The majority of workers and athleteswear properfootwear to perform their jobs. It’sjust ascrucial to wear the right shoeswhen you’re ridinghorses.The right shoes or bootssafeguard your feet in the event that theyget stepped on, andhelp prevent your footfrom slidingintothestirrups if you falloff your horsewhenriding.Flip-flops, high heelssandals, clogsorshoessuch asCrocs,andcanvas shoesdon’t belong inthe barn.Even rubber boots won’t provideany protection even though they canhelpwhen the weather is a bit wet or you’re cleaning outstalls.If you’re considering any kindofequipment, even footwear make sure you think about safety first’.
What Not to Wear
Specially designed boots for ridingcome in many differentstyles.Whatever you choose, any riding boot shouldhave a narrow treadand a heel ofapproximately1 “(2.5cm)approximately1 1/2inch high. Thiswill keepyour boot from sliding acrossthe stirrup. Bootswith thick or heavytreads such assnow boots or hikingboots, are not suitablefor riding. However,theycould be suitableto workwithin the stable.They are typicallybroad and have aboxy toe, meaningtheycould be caughtbetween the sides of thestirrup. They alsohave plentyof grip, which is greatwhile you’re hiking but willmake ithardertoget your foot intoor out of your stirrup.
7 Common Beginner Horseback Riding Mistakes
Waterproof Boots
Many of the more inexpensiveboots are constructed withtheupper or lowersor bothmade ofvinyl.This is lesscomfortablefor your feet and couldfall apart fasteras a high-quality pair ofleather boots thatare repairable. Theymay not breathe likeleather,but they’resimpler to clean whentheyare soiled.
Packersare becoming very popularand in addition to looking fashionable,they’reperfect for everydayriding andwalking.They are sturdy and provideprotection for horses while notbeing as bulky and heavy asEnglish boots.
English Boot Styles
English bootscome indistinct styles too. Traditional dress boots, thoselong black boots wecan see inoldBritish hunting scenesarecommon in the dressage ringand also in eventing. Theyare appropriate in nearly everyEnglish discipline.A fewoutdoor riders and trail ridersfind that a comfortablepair of tall boots isgood protection and support forall day use.Others feel they are toouncomfortable and hot. Field bootslook similar todresses, but they featurea lace-up over the instep.They are typically wornwithin the hunter show ring. Theywill be more comfortable if youhave afoot withhigh instep. Thelacing makes iteasier toslipinand out.
Both types of tall bootsmight or might not come withan inner zipperwhich makes them more convenienttoslipintoas well as out. If youdiscover a wonderfulpair ofbrand new or usedbootsbut they’rehard to get on and off,it’spossible toget zippers installedor replacedif they areworn.
Paddock boots or Jodphurare Englishtypesof riding bootsthatare worn up tothe ankle. They aretypicallyworn by kidswhen they are in the show arena,wearing jodhpurs with leather gaiters straps, which wrapthrough the calf, justbelow theknees, to avoidthe jodhpursgetting tangledoverthe leg.Many adults, also wear them, with or without half-chapsto ride in everyday situations.A quality pair issuitable for use aroundthe barn, butyou shouldn’tuse leather boots forriding in stalls. Jodhpur bootscomeinzipper, pull-onor laceddesigns.A fewpreferthe zipper style sincethey’re easierfor them to get on andremove however feet with higharchesmay feel cramped when wearingthepull-on or zipper styles.
Running Shoe Styles
The running shoe-styleboots areavailable for thosewholike a casual lookthat is comfortable andsturdy, and doesn’t needthe attention that leather needs.They’re just as comfortableas running boots, and also havesome additional support ontheankle and on the sole.They are in factthe best option iflooking for a sport that involves a ride and tie, whichrequiressomerunning.A lot of trail runners who travel long distanceswear these.
Materials
All of these boots comein a variety of materials,such as synthetics and cotton canvasto leather.Naturally, leather bootsare generallymore costly and requiregreater care. Thehigher quality of theleatherand the more durable theconstruction it is, the more comfortablethe morecostlyit will become. Trywith a pair of$500 boots as opposed tothe $100 bootsand you’llbe able to feelthedifference in support and comfort.A quality pair ofshoes is aninvestment,andwith proper care they will last longer than the less expensiveversion by many, manyyears.It’s hard to deny the comfortofquality boots, sowhen you’re outof reach, combconsignmentshops and want-adsfor used boots you canspend the money for.
Both Englishand western-style boots comefrom synthetic fabrics. Themain issue with theserubber riding bootsis that theyget hot, hold the moisture andare difficulttoget off. They’relike a suction cups toyour legs. They’reperfect for when theweather is a bit wetorif you’reparticipating in a handful ofevents and don’t wish togive up the expense ofleather boots.
Many riders haveseveral pairs ofboots,depending on howtheygo. Ifyou’re going to exhibit it, you’ll likelyneed to haveseparate boots for yourhomeand during competitions. Of course,eachsport requires a specificpair ofboots, and soif you plan to showEnglishalong with western styles,you’llprobably needboth kindsof boots.Winter riding means you mayrequire a pair ofheated riding boots lined with a lining to ensure your feet are warm.There are alsotall boots or polo bootswith a brown or blackcuffs that are high up.These are fine, aslong as they’re safeand comfortable.
Already-Owned Boots
You might have something fromyourcloset that will workperfectly, andwithout theexpense offootwear specifically designedfor riding.So long asyour heel and treadmatch and the size isn’t too hugeto be used as a stirrup, andthey’re well-fitting and supportive ofyourfeet, they’llbefine.Shoes with zippersin the middle of thecalves won’t work.Always view your horse ridingclothes with a keen eye forsafety, which ismore important thanyourlook.
