Review: SSG Lycrochet Horseshoe Back Glove

I've always liked crochet schooling gloves and my first pair were from Mountain Horse. Those were well-loved and in tatters when I finally replaced them with another pair from Mountain Horse. Those were equally well-loved, but one was lost before they could fall apart. 

So I ordered another pair of Mountain Horse gloves online and somehow got the wrong size, oops. On going to the local Dover to find a pair that fit, I learned they didn't carry the crochet Mountain Horse gloves - just the SSG Lycrochet UltraFlex and the SSG Lycrochet Horseshoe Back (their crochet selection - they obvi carry other types of gloves). 

glove is one year old

I opted for the Horseshoe Back bc I prefer my wrists uncovered. The UltraFlex had a velcro closure above the wrist - tho appeared very similar to this glove otherwise. These are pricier than the Mountain Horse - but still on the affordable side for schooling gloves, and so far are holding up better (my Mountain Horse gloves always got holes in the fingers - especially ring finger, pinkie, and thumb). 

(taking this picture made me realize photographing one's own hand is pretty awkward.... lol)

Product Description (from Dover): SSG® Lycrochet Horseshoe Back Riding Gloves offer breathable comfort and grip that's perfect for warm weather. These classically-styled summer riding gloves feature pigskin palms and fingers with crochet backs for ventilation.

The SSG® Lycrochet Horseshoe Back Glove has a pigskin palm with reinforcements on the fingers in areas of rein contact. The cool crochet back makes it perfect for warm weather riding.

My thoughts: I love these gloves and have every expectation of buying another pair when these kick the bucket. Except - they aren't showing any signs of imminent demise, despite regular and prolonged use over the past year. 

The only damage: In the above picture you'll see that the right hand glove (palm up) has a split seam where the pigskin meets the crochet at the wrist. That happened almost immediately after I bought them a year ago. I'm 100% positive Dover would exchange them (even now). But the gloves haven't had any further wear and tear (and I have first world guilt problems about throwing out something that's still perfectly functional lol). 

schooling in the SSGs

I wear these gloves for schooling and for my stadium and xc rounds at events. I'm picky about fit too - and can not stand any extra material at my finger tips (it drives me absolutely bananas) - and these gloves are perfect for my hands (which are on the small-ish side). 

Showing in the SSGs

Last summer I spent a few weeks riding without gloves to teach myself how to hold on to the damn reins without letting them slip - but now that I'm better about closing my fingers, wearing these gloves for dressage schooling is fine too. 

They are comfortable for use in the summer (the crochet is indeed very breathable), but I also find them good for winter use too. On particularly cold days, my warmest shirts have thumb holes that fit nicely over the gloves - covering the crochet while still leaving the pigskin in contact with the reins.

the natural-colored glove is sticking out beneath the hot pink shirt sleeve 

Bottom Line: I would recommend these gloves and plan to buy them again in the future. 

What about you - do you have a favorite pair of schooling gloves? Or do you prefer no gloves?