starting lessons - tall boot question

Hey everyone -

I'm starting lessons in a couple weeks and have a tall boot dilemma...

First of all, I've come back from a several-year riding hiatus and have mostly been doing light trails with my older mare. I am going to start using a horse at my barn for lessons. Dressage has always appealed to me, and I'd also like to try a some jumping. My riding experience is predominately western, with the exception of a "dressage" drill team in the drill team organization I was in when I was a teenager (I'm 26 now, so it's been a little bit since I've even been in an English saddle).

My question is this:

I already own a pair of tall boots from back in the day with the "dressage drill team." They are an Effingham dress boot with a zip. However, I was bigger back then, plus we wore them over jeans, so the calves are a little loose. My grandfather does leatherwork and could take them in, but they're also about a half-size too big in the foot as well. I'm wondering if it's worth hanging on to them, or if I should just try to sell them. If I hang on to them, should I use them for lessons or save them for shows, and if I sell them or save them for shows, should I buy another dress boot or go with a field boot?

Thanks!

I show low levels in dressage, my field boots work just fine. If you think they can sucessfully be taken in I would keep them. It would be less expensive then buying a new pair. If they are really outdated, or well worn I would look for another pair. I always keep my old set as casual riding boots, and my new sets for shows only.

I think I might have used them five times at the most. They're pretty much brand new.

Thanks for your input. =)

If they are comfortable and pretty much brand new, you could have them taken in and use them as your show boots... if the foot being too big doesn't bother you. If it does, I would strongly consider selling them.

If you are getting new boots for schooling, I would strongly consider a nice set of leather half chaps for at home... check out the Ariat lines as well as Pro Chaps and Tredsteps (they are a little more $$ then most of the Ariat half chaps, but I have Pro Chaps and love them - will be buying a new pair of them when I end up having to replace them and recommend them to everyone!).

As far as buying field boots versus dress boots for showing dressage, I think if dressage is something you intend on pursuing in the long run past the lower levels it would be cheaper and just all around easier to purchase dress boots versus field boots. Field boots and dress boots of similar quality are around the same price and if dressage is something you intend on pursuing, why not just start with dress boots and not have to go out and buy some in a few years? If you take care of them they should last...