Finally getting ready to enter races again and with my time off I gained a few extra pounds.... I plan to get rid of them BUT until then I was wondering what are some jean recommendations that wont break the bank and give a little stretch for running barrels. TIA 

I live in my jeans and they must have stretch. I love ariat riding jeans spitfire, ocean, or rainstorm bootcut. Or I also buy cowgirl tuff tuff flex but go down one size they have a lot of stretch. 
I have thick thighs and a butt so I know the struggle! Also I am short waisted and can't go those high waisted ones but don't want my butt showing either with the lower rise styles. These styles work great for me. Hope that helps. 

I also have thick thighs and a butt and I love Ariats!

For cheap everyday jeans I like Old Navy Curvy fit. For my "fancy" jeans I like Ariats. 

Old Navy curvy bootcut and Lee stretch bootcut

You MUST check out the Lee Flex Motion boot cut jeans.  I have access to every core western brand at a discount and all i'm finding myself wearing now both to work and to ride are these Lee Flex Motion jeans.  I too am curvy and most jeans are too snug through the hip and thigh and too big in the waist.  These are PERFECT.  They are high enough rise that there is no fear of your undies or butt crack poking out the top, but still flattering.  ANNNNNND they're only like $35 at full retail.  I've now bought 3 pair.  

On the flip side, I have 4 pair of Stetson jeans 10 longs that are in great shape and one pair of Ariats 29 long that need a new home.  

I think that is what my Lee's are! I wear them all the time! They are soft, stretch just enough, hold me in, and are pretty high waisted compared to others, which I like. And they have a little hidden pocket inside the back right pocket.

Wrangler Aura Jeans are my go to. I need an honest 34 closer to 35 length and in most styles the tall in Aura's covers that.  After my latest horse "incident" where I came off, I have a wierd squishy bump on my hip that won't go away. These jeans are forgiving enough to account for winter weight flucuations and my wierd bumps.   

What can you put in the hidden pocket?

I like Wrangler Aura, but they are getting hard to find in the original jean.

My trailer key, a debit card, etc. Keeps it snug and it's a pocket inside a pocket.

My Flex Motions don't have a hidden pocket like that, so probably not the same style.  But I love them nonetheless.  Way more flattering than Aura and a better fit.  

I love Miss Me riding jeans the ones with about 12% polyester and spandex... it's all about the polyester and speandex... make sure they are the boot cut! 

I put on about 8 lbs. of what I call my Covid weight that went straight to my waist.  I didn't want to spend much.  I bought Levi's Signature and ND Weekenders mid rise.
I did invest in one pair of Denim Couture low rise to get my bling fix. I love the Levi Signature jeans and they are my new go to jeans.  

Just wanted to say Thank You to everyone!!

I ordered a part of the Ariat Ocean Boot Cuts and the Lee Flex Motion Jeans. Ariat's I will have to exchange for a smaller size, but I really like them! Lee's I was hestitant at first look but they seem super comfy so I will be keeping them as well.