A majority of athletes and workershave properfootwear to perform their jobs. It’sjust ascrucial to wear the right shoeswhen you’re working with or ridinghorses.A good pair of boots or shoesensure your feet are protected if theyare stepped on andwill stop your footfrom slidingacrossthestirrup if it fallsoff your horsewhenriding.Flip-flops, high-heeledsandals, clogs,shoeslikeCrocsandrunning shoes made of canvashave no place inthe barn.Even rubber boots won’t provideany protection but theyprovide some comfortin wet weather, or you’re mucking outstalls.If you’re considering any kindofequipment, including footwear ensure safety is the primary consideration’.
What Not to Wear
The boots designed specifically for ridingare available in differentstyles.Whatever you choose for your riding footwear, it shouldbe able to walk with a little treadand a heelthat isabout1.25 inches(2.5cm)up to1 1/2inches tall. Thiswill keepyour boot from sliding downthe stirrup. Bootswith big or thicktreads such ashiking boots or snowboots, are not suitablefor riding, althoughtheymay be suitablefor workingat the stable.These types of boots are usuallywide, with a bigand a boxy toe. This meanstheymight get caught upon the sides or thestirrup. They alsooffer a lotof grip, which is goodwhen hiking, but canmake ithardertoslide your foot inas well out.
7 Common Beginner Horseback Riding Mistakes
Waterproof Boots
The majority of cheaperboots are constructed withtheupper or lowersor both, constructed ofvinyl.It’s not the mostcomfortablefor your feet , and canend up breaking down more quicklyas a high-quality pair ofleather boots, whichare able to be repaired. Theymay not be as comfortable asleather,but they areless difficult to clean up whentheydo get soiled.
Packershave become extremely popularandbesides looking smart,they’reperfect for everydaydress-up in the barn as well aswalking.They’re durable and offerthe necessary support when riding, withoutbecoming as bulky asEnglish boots.
English Boot Styles
English bootsare available instyles and styles. Traditional dress boots, thosehigh black boots that weare seeing in theoldBritish hunting scenesremainprevalent in the dressage arenaas well as in eventing andare appropriate in nearly everyEnglish discipline.A fewpeople who ride in the backyard and on trailsare of the opinion that apair of tall boots providegood protection and support forall day use.Others find them to beuncomfortable and hot. Field bootsresembledress shoes but havethe lace-up on the inside of your instep.They are usedwithin the hunter show ring. Theyare more comfortable ifhave aa higher instep. Thelace makes it a littleeasier togetinand out.
Both types of tall bootsmay or may not includean inner zipperwhich makes them more convenienttoslipinand out of. If youhappen to find a goodpair ofnew or usedboots, however they’rechallenging to take on,it ispossible tohave zippers addedor replacedin the event that they becomedamaged.
Jodphur boots, also known as paddock boots,are Englishstylesof riding bootswhich onlyreachthe ankle. They arefrequentlyused by childrenon the show rings,with jodhpurs and leather gaiters, straps that goaround the calf justbelow theknees, to avoidthe jodhpursgetting tangledoverthe leg.Many adults, put on these with or without half-chapsfor riding in the everyday.A quality pair iscomfy to wear aroundthe barn, thoughyou should notuse leather boots forthe stall, as they can be a bit messy. Jodhpur bootscomeinzipper, pull-onor lacedstyles.A fewpreferthe zipper design becausethey are easyto put on andtake off however feet with higharchesmay feel cramped when wearingthepull-on and zipper styles.
Running Shoe Styles
The running shoe-styleboots areavailable to thosewhoprefer a casual stylethat is both comfortable anddurable. They don’t needthe attention that leather needs.They’re as comfyas running shoes, withan extra bit of support fortheankle and sole.They’re in factan ideal option for those who arelooking for a sport that involves a ride’n’ tie thatrequiresa bit ofrunning.Many trailrunners who are long distancewear these.
Materials
Each of these boots comeswith a range of materials rangingsuch as synthetics and cotton canvasto leather.Naturally, leather bootsare generallymore costly and requiremore attention. Thehigher quality of theleatherand the betterdesign is, the more comfortable andthe morecostlyyour boot is likely to be. Tryon a pair of$500 boots, in comparison tothe $100 bootsand you’llquickly feelthedifference in the comfort and support.A high-quality pair offootwear is aninvestment,andif taken care of it can last longer than the lower-endversion by many, manyyears.It’s impossible to resist the feelofhigh-quality boots.when you’re outof your reach, check outconsignmentstores and post adsto find used boots you canafford.
Both Englishas well as western-style boots areconstructed of synthetic substances. Themost significant issue withrubber riding bootsis that theycan heat up as they hold moisture, andcould be difficulttoget off. They’rethe shape of a suction cupyour legs. They’regreat if theweather is wet,orif you’re onlyattending a fewshows , and don’t have the time togive up the expense ofleather boots.
Many riders carryat least two pairs ofboots,depending on the type of horsetheyride. Ifyou’re planning to show, you will probablyrequireseparate boots for both athomeand for the competition. Of course,everydiscipline requires a differentpair ofshoes, sofor those who plan to exhibitEnglishas well as westernyou’llprobably needboth kindsof boots.Winter riding means you mayneed a pair oflined riding boots to keep your feet warm.There are alsotall boots or polo-style bootswith a brown or blackcuffs at the top.These are fine aslong as they are safeand comfortable.
Already-Owned Boots
There’s a possibility that you have something inyourcloset that will workwell, butwithout thecost of purchasingboots specifically designedfor riding.As long asthe tread and heelare suitable and they’re not too bigfor the stirrup,they are comfortable and fityourfeet, they’llbefine.Boots with a zipperin the middle of thecalves won’t work.Make sure you look at your horse’s ridingclothing with an eye towardssafety, which is muchmore important thanyourlook.