deserves the hype.
It’s the kind of jacket that looks good walking the cross-country course, sitting ringside, or grabbing coffee after the barn. Water-resistant, breathable, and actually flattering — which is rare for equestrian outerwear.
Free Ride has some windbreakers and outerwear pieces, but they’re not the focus. If you need a serious jacket that’ll last for years, Asmar is the investment.
My pick: Asmar All Weather Rider
Sun Protection: Free Ride
For hot-weather riding (hi, fellow southern riders), Free Ride’s Sara Sun Shirt ($65) offers UPF protection in colors that work for both the barn and the ring. They also have perforated options that actually breathe.
Asmar has technical tops, but sun-specific riding gear isn’t their specialty.
Quality & Durability
Both brands make quality products — this isn’t a cheap-vs-expensive situation.
Free Ride uses athletic-inspired fabrics that hold up well to washing and don’t pill easily. Their breeches keep their shape better than a lot of more expensive options I’ve tried.
Asmar uses more premium materials and construction, which you can feel (and see in the price). Their pieces feel more “elevated” — heavier fabrics, nicer hardware, better finishing.
Who Each Brand Is For
Free Ride is perfect if you:
- Ride 5-6 days a week and need clothes that can keep up
- Show on a budget but still want to look put-together
- Prefer an athletic, practical aesthetic
- Run hot and need breathable fabrics
- Want great breeches without spending $200+
Asmar is perfect if you:
- Want investment pieces that feel luxurious
- Need a really good jacket for all weather
- Prefer a more refined, classic equestrian look
- Buy fewer pieces but want them to feel special
My Honest Recommendation
I wear Free Ride for daily riding and most shows. The Lux breeches are non-negotiable at this point — I own multiple pairs. Their show shirts get the job done without making me feel like I spent a car payment on a polo.
I’d buy Asmar for a statement outerwear piece — the kind of jacket you wear to spectate at a big event or layer over your show clothes on a cool morning.
Budget pick: Build your show wardrobe with Free Ride (code ELEVATED10)
Investment pick: Add an Asmar All Weather Rider for the piece you’ll wear for years
Related Posts
- Best Sun Shirts for Riding in 2026
- Best Lightweight Breeches for Summer
- Dressage Show Outfit Under $300
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