I am trying to get equipped to ride so I can accompany my daughter when she rides out. I have done some riding in the past but not a great deal so I'd count myself as a new rider.
My problem is that I am physically big. I'm 6'2" with a large head and feet so finding equipment that fits is a problem. After a lot of searching, I found a size 63 skull cap so head protection is sorted.
My main problem now is footwear as I take anywhere between a size 12 and 14, depending on shoe brand. No equestrian suppliers close to me seem to carry riding boots bigger than size 11 so I can;t try anything on in-store locally. I have had conflicting advice regarding what I should wear, for example someone told me it was OK to ride in wellingtons, and someone else said it wasn't safe to do so. I've tried 2 pairs of jodhpur boots that I ordered online and had to return them as they were uncomfortable to wear. So, I'm basically demoralised and confused. Do I need long or short boots, do I need half-chaps, are non-equestrian boots OK, etc etc
I found some walking boots in Go Outdoors that were comfortable and had a suitable sole and heel (I'm told that is important) butthe half-chaps that would go over the bulky shape.
So, my question to the forum is, what footwear would be suitable to allow me to ride safely, and where do I find it?
My problem is that I am physically big. I'm 6'2" with a large head and feet so finding equipment that fits is a problem. After a lot of searching, I found a size 63 skull cap so head protection is sorted.
My main problem now is footwear as I take anywhere between a size 12 and 14, depending on shoe brand. No equestrian suppliers close to me seem to carry riding boots bigger than size 11 so I can;t try anything on in-store locally. I have had conflicting advice regarding what I should wear, for example someone told me it was OK to ride in wellingtons, and someone else said it wasn't safe to do so. I've tried 2 pairs of jodhpur boots that I ordered online and had to return them as they were uncomfortable to wear. So, I'm basically demoralised and confused. Do I need long or short boots, do I need half-chaps, are non-equestrian boots OK, etc etc
I found some walking boots in Go Outdoors that were comfortable and had a suitable sole and heel (I'm told that is important) butthe half-chaps that would go over the bulky shape.
So, my question to the forum is, what footwear would be suitable to allow me to ride safely, and where do I find it?