[Matt.H]

Hi All. So I'm a male in my mid 20's who has been taking one hour private lessons at a hunter / jumper barn for a couple months now and have really enjoyed the experience. That said I have been experiencing some discomfort / chafing in my calves. I currently ride in cotton pants with tall riding socks and paddock boots (and helmet of course) and was thinking about the idea of investing in breeches and tall riding (field) boots. I know Ariat have a good selection for men and was considering skipping chaps and buying pair, however, I don't know whether it's too early to invest. I also don't want to seem like a "poser" for investing in a pair so early. I don't see myself stopping anytime at all (in-fact will be looking to ride more frequently) and would actually consider competing when I get to an appropriate level. What do you all think? Would love to get your thoughts.

 

[Matt.H]

I'd say go for it!

You could get half chaps, which would eliminate the chafing, are meant to pair with paddock boots, and cost less than tall boots. However, good quality half chaps seem to have gone up in price, while a lot of the tall boots on the market have come down in price from what they used to be. So really, it wouldn't hurt to just take the leap, and as long as you take good care of them, they should last a very long time. I would suggest though that you go in person to a store to buy them, as the fit is tricky to nail. Even if you have your own measurements correct, sometimes the measurements from the companies are misleading.

Thank you all for your input, a lot of different opinions and perspectives. I think I might go ahead and invest in a pair tall boots and breeches especially considering my ambition to show down the line. I'll be waiting for the fall sales and hopefully snag a pair on discount then :smile:.