Product Reviews,  The Rural Life

Mark Todd Reinga Waterproof Riding Over Trousers

Although summer is on its way, every self-respecting equestrian knows that at some point there will be a downpour and working or riding in the rain will be a reality. With recent showers part of the weather god’s agenda I set out to test the Mark Todd Regina Waterproof Over Trousers.

Priced at a RRP of £68 this product sets itself at a higher price point than simple pull over waterproof trousers, but a lot less than some of the equine branded waterproofs on the market.

The Mark Todd Collection is known for its hard-wearing pieces, with some great added design features, so I was interested to try the product, to see if they were value for money and most importantly, if they performed in an equine environment.

But firstly, here is the manufacturers blurb:

  • The over trousers are made from polystretch fabric to allow for greater movement and flexibility with Taslon panels on the front for greater durability.
  • The pockets have heat sealed waterproof zips – as you’d see on ski wear.
  • There are full length two way zips on the outside with a full length storm flap.
  • Adjustable tabs at the waist and ankle.
  • The trousers have a 20gm polyester filling
  • The printed logos are reflective along with the piping down the side seams.

The design…

I was really impressed with the quality and design of the over trousers. They looked smart and were made with a high-quality finish. Only available in Navy, but a sensible choice of colour that goes with most jackets and equestrian clothing. The fabric appeared durable and had an amount of stretch to it, which is essential when you are moving about doing yard work and riding. I liked the Talson panels on the front and knees. Designed to offer additional durability, they also give a bit of styling to the garment, almost an industrial quality that I liked. These trousers have bags of detail for the price. The zips are waterproof and there are plenty of large pockets. The waist is adjustable which means you can wear layers underneath or tuck a thicker jumper in if you wish. I liked the long zips that run down the outside of the trousers, making them easy to take on and off. The tabs at the ankle meant the trousers could be worn over riding boots or under, to give a neat, tidy and safe fit. Overall, I think the Mark Todd Regina waterproof over trousers were some of the best quality I have seen on the market, packed with loads of functional features and a simple, yet considered design, at this stage I was really impressed… so I popped them on and ventured out into the rain!

The function…

The over trousers didn’t disappoint. Wearing them on a particularly windy and wet day I felt dry and cosy. The trousers kept out the wind and although I had breeches on underneath I didn’t feel overly hot. I’d say they would be ideal for slinging over work clothes when you have to go to the yard after work, or as a cover over your show breeches. So, they do have many uses aside from yard waterproofs. I wore the trousers to do some mucking out and grooming and found them comfortable to work hard in. The fabric had enough stretch so I didn’t feel restricted or cumbersome. Again, this design would be great for people like equine physios, who work outdoors in the colder months and need practical additional layers. I tacked up and decided to hack out, in the rain to properly test the trousers. At first I did feel the seat of the trousers was slightly slippery which I found disconcerting. However, I am used to sticky bottom breeches, so anything different, well feels different! Within 10 minutes I was used to riding in the slightly padded, different textured trousers, so can’t criticise the fabric choice. The trousers didn’t ride up at the lower leg, as other brands have, and the tabs at the bottom ensured a snug and tidy fit which was safe – so great if you were doing speed work and possibly jumping. The fabric was flexible at the knees and hips, and they didn’t feel bulky. The pockets were large enough for a phone, which stayed dry – bonus! I was out in a light shower and stayed dry in the trousers. Upon returning to the yard I lightly hosed over the trousers and still remained dry – so the functionality, fit and performance of the over trousers all passed my tests.

To summarise…

I was very impressed with the Mark Todd Regina Waterproof over trousers. They are well designed, fit for purpose and have loads of features that some of their more expensive competitors include, but at a much higher cost. I think the over trousers would last for a good few years and washed and dried very well when I tested them. The fit is great and the combination of fabrics works well. They look smart and I think have a lot of uses, not only for riders but grooms and spectators. The padding makes them warm but I wouldn’t say overly hot, so they aren’t just winter trousers. Overall I was really impressed with this product and I think Mark Todd offers a high-end product at a fair price. I would recommend them and would now look at other Mark Todd products as I think they offer a great mid-range price point, with good quality, functional products.

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