Riding Just Got More Expensive

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Laura4543

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May 20, 2019
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So today my riding instructor advised me to buy a pair of long boots.
At the moment I wear a short pair of jodhpur boots.

I have been riding once occasionally twice for about a year. I am not sure how much progress I am making.

I love shopping and spending money (!) so I looked online but it seems that boots cost as much as a small car.
There are some very beautiful options. But I have never seen these lovely boots first hand because I live in London where tack shops and
the opportunity to see these types of products are few and far between.

So I know I can buy them online but I refuse to spend this type of money without seeing them first and trying every size and width etc,

So two questions:

A) What brand and price range should I consider- I want to buy a good quality boot but given that I can’t even canter I want to spend an appropriate amount of money.

B) What brand of boots are the top riders wearing? I.e Shane Breen, Ben Meyer etc.
 
Ah boots. Lovely riding boots - I own many pairs. But until you know which particular brand are a good fit for you, it is very hard to buy online. Have you considered buying some off ebay used/ preloved? You can always sell on if they aren't a good fit on you?
I find Mountain Horse brand come in many different heights / widths and styles. They were my first long riding boot acquisition. I also find Dublin a good brand but it really is personal preference and budget.
Toggi do a good price long riding boot also. I am sure lots of people on here will chip in their advice. Eileen Douglas tack shop on ebay is excellent, they never quibble over returning items that don't fit - so you can buy from them with confidence. They have a good selection of long boots amongst other things.
 
Thank you for the advice. I do find buying stuff online and returning it such a trial but no one else seems to mind!
 
Oh boots are such a personal preference thing! I'd suggest having a trip to a riding gear shop, and trying on lots of different makes. Don't buy straight away, but go away and then look online. At least you'll know what size in various makes, and which one you like. If you have no luck online/secondhand, you can go back to the shop. My personal preference are muck boot co. long boots - all soft and comfy. If there aren't any shops near you, make a day of it, and pop out to Surrey.
 
Huggy said:
Oh boots are such a personal preference thing! I'd suggest having a trip to a riding gear shop, and trying on lots of different makes. Don't buy straight away, but go away and then look online. At least you'll know what size in various makes, and which one you like. If you have no luck online/secondhand, you can go back to the shop. My personal preference are muck boot co. long boots - all soft and comfy. If there aren't any shops near you, make a day of it, and pop out to Surrey.
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Any shops that you could recommend in Surrey Huggs?
 
You really do need to try them on. Did your teacher say why long boots rather than chaps or gaiters to go with your short boots? They'd be a much cheaper option, and many people find them easier to ride in.
 
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Laura4543 said:
Any shops that you could recommend in Surrey Huggs?
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I'm afraid I'm Hampshire - nearest I know of is Basingstoke - Robinsons - they have the catalogue and online shop too. Ask on FB about nearer you.
 
carthorse said:
You really do need to try them on. Did your teacher say why long boots rather than chaps or gaiters to go with your short boots? They'd be a much cheaper option, and many people find them easier to ride in.
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I was wondering this too as I'm one who prefers short boots and chaps.
 
Short boots and chaps for me too. I dont have any long riding boots. I do ride in long country boots out hacking but for lessons I use short boots and chaps.
I have to try boots before I buy. I would ask your riding instructor where the nearest tack shop in the area is.
 
chunky monkey said:
Short boots and chaps for me too. I dont have any long riding boots. I do ride in long country boots out hacking but for lessons I use short boots and chaps.
I have to try boots before I buy. I would ask your riding instructor where the nearest tack shop in the area is.
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And if she says it's on site or linked to the school be very suspicious about what you supposedly need!
 
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Laura4543 said:
I know apparently that is the whole idea...
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This worries me slightly. If they make your leg stiff and inflexible that's going to cause tension elsewhere - not good. Far better to work on a secure lower leg the boring hard work way because that and an independent seat are going to be what keep you on board if things go wrong, not to mention allowing the horse to work more freely. It sounds to me like you're being asked to take an expensive short cut, and short cuts don't work around horses.
 
carthorse said:
This worries me slightly. If they make your leg stiff and inflexible that's going to cause tension elsewhere - not good. Far better to work on a secure lower leg the boring hard work way because that and an independent seat are going to be what keep you on board if things go wrong, not to mention allowing the horse to work more freely. It sounds to me like you're being asked to take an expensive short cut, and short cuts don't work around horses.
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Thank you for the advice. So in your opinion short boots are an even better learning aid?
 
Laura4543 said:
Thank you for the advice. So in your opinion short boots are an even better learning aid?
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No, that's not what I said at all. What I said is you shouldn't be using boots to try and cover up for weakness in your leg position, seat or core. While it wouldn't be comfortable or advisable you should be able to ride as effectively in your bra and knickers as full riding gear. Boots are not a learning aid, any more than putting on surgical scrubs makes you a doctor.
 
As someone who wears both short boots and chaps, and long boots, the only thing I'd say is that I find rubber long boots restrictive - they don't give around your ankle. Long softer boots do, and I find both equally comfortable. I don't tend to ride in my bra and knickers though - wouldn't want to scare the wildlife :eek:
 
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Huggy said:
As someone who wears both short boots and chaps, and long boots, the only thing I'd say is that I find rubber long boots restrictive - they don't give around your ankle. Long softer boots do, and I find both equally comfortable. I don't tend to ride in my bra and knickers though - wouldn't want to scare the wildlife :eek:
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I wouldn't want to ride without my bra and knickers lol, but if that was all I rode in I think it's more than the wildlife that would be getting a scare!
 
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In my opinion, I do think short boots are better for learning leg aids. Big boots keep your ankle rigid and there is little feeling left between you and the horse's side. When I first came back to riding, I had to wear long boots. It was a rigid dress code at the stables. I was asked to canter, felt wobbly, gripped up in my posh long boots and out the side door I went, breaking my arm.

It was a real shock and I now realise that if I had ridden in joddie boots (which I always do now 30 years on), I would've had much more control of myself and my lower leg position.

Yes, long boots look nice but I do think it is a bit of "all the gear and no idea" sometimes.
 
A trip to a big horse show is always a good opportunity to try lots of different makes. I don't really keep up but I know there is Liverpool coming up and Your Horse Live...
 
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GaryB said:
A trip to a big horse show is always a good opportunity to try lots of different makes. I don't really keep up but I know there is Liverpool coming up and Your Horse Live...
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That’s a really good shout. What about Olympia or something Londony and christmassy?!
 
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