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Good Western Helmet + Boots? Plus: Hiking Boots OK for First Lesson?

7K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  Poseidon 
#1 · (Edited)
So my first Western lesson EVER is next weekend... This will be the first time riding in nearly 7 years and I had only done English previously, and all of my gear AKA boots, helmet and gloves are long gone. I bought some new gloves (Heritage) and now I am stumped because I don't know what's what in the world of equestrian brand names!

For boots I really like the look of the Frye harness boot



But they're proving a little hard to find out here among the conifers so temporarily I was thinking of using my hiking boots to ride with? They are these exact ones:



And as for a helmet, I'm looking at a Troxel, I really like the Cheyenne style it's kinda different.



ANYWAYS thoughts on these brands and my boots? Or completely different suggestions that you think would be radical? I like the idea of stuff that is Western but versatile and pretty/casual. Of course and GOOD QUALITY. I guess I should mention for either of these things I have a price range of around $200 but will budge. :P

EDIT: Oh also, are jeans OK?
 
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#2 ·
Riding in the hiking boots will be *alright* IF you can fit them through the stirrup bells nicely. If it's too tough to get them into the stirrup, it will be too hard to get them out and that can be a bit scary in the event something goes wrong. Also, not being to slip your foot into a comfortable position can throw off your balance.

The Frye boots look more like they are made for fashion then riding and work. I don't know much about the brand to be honest so I could be wrong however. If you want to stick with riding I would look into a western riding boot or a paddock boot even. I don't have time to post links but maybe someone else can help you out.
 
#4 ·
Those particular boots seem to be on the pricey side if you only have $200 to spend on everything, and they also seem to be more of a fasion boot. IMO a lace up boot feels more practical especially when just starting out. The snugness gives me a better sense of security, but like I said, that's just my opinion. I myself wear Double H Lacer Workboots. I do love the helmet though, I might look into that for myself.
 
#6 ·
Oh well in that case haha. They are very cute. I actually just bought some fashion boots that look just like that but they come up to almost my knee and are considered motorcycle boots but they have the same straps and everything. I would buy those if I had the money but not for riding.
 
#9 ·
cfralic;

the helmet is great.
jeans are fine.

Good boots are worth their weight in gold.
I do NOT think people should ride in hiking boots. I dont' think cleated boots are safe for riding. they are more likely to become stuck in the stirrup.

Ariat boots are really nice and they make a lot of cowoby boots, and plenty of paddock boots, both English and Western styling. They can be bought online . I have pretty wide feet but find their cowboy boots just so comfortable. I didnt' care for their roper boots . I have traditional equestrian cowboy boots and they are awesome. I paid about $179 US but they should las for years.

Short boots are cooler, but sometimes the fender of the western saddle will catch on the top of the boot if the boot is really low or the fender is too high.
You will want to buy some boot socks too. If you sock doesn't go up as high as the boot, then you may get skin pinched between the top of your boot and the saddle fender.

I ride western in english clothing al the time. Use half chaps, love 'em. With paddock boots. OR, use the cowboy boots. What ever feels right.
Ariat Round Toe Cowboy Boots
 
#10 ·
My two cents.
I don't know if you have a lammles where you live, but they have a boot in there that's a square toe ariat. I've got a mens (in a very small size lol) in a bulls blood color, and i've got distressed ones from the womens, both fit me very well. I also have a wider foot, so most boots feel too narrow, but these boots are very comfortable. I have actually bought the same boot twice cause i wore out the first pair (and they ended up cracking because I missed giving them a good oiling before the mud season hit, which is a good lesson, always take care of your boots!) so if you are sticking with western riding, it's worth investing into a good pair of boots. If you go to a Lammles, the staff ussually get training in how to help you get a perfect boot (i know they trained me when I worked there, quite a bit and I never had an unhappy customer) they will help you get the best fit and make it worth your buck.
A tip is, if you get some boots, wear them around the house first for about five hours, to make sure they are comfy, if they aren't you can return them most likely cause they will still look totally new. They cost a hefty amount of money, so you want them to be comfortable!
 
#11 ·
I think hiking boots (given they have hard toes) are OK for sometime. I ride in cheap rubber boots when it's too wet. :wink: If you have TSC nearby they have number of different boots so you can try before you buy (like this one: Ariat Ladies' Fatbaby Boot, Brown Bomber - 707933599 | Tractor Supply Company ).

As for helmets I know of 3, which looks "Western" (but you really want to try before you buy or buy from some place you can exchange, sometime it's hard to find a helmet that fits your head): Dover Saddlery | Troxel Sierra Riding Helmet. and Browsing Store - Troxel Cheyenne Rowdy Western Helmet and TROXEL Dakota Duratec Western Helmet Helmets Protective Equipment Western HorseLoverZ.com )
 
#12 ·
Ariat Heritage Western R Toe | Women's - Russet Rebel - FREE SHIPPING at Onlineshoes.com

These are my boots. I got them at RCC, but I've seen them at a couple tack shops. I've had them since July of 2009 and they are the comfiest shoes I own. I wear them all the time, even if I have no intention of riding or going to the barn. I have really narrow feet and a high arch, so I have to wear a 7. The pointed toe makes them long enough, while still narrow. Rounded boots don't do that as much.

I love Ariat boots.

As for helmets.. I generally don't wear one, but the wranglers had to start wearing them at camp after a freak accident with another wrangler. We have Troxels. http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/legacy These ones. They're comfy and do their job.
 
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