I've always ridden in short boots and chaps, and though I hankered after a pair of long leather boots, never thought I'd afford a pair, or find a pair wide enough for my calves.... what is it with manufacturers? Do they not know that even fairly slim riders usually have chunky calves- I'm a UK size 10-12, hardly massive, but STILL have problems getting boots to fit my 'chunky' calves.. but I digress...!
This year, having got sick of loosing my wellies in the mud, constantly changing from wellies to short boots and chaps to ride, and back to wellies to turn out and muck out, and getting shavings, hay and sh1t in my wellies and consequently in the house, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and get a pair of long rubber boots.. only I couldn't find a pair that fitted my calves
I ended up buying a second hand pair from a mate- a size too big, but went over my calves, and I could get thermal socks in them.. and they are great for doing yard work and going on a short hack or doing half an hours schooling, but as everyone has said, you can't really keep your lower leg position well in them, and they squeak against the saddle, and if it's warm your feet bake, and if it's cold they freeze
I've solved my problems however, 'cause my brother gave me some money and I bought a pair of Harry Hall Faro long leather boots- they are the most supremely comfy boots I've ever worn, they give me a great lower leg position, and they are the only boots I've ever worn that keep my lower leg still in trot

Got mine for £70 (get a discount at my local tack shop

) and I'll DEFINITELY be replacing them when they wear out... and I doubt very much I'll be going back to short boots and chaps in the summer either
