I have recently switched stables and at the new place they are more serious about jumping, competing, etc. I am learning to canter, but I hope to do show-jumping eventually. I asked for riding boots for Christmas, but I've never had any before. Which brands would you recommend? (so far I've been thinking Ariats maybe) I have a wide foot, so for every-day shoes I usually go half a size up cause I can never find wide shoes.
After browsing the forum I think I would want to get paddock boots rather than tall boots, at least for now. Are chaps required if I get paddock boots?
I use paddock boots with half chaps. They've worked great for me so far...sometimes on hot days it's nice to just wear the paddock boots. They're getting pretty beat up now since Tess keeps stepping on them lol.
Here are a couple of pictures of them- from afar they look just like regular tall boots. I think I may purchase some tall boots in the spring for showing, but for now these work
Excuse my awkward standing position...Tess was leaning against me right after I dismounted haha.
Yesterday I went and got Ariat paddock boots and chaps and they are absolutely amazing! I love them! They are so comfortable I don't want to take them off
So many choices to fit so many different feet and legs....
You need to go to a store and try on several different pair and styles even made by the same manufacturer till you find what is very comfortable as soon as you put it on....no "breaking in" nonsense with a riding boot. Comfort means everything or you will be crippled.
If you are going to go with boots...
Field boots are what hunter, equitation, jumper riders ride in more commonly.
Field boots are the ones with laces...
Dress boots, no laces.. are what dressage riders commonly wear and absolutely wear in the higher levels of classes.
I prefer a paddock boot that laces up so I decide where I want that lace to be snug, snugger or looser.
Many today do the 1/2 chap for comfort and ease of dress.
Today new tall boots commonly have a zipper to also get in and out of them made easier...but they do show.
They still make zipperless boots, and of course customs.
As for paddock boots and 1/2 chaps in the show ring and thinking it is not very noticeable... Wrong.
There is a look that "older" riders were taught to appreciate and adhere to.
What is done with chaps and paddocks is today's accepted level of dress...not really right but it is what it is. :neutral:
Personally, I would be embarrassed to enter a show-ring or clinic in paddock boots and chaps.
It is not how I was raised, taught, or allowed to present myself for evaluation of my riding skills in front of a judge or clinician.
Appearances do matter.
For at home schooling, practicing...paddock boots & 1/2 chaps if you want are wonderful.
Lesson time was tall boots and breeches time.
I'm "old-school", raised and from a different era it seems....I still live by those standards though.:wink:
:runninghorse2:.... jmo..
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