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Discussion on Comfortable Dressage Boots
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 11:47 am:
Do they exist? I want to buy my first pair of Dressage tall boots but I hear horrible stories about how uncomfortable they are. Manufacturers describe their boots as being stiff so that the leg is forced into a correct position and there is no DrOp at the ankle, giving the rider a long elegant look. People I ride with, who own Dressage boots talk about the fact that it takes weeks to break them in so they don't hurt. YUCK!!! I have an unbelievably comfortable pair of Ariat Field boots that I have been able to wear for hours and hours even right out of the box! Is there a Dressage equivalent or am I destined to suffer through the pain until the boot (or I) break down?
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 12:43 pm:
If they exist, Dede, I haven't yet found them! Whenever I get a new pair, I break them in by wearing them around the house for an hour or two at a time every day. I have found that with some boots, it helps to tape your ankles before wearing them until they are broken in as it prevents rubs. However, once broken in, I have found all my boots to be extremely comfortable, so the initial pain does get you longterm gain.
Plus they are comfortable to ride in from the get-go - it's just the walking part that is the killer.
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm:
Hi Dede,
Part of the reason the dressage boots are so painful is that the leather will eventually "relax" to the ultimate length they should be for competition. Often when boots sag and wrinkle at the ankle, you trade the problem of painfully high tops for the problem with painful rubs on your ankles. At least, that is what I have found.
That said, Ariat does make a hunter dress boot with a zipper on the back that I have been using to ride. It has relaxed a bit lower than I wanted, but they sure are great and don't have the field boot strings, so I feel like I am at least fooling some folks!
You can get them at Dover, or you can check out Ariat website. They are not as tall or stiff as "real" dressage boots, but they sure are a good compromise if you are just a lower level hack like I am!
www.ariat.com
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Member:
Anta
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 1:41 pm:
Hi Dede,
Like yourself hated the thought of painful ankles and the raw areas at the back of the knees that came as part of the territory with new boots. How many of you recognise yourself with that strange walk that says to all, THESE ARE NEW, anyway, I found two ways round this.
As my Ariat short Devon Pros where so comfortable
I got there really smart Ariat chaps that go with them. I do agree that not really as smart, but these are definitely worth a look at.
And check out this site
www.Brogini.com They do Italian Soft Leather, without having to remortgage the house,and can be made to measure. Also very comfortable.
Anita
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 6:46 pm:
Dede, I find it sad when manufacturers loose track of why their product is what it is.
A riding boot must be stiff to protect your shins, ankles and feet. It has nothing to do with style and positioning of the leg.
True, a stiff boot will lock the ankle into a steady position, much like a cast, and stabilise your leg, but one must not rely on this effect.
It is better to school in soft boots, where instabilities show so you can fix them and use stiff boots only for competition or where you feel extra protection is required.
Good stiff boots are very protective. They shouldn't actually be softened at all or broken so much to be comfortable for walking, that's not what they're for.
I use the ones made by Petri and I am very pleased with them. For everyday riding and stable chores I wear Mountain Horse boots and I find them very sturdy and comfortable.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 8:18 pm:
I too ride in Ariats. I've heard good things about the Petri's that Christos uses, but haven't tried them myself. I have 2 pair of Ariat paddock boots and totally love them, so went for the hunt boots. Where I ride, they do just fine. If I were going to a National or Grand Prix competition I'd probably have to ride in something else, but until then I'm quite comfortable.
Glad to hear the recommendation of the Mountain Horse boots. I've wondered about them as an alternative to the Ariats. Can you believe that someone STOLE a pair of my Ariats at a show a couple of months ago!!! My favorite pair of zip ups, too!
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Member:
Stevens
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - 10:59 am:
Dede,
I had a very bad experience with the Ariat dressage boots with zippers; the zipper separated while I was riding but the top jammed and I had to get a friend to literally rip the zipper apart at the top to get out of the darn things!! Ariat has since replaced the plastic zipper with a metal one so maybe that's been fixed but I'm not taking another chance. Incidentally, they were very uncomfortable for me for the first 10 rides.
I now have a pair of the Petri Anky boots, from Dressage Extensions, and they were extremely comfortable from the start. As Christos mentions, they're supposed to be stiff. It takes some getting used to, at least it did for me. Incidentally, I think the rub behind the knee is a good reminder to lengthen my leg. When my leg is in the correct position, the boots don't rub anywhere.
I school in my Ariat zip up paddock boots with half chaps, just soooo much cooler in the summer. I ride in my tall boots occasionally though, just so I'm comfortable in them at shows.
Chris
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Member:
Aewheele
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - 3:44 pm:
Thank you all for your suggestions. I had never heard of Ariat's Hunter Dress Boots. I'm looking forward to trying them out. The Petri's sound intriguing also. I'll check out Dressage Extensions. Since I don't intend to show yet, I think the Hunter Boots may really fit my needs. I love my field boots, but I'm tired of the string thing  too. If I ever get up the courage to show again (I haven't since college - 25 years ago ), I'll buy a pair of real Dressage boots. Until then, I'm all about comfort along with function. Thanks again all.
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Member:
Lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - 7:49 pm:
Hi,
I just wanted to add that I recently purchased a pair of Mountain Horse Sportive boots. They are tall black leather boots with a zipper going up the back. I haven't rode in them yet but I put them on with my breaches and walked around the house. They are very comfortable. Also, I went to a huge dressage show a few weeks ago and I saw someone wearing the same boots. Obviously they are dressy enough for a very popular, rated, dressage show. May I also add that they are under $200. Ann
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 27, 2006 - 8:04 am:
Thanks Ann for the info. My first dressage show is coming up in a couple of weeks. I've spent a small fortune buying appropriate new stuff (when I last showed, I was doing the hunter/jumper thing). I am planning to wear my beautiful semi-custom lace up boots that I wore only 2x when I showed several years back. But, I'll have to look into the Mountain Horse Sportive boot - for under $200 it may just be what I'm looking for (and hopefully a heck of a lot more comfy than my other tall boots)
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Member:
Stevens
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Posted on Monday, Jul 31, 2006 - 10:50 am:
Fran,
I showed in my nice field boots for the first 2 years I showed dressage. Since I was doing training level, it wasn't a big deal. I'm sure you'll do just fine in your existing boots. I've found pretty much everyone at dressage shows to be very supportive and friendly; the only stereotypcial DQs I've run into have been at clinics and my own barn!
Chris
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Member:
Sross
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Posted on Monday, Jul 31, 2006 - 6:22 pm:
I ride in the Mountain Horse Sportive boots and absolutely love them. Very soft leather. My friend just bought a pair, wore them for the first time this weekend, and said they were incredibly comfortable from the start. They run a little shorter in the leg than other boots I have tried, making them my boot of choice, as I'm all of 5 foot 2.5 if I stand very straight 
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 - 9:28 am:
Thanks so much Chris & Sandra!
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Member:
Hally
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 5, 2006 - 10:15 pm:
I have to agree about Mountain Horse Sportive boots! They really are fabulous. They are legal for dressage shows and are the most comfortable boot I have ever owned. I will never buy anything else. I bought a brand new pair of Petri boots wore them a dozen times and just plain gave up on them! I am doing this for recreation not torture! If any one is interested I have a size 9 Petri boots for sale. I will even pay for the shipping!
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 8, 2006 - 11:51 am:
LLV, don't give up on your Petrie's just yet! A few more torture sessions and they should break in. And once broken in, good boots are extremely comfortable. I wear mine all day, as does everyone else that I know.
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Member:
Hally
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 9, 2006 - 10:19 pm:
I dont know Sue... pain isnt why I am doing this! All kidding aside I have lost some weight and the boots just dont fit around the calf and ankle properly so when I ride my heel comes up. I have tried lift, soles, none of it works. And i must admit I love my Mountain boots SOOOOOOmuch I cannot ever see ever wearing anything else.
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 10, 2006 - 11:46 am:
LLV, you might want to check with a good local boot repair shop and ask if they can alter your boots to fit better in the calf. However I'm not sure if they could do much to alter the ankle fit without compromising the integrity of the boot. Failing that, if I were you I'd put them up for sale and order a new pair.
The tack shop where I order my boots uses a good boot repair shop in the area so your local store might know of one too.
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 12:23 pm:
I have two questions concerning boots.
First what is the difference between the boots with the laces and ones without?
Also, I have been blessed with very muscular calves. This translates to having difficulty finding boots that fit my calves and my feet.
Currently I have a size 9 with extra wide calf. The calf fits but the boot is too big. I can help the problem by adding a thin insole.
Does anyone know if certain brands fit differently?
Thank you.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 1:07 pm:
The boots with the laces are more traditionally seen in the hunter/jumper rings. Dressage riders typically wear the boots without the laces. I haven't the slightest idea why this is and I think, but am not 100% sure, that it really doesn't make much of a difference.
I have the same problem with larger calves, but wear a size 8 shoe/boot. Different brands definitely have different fits. When I was riding hunt seat, I found that semi-custom boots solved the problem, but were expensive. When I switched to dressage, the boots that have the back zipper were the solution and I found a fairly inexpensive pair that fit well and are much more comfortable than the more expensive boots.
If you have a well stocked tack store nearby, try on a ton of different styles and sizes. If you find a pair that fits your foot but is slightly too large or small for your calf, I would take them to a cobbler and see if he can customize the top portion to fit you better.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 1:40 pm:
If you don't mind I will be watching this post as well. I too have a wide calf from all my sporting activities and small feet 6.5 and am only 5'2. When I can find a boot that is the appropriate height the calf width is too small, get the calf width correct, the height is off and the foot is too big. Fran which style did you purchase? I would like to be economical as well!
Lori adding an insole might bring the dorsal aspect of the foot closer to the boot to prevent slippage but I found that the toe is still then too long and to place the irons correctly it looks like you are on the arch of your foot so you will get comments about where you feet are placed. I had a pair this summer the toes were too long and I did the same but It looked like there were three to four inches sticking outside of the iron just to place the iron on the ball of my foot. Someone said it looked like I had Ronald McDonald feet! LOL
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Member:
aewheele
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 2:09 pm:
Well, I bought the Ariat Maestros, and it's taking some time to get used to them as was predicted. However, when I tried to replace my Ariat field boots which are 6 years old and holey, I found that new ones didn't fit my calf anymore. I wonder whether Ariat changed their sizing. Anyway, since the Fields didn't fit, I decided to finally take the plunge and get the Maestro Dressage boots with the zipper. Overall, I'm pleased, but I'm a little perplexed. I don't have the same feeling in these boots as I had in my Fields. I can't feel the horse's side anymore. I would have thought that Dressage riders would have wanted a boot that allows the rider to wrap his leg around the horse and feel the horse's sides. Dressage riders are always trying to sit with the horse and cue aids correctly. So much of that is performed by feeling, the fact that these boots don't allow that seems counterintuitive.
For working in muddy/crappy weather, I would also like to buy the Mountain Horse Sportives. I would have liked to keep using my old field boots but the holes in the boot, along the toe seam, make that impossible.
Does anyone have a problem fitting their feet in the stirrups when they are wearing the Sportives? I've seen pictures in the Dover catalog, and the boots look a little more substantial in the foot.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 3:40 pm:
Corinne, all my show stuff was cleaned up & packed up last fall, so I will have to dig around for the brand of the boots - all I can remember was that they were not a brand name I know as top quality, but they were a last minute purchase and they fit well and were comfortable--if they wear well, I will consider them the bargain of the century. I'll dig around this weekend and let you know.
Dede, I rec'd the Mountain Horse boots for XMas this year & love them! Completely muck/mud/water proof & very easy to hose off. Previously, I've always worn paddock boots because I thought they were as comfortable as an old pair of sneakers, but I just may wear the Mountain Horse boot throughout the summer for schooling. They are definitely bulkier, but I have had no issues with my stirrups.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 5:27 pm:
Okay, well I have been scouring the net and my Dressage Today magazines for Dressage boots all day. I finally settled on the new Dublin RCS Aristrocrat Tall Boot with Zipper backs (featured in this month's Dressage Today) in size 6.5 with an extra wide calf because even though I measure at 14.5 inches, when I have full seat breeches on, especially leathers ones I need a little room on my calf. Hopefully the zip combo will help. I get them next week in time for my clinic in two and USDF show in three. I will let you know how they do. They were well priced at a little over $150 from a small tack shop back east.
All the mountain horse tall winter boots fit in my irons just fine as well. I love them!
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Member:
canderso
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 6:00 pm:
I remember my coach telling me the biggest difference between dressage boots and field boots (lace ups) is in the 'support' given to the leg and in particular, the ankle (some have called it torture). Apparently dressage boots stop you from flexing your foot either inward (toward the horse) or outward (away from the horse)
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New Member:
luckett
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 12:39 am:
I think the reason most dressage rides don't wear field boots is that they are less formal. It's like waring tennis shoes with an evening dress. But the are permitted in the show ring. As for how stiff the boots are, Many of the european custom boots are made to be very stiff. They even have a steel shank up the sides to make them even stiffer. The riders want to be able to push really hard with their legs when they want to push. They feel the horse more with their seat and thighs and learn interprate the feel with the lower leg differently.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 1:45 pm:
Well Corinne, you seem to have found the same brand of boot I purchased last summer. I just dug them out of the closet - the brand is Dublin (not sure of which model, but you describe them perfectly so sounds like the same boot).
The biggest plus to these boots was that I could actually walk around in them. My first pair of tall field boots (cheap) and my second pair of field boots (not so cheap) were torture once I got off the horse. The Dublin dressage boot was comfortable enough to keep on and the back zipper makes them very easy to get on & off. If they fit, I think you will like them a lot.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 7:48 pm:
Mary I know there is a desire for a stiff stiff boot in most dressage arenas and they must be uncomfortable. Is it too much to ask to have a stiff boot you can walk in as well? LOL. That's what I am hoping with these boots Fran. They are this season's model with RCS footbed technology so my bad foot will have support. I have the Ariat Cobalt paddock boots and calf skin leather half chaps that I love. Maybe these tall boots would give me the same feel and since I care diligently for my tack and leather I hope they will stay tall, be nice and supple and rigid enough to provide support for my leg. I will keep you posted. They should be here in a week.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 11:31 am:
Corinne,
I'd be amazed if your tall boots ever give you the feel as your half chaps. I have the same Ariat arrangement that you do; yes they are wonderful. I try to ride most of the time in my Petrie tall boots; yes they are very stiff but I find them quite comfortable and can indeed walk in them. I used a little saddle soap around the ankle area to help them break in but kept the main shaft stiff.
I do find it harder to ride in the tall boots, but I believe it's the result of a couple of things; mainly trying to do too much with my calves and not enough with my thigh and seat, it's harder to cheat that way in a tall boot. Secondly, inadequate strength pulling my left leg especially inwards (adductor?). I do know that when I'm religious about riding in my tall boots things are nearly as easy as they are with halfchaps.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 12:36 pm:
I know,I know but a girl can dream can't she? LOL.
I have only had the half chap combo since my birthday in Jan when a friend of mine who works at Beval Saddlery in NJ had me try them out. After multiple bone and tendon surgeries on my right foot I need a stable foot bed while in the saddle as well because if not, I lose the proper body mechanics and my foot turns to jello after a short time making the entire leg pretty much ineffective. Until then I have only ever ridden in tall boots. So I am hoping the RCS footbed in the Dublins will provide some similar support as the cobalt technology at least until I can get some customs. But now with a baby on the way, splurging for all things horsey is going to have to be curtailed. The Petrie talls boots are NICE by the way!
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New Member:
luckett
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 3:25 pm:
Corinne,
I think comfort is important too, But have found that the first two or three rides in new boots are always bad. I have found as Chris suggested that a liberal use of Lexol on the inside of the boot makes them mold to the shape of your leg and become very comfortable. ( after the first few rides) The Ariets have the best support of the boots I have tried but I think everybodys foot is different and you have to keep trying them on until you find what works. As far as stiff boots go, I love trail riding in half chaps but I have to admit that a stiff high boot makes a noticable differance in a horses preformance and a riders leg position. Good luck in your search. I will be very interested in you conclusions.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 4:37 pm:
I have a question that doesn't have a whole lot to do with boots, but the discussion and comments about stiff boots brought it to mind. It's about dressage riding in general. When I was taught I was under the impression you were to keep a very light leg on the horse and most of your cues come from your seat and body position and light leg cues. So, I'm not understanding the need for stiff boots and how they make your riding better. My allergies are acting up and my head is clogged, so I may just be a little dense at the moment, but could you explain? Thanks.
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 6:58 pm:
sara, I was wondering the same thing also.
I use short riding boots and half shaps, very comfortable.
The only reason I am looking at tall boots is I was told what I am wearing isn't legal for showing.
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 6:59 pm:
sara, I was wondering the same thing also.
I use short riding boots and half chaps, very comfortable.
The only reason I am looking at tall boots is I was told what I am wearing isn't legal for showing.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 7:39 pm:
Sara, It's a good question and unfortunately I don't have an answer. You are absolutely correct in that the leg is just "there" until needed. I have to wonder if chaps layered over paddock boots interfere somehow with the feel of an advanced rider's leg - I'm only guessing here. I can say this though: since wearing the tall Mountain Horse winter boots I got at XMas (vs paddock boots and chaps which I've worn for the last 8 or so years), my leg is quieter. Not sure if that's because of the boot, because I've finally improved my body position, leg position...or what.
I'd be interested in someone else's response.
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Member:
teddyj1
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 9:41 pm:
I ride with a USDF Faculty Member and Instructor Certification Program Liaison, her feeling on Tall boots, and full seat breaches is pretty hardline, she believes tall boots can hide a weak lower leg position, and full seat breaches don't create a "seat", in other words you can become too reliant on these when you need more work on the lunge to get a better position. A stiff dressage boot does help stabilize the lower leg, and keep your ankles up and feet forward, but it can be a crutch, they can also mask the sensitivity against the horses side, and yes full seat breaches do help you stick to the saddle, sometimes at the wrong time or place  A developed seat is about balance, not butt-grippiness. Once again, better off with some lunge line lessons.
Now if you know that you don't stand on your toes, roll your ankles, post straight legged, and you can keep your own leg stabilized, feet forward(naturally forward),good timing of your leg aids, then you're ready for Tall boots, but don't let people convince you because you're a dressage rider you must wear tall boots, baloney, first you need a good leg & seat
TOD
"Holsteiners are winners" AHHA
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 10:57 pm:
Hmmm...guess I know where I stand! I'm getting more time in the saddle now that winter is over though.
It is true, though, that to show you need tall boots isn't it? It is in hunt classes at least, so have always assumed the same is true of dressage tests.
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New Member:
luckett
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 12:23 am:
Sara, Lori, Fran,
I think I may have an answer to your question.Everyone wants their horse to be light on the aids. But do not confuse a light leg with a squishy leg. A stiff boot can lie softly and quietly on the horse's side.A stiff boot can be used very gently. If your horse thinks that he can ignore your leg, you can deliver a quick firm kick that he wont be able to disregard. This quick correction is how you teach a horse to be light on the aids. This way he respects a soft, polite request because he knows you can back it up. This might not fit into your style of training but many FEI trainers do this. But I believe in WHAT EVER WORKS FOR YOU.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 8:07 am:
Rats! So I guess my lower leg has gotten better because of the boots! I was hoping that my seat/position had improved...I guess it's more time on the lunge and w/out stirrups for me!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 8:45 am:
Couldn't agree more regarding the lunge line lessons. It's important that it be a "lesson" and not just your buddy lunging you on the horse.
I've recently starting have lunge lessons with a specialist in that area and boy has it made a difference!!
And Tod; why just go with a winner when you can go with a winner and go Dutch!!
Chris
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 10:29 am:
Mary, by "squishy" do you mean what I'd call hesitant or "iffy?"
I think we're all on the same page here. From the way it was sounding it seemed like the boots were required to ride what I would call correctly so I was curious.
Fran, you'll have company on the lunge! But isn't that one of the appealing things about riding? You're never perfect; there's always room for improvement. You are never done learning.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 10:55 am:
So very true, Sara, and I actually really enjoy lunge line lessons. However, I just wish my rate of learning was a tad bit faster than it currently is....I'll be long dead before I even come close to the level of riding that I hope to achieve
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Member:
teddyj1
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 12:30 pm:
Hey Chris, Dutch horses are wonderful, my Holsteiner's mother is approved Dutch and his grandsire LEPANTO/RUBINSTEIN was double registered HOLSTEINER and DUTCH. He was first a Grand Prix Jumper in Europe, and in '85 was imported to the USA where he began his Grand Prix Dressage career until he was 20. My Professor, Dr. Sandi Lieb who bred my Holsteiner sits on the board of KWPN, and my gelding's(Let's Dance Hol.)1/2 brother (KWPN) VENTURO was 3 yr old USDF Horse of the Year
Material Class. So I think Dutch horses are great, but the A.H.H.A think "Holsteiners are Winners" So Makes you think, how many Dutch horses have Holsteiner blood, or vice versa
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 12:54 pm:
Yeah, that's the great thing about registries, we get to share the good blood.
My boy is by Goodtimes out of an Afrikaner mare. I think his maternal side is actually race bred...
Chris
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Member:
luckett
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 1:07 pm:
Sara, My half chaps are much softer than my stiff riding boots. They are very comfortable on me but if I really want to give a horse a push they just don't feel the same to me or the horse.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 10:16 pm:
Well, I'll have to admit that some of my bias is probably my age...I hate wearing tall boots, even in the saddle. My feet are so warped and my once broken ankle is so fat that they all hurt after awhile. When I get off the horse I hobble to the trailer fender, sit down and pull them off ASAP!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 10:18 pm:
Of course, the above being said, in an ideal horse world, you should be able to get the same response from your horse whether you are barefoot or in a tall boot, but we all know how likely that is most of the time!
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Member:
luckett
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 11:06 pm:
Sara, I have to confess that after 45 years of competing I have hung up my spurs. So you don't have to tell me about age and broken bones. Now I only trail ride and I can't tell you how much more relaxed my life has become.I am very much enjoying putting my two cents in, because I don't ever have to wear tall stiff boots again, if I don't want to. It's fun to give advice that you don't have to follow yourself.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 - 12:01 am:
Mary I hear you!
I quit showing, then somehow got talked into some little local shows, one thing led to another, ....and I'm showing again. My attitude about it has totally changed however, and I'm really having fun.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 5:04 pm:
I am only taking lessons and I wear paddock boots & jeans. So far my trainer hasn't said anything about getting half chaps or boots. I am not having problems with the stirrup leathers pinching, do I really need them? Thanks
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 8:05 am:
Nope, you don't really need them. If you're comfortable riding as is, then save the money. However, I can't believe you're comfortable in jeans! Other than a sedate trail ride, jeans literally rub me the wrong way.
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Member:
wgillmor
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Posted on Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 - 8:49 am:
This discussion is getting close to three years old, but I am looking for dressage boots, and am wondering how the boots mentioned in the discussion have held up.
In particular, the price difference between the Dublin High Point and the Ariat Hunters is over a factor of two, so I would really like to determine if the Ariats are worth the extra money.
(Women's size 11 fit me, so there is no need to restrict the discussion to Men's boots.)
Thanks,
Wiley
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 - 10:45 am:
Wiley, It's been several years and quite a few shows since I purchased my inexpensive Dublins. They have held up very well and continue to be very comfortable. I only wear them for showing so I can't comment on how they would hold up for everyday use.
As an aside to anyone considering the Mountain Horse winter boot that I refer to in an above post. I ended up being disappointed in them. They were always comfy and held up well except for the back zipper. I blew it out after 1 season. Had both zippers replaced with a heavy duty zipper by a local cobbler, and the fabric of the boot that holds the zippers then blew out months later. I don't think I even got two full winters out of them. Very disappointing, particularly considering how much they cost. I've switched to an Ariat tall winter riding boot but have had only a few weeks in them. Very comfy, but this time I will reserve judgement on quality until I've put more than a few miles on them
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 6, 2009 - 12:31 am:
I've had a pair of the Ariat winter boots for several years and I love them still. I wear them with a light weight wool sock and have had warm, dry feet all the time but once, when I was in water so deep it came up over the tops (evacuating a friend's flooded barn.) Even then, my feet were warm, just wet.
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