riding in just jodhpur boots?

N

newrider14

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Nov 1, 2014
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Hi all, me again (posted just the other day about my rising trot) :)

From the replies a few people said wellies weren't really suitable for riding in, so I want some proper horse riding boots.

Is it okay to ride in just jodhpur boots (I'm not sure if that's the right term - I mean the ankle boots) without half chaps? Or do you need the chaps unless you have tall riding boots?

Sorry if this seems a stupid question, thank you!:)
 
Hiya NR!
I think it's personal preference when it comes to what you wear. Personally I didn't like the rubbing of my jodhpurs while riding in just short boots. I tried half chaps but I prefer long boots. I do think you get a better feel with your horse when you ride in short boots with or without chaps though so not suggesting you choose long boots at this point, they're more expensive generally!
 
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I ride in either short jodhpur boots (with or without half chaps depending in if I can find them) or long boots.

I prefer the look of short boots with chaps than on their own - but to be fair though, I've hacked out wearing hot pink spotty fleece PJ bottoms, so not actually that fussy!

In short, it's personal preference :) x
 
Hi NR, as everyone else says its personal preference. I personally prefer long boots,but also ride in short boots on their own and with chaps, depending on what I feel like.
 
I find it much easier to ride in more chunky boots rather than the traditional jod boots. Something like the Mountain Horse range are really good because they have grips which allow your foot to connect to the stirrup, but as they are designed for riding your foot will not get stuck in them.

The wearing of half chaps is very personal. You don't have to ride in them, but most people do. Its part fashion and partly because your leg can rub on the stirrup leather if you don't.
 
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On a purely practical note, your heels / lower legs get pretty dirty / greasy and the chaps protect you from that as well as protecting you from the stirrup leathers and any accidental rubs against the fence!

I always wear jod boots with steel toecaps as well, 700+ kilos of horse on your little toe is not pleasant!
 
If riding in short boots I'd definitely wear half chaps - I've a scar on my inner calf from a bad blister caused by my leathers rubbing! You don't have to get expensive ones - I like the neoprene ones because they're easy to wash and are stretchy and comfortable.
 
I only ever ride in long boots but that's just personal preference, when I was a child I used to wear pumps or wellies (I know, very bad!) but in pumps my inner calf used to get pinched by the leathers so would definitely go for chaps if I wore short boots now just to protect the lower leg.
 
I often ride in just boots (Ariat short boots) if I am going bareback, because there are no stirrup leathers to rub me and I can wash my jodhs easily.
 
Yup its those pesky pinching stirrup leathers that make me want t always have my lower leg covered by something more than socks and jods, I have both long boots and short with chaps, I actually brought a new pair of black joddy boots for 20 quid off FB group (not actually worn those though as mum treated me to some rather expensive Ariat's) and my chaps were also only 20 quid at a show last year so doesn't have to cost the earth.
 
Always wear chaps with short boots - but have to say I much prefer long boots, but just get too hot with them in the summer months. I think if you have chaps or long boots it helps keep your legs steadier too.:)
 
For my first lessons I wore jodh boots, no chaps; it's the cheapest "way in". Later on I bought chaps. The Shires suede ones were the ones I like the best. I now ride in long boots. The upshot is that it's your personal choice, based on comfort and effectiveness in the saddle. You'll work out what's best for you as you continue with your lessons - enjoy!
 
Thank you everybody :) I think for the time being I'll wear just the short boots then as I (hopefully!) progress and continue I'll invest in either decent chaps/longer boots :)
 
Whatever you choose do not be talked into PVC or rubber long boots they are impossible to ride well in. Short boots and gaiters/chaps are easier for a lot of people than long boots as they offer a wider range of calf width and height fittings.
 
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