Being new to this lark...

[Dice]

... and of course knowing absolutly nothing about the 'sport' such as where are the good places to start to learn to ride, I decided it would be prudent to go along to quite a few (independant)different tack shops in my area and ask them a few questions (such a good logical idea, that it scares me that I thought of it! :eek: )

Well anyway, much conflicting information was gathered on where to learn (nothing's ever simple is it :rolleyes: ). Whilst there I asked about the basic equipment prices and ALL of them seem to push the long boots. When questioned as to the short boots, they say that the pinching stirrup leathers are a problem with them and nothing about their pro's.

The general feeling/concensus around here (from other threads) is that short boots are better for riding in (for ankle position?) - so are they (all?) trying to sell me something uneccesary when something cheaper (and more effective) would suffice? :confused:

[JumperGirl]

I ride with high winter boots, but have jod (loW) boots too.

The high winter ones i have arent leather or anything.

Most people just get high leather ones if they show (from what ive heard!) i think jod boots are very comfy, and you could get half chaps too if you would like, maybe the people at the stores want you to buy something more expensive, and maybe they just plain dont like jods, but go with what you want, and if you say you want jods and they say you shouldnt, just take your business elsewhere, and tell them that!

lol, i dont know how much help that is, but o well!

[Georgie B]

I wear short leather boots and suede chaps. I have tried to ride in long boots (not leather - too expensive) and in the summer they draw your feet and I personally find (and my instructor has confirmed) that my chaps keep my legs where they should be and you can whip them off when you've finished riding which is comfortable. You will find that you do need some protection from the stirrup leathers otherwise the insides of your legs will become bruised and very sore. Happy hunting:)

[Kylie Chamberlain]

I always have and always will ride in short jod boots. I paid sixty Austaralian dollars for mine and they are comfortable and hard wearing:cool:

[HunterGirl]

I ride in jod boots all the time (over here we call them paddock boots).With half chaps, I love them, they arent as restricting as tall boots, and you can take the chaps off when your done riding so you dont get hot in the summer. I do have tall (feild) boots but only where them for shows.

I must admit that I spend a lot of money for my boots( I will only buy one particular brand), but you can get a good pair of boots for next to nothing.

I dont like to ride in full chaps they give you a false sence of security, you stick so well when you wear them but when you take them off, its slip and slide time.My not happen for someone that has been riding a while, but I would not recomend them for beginners.

Happy shopping.:)

[Kathrin]

I got my half chaps on www.rideaway.co.uk.

Being a shortie I could buy the kiddies ones and get them for only £19.99 (Dublin brand)!

They are much more comfy than long boots and easier to get out of in a hurry!

[Dice]

Well thanks for your replies, as I believed it looks as if most of you use short boots. So why is it that the shops all try push to sell the long boots then??? :confused:

Jumpergirl - I'd understand if one shop has something against long boots, but five :eek: , all of which are independant from each other??? (more :confused: , eh?! ;) :D )

[floppy]

i ride with tall boots (i have both rubber and leather ones)
and if i am doing dressage or schooling or jumping in the arena i always wear my tall boots because chaps dont support my legs well enough and i find it uncomfortable. I tried some leather gaiters out the other day and they were really nice...otherwise if i am riding out i wear full chaps or half chaps.

But i think for starting out a pair of short boots and chaps would be better, you may find it comfortable without the chaps.
But the cost of buyign a pair of short boots and half chaps is still alot less than a pair of leather boots. (i have had my half chaps for 11yrs now..so they do last along time!)

[Bebe]

Shops probably push the tall boots because they're hoping you'll buy leather ones that cost an arm and a leg.

I usually ride in jod boots but also have a pair of rubber long boots. I mainly use the long boots in winter when the extra cover keeps my legs warm. However, they're also good for providing an extra bit of stability when I'm going through a bad patch. When I first got Bebe I couldn't rise to her trot (v. powerful, ask Yann!) without my lower leg going all over the place and switching to the long boots gave me that bit of help I needed to get the hang of it.

Rubbing leathers can be a problem, I find it depends upon the saddle you're in and your lower leg position.

If you have a couple of rides and find that you're okay in short boots then there's no real reason to change. If you feel like your leg is too wobbly and/or the leathers cause rubs, then long boots might be the answer.

Amanda

PS, synethic boots and a synthetic saddle do not go together. The squeak they make if they touch is very offputting.

[floppy]

oh and refrain as much as possible from cleaning synthetic boots and riding with a leather saddle, because they squeek then too!:D
I find if you have to clean them, then to pick up a handful of dried arena ground and rub it up the side of the boot that has the contact to the saddle!

[Dice]

Originally posted by Bebe
Shops probably push the tall boots because they're hoping you'll buy leather ones that cost an arm and a leg.

.

I s'pose, but they were all pushing the rubber ones?? :confused:

Makes sence with the synthetics - nothing worse than a constant irritating squeak!