Test Run | Berlei Horse Riding Sports Bra
Name: Rebecca Neale
Sports Bra size: 38D
Sports Bra Tested: Berlei Riding Bra
Please tell us a bit about you: I’m a grassroots event rider who has produced both my horses from unbroken. Pentrefelin Layla is a 13yo Welsh D who has competed successfully in most disciplines, I have owned her for 10 years. I decided to breed from her so have her 5yo Welsh art-Bred son Plaidyparc Diamond Smuggler. He has been produced slowly and was awarded Champion at a breed show in-hand as a 3yo, he is now being prepared to come out under saddle this year. I enjoy lots of hacking to keep them fit and hunting to provide variety.
How do you try and stay active? I look after the two horses daily which includes mucking out, carrying haynets, water buckets and general day to day grooming/care so is a fairly active lifestyle. I ride on average 6 days a week. The riding is a mix of schooling, hacking and jumping alongside competing. I also own a Jack Russell who enjoys going for walks so those things keep me moving. When I feel I need to lose some weight or just feeling motivated I also use an exercise bike at home.
Do you find there are any challenges to stay active? My personal challenge is the nerve damage left from ligament reconstruction surgery on my ankle.
Initial thoughts of the sports bra: I liked the fact it had support and moulded cups, some sports bras are so much unflattering material but this is more normal bra looking. The colour would work under competition shirts so be a useful bra for competing in the summer when we sometimes don’t wear jackets.
How did the sports bra perform during the bounce test? On the bounce test this bra performed better than any others I have tried. As I have larger boobs there will always be some movement but this was much more supportive and only minimal bounce. I think the straps are a good width and with the moulded cups it holds you comfortably and securely.
What activities did you participate in to test the sports bra? Did it give you enough support? Walking the dog, caring for and riding the horses. It offered amazing support, I felt so comfortable and forgot I was wearing it.It is a lightweight fabric so stayed cool even when working hard.
What feature did you most like about the sports bra? Any that you didn’t like? I like the wide strap across the back, I imagine that it distributes the pressure evenly as I was so comfortable in it. The moulded cup is brilliant too again you don’t notice its there! It would be nice to have a choice of colours.
Did you have any trouble getting the sports bra on or off? None at all, it has a standard fitting at the back and the band has enough stretch to allow you to fasten to your comfort.
Would you recommend this sports bra? I highly recommend the Berlei riding bra to all equestrians but imagine it would be equally as good for other high impact sports. If you have tried other sports bras and been disappointed I would say try this one before giving up hope!
Did you feel that the sports bra washed well? It washed brilliantly and dried quickly without losing shape or going bobbly. I have been wearing it every day so washed when home (in a bra bag) on a 40 degree with other clothes and it was dry by morning in the airing cupboard.
Please include anything you’d like to add: The only thing I would like to see is a greater range of colour even just adding a navy or black would be good. I feel the Berlei offers great performance and value for money.