Types and Brands of English Riding Boots
If you are just starting out riding horses, two of the only must have pieces of gear you need are a helmet and boots. Both of these items are essential to safe riding. Boots are necessary because they have a heel (usually of about 1") which prevents your foot from slipping all the way through the stirrup and becoming jammed. Getting stuck in the stirrup while riding is very dangerous because if you fall, you can be dragged or trampled or your leg may be broken. This is why I always advise riding with a heeled shoe or boot if you plan on using your stirrups. The additional advantage of boots is that they offer better protection than other types of shoes while working around the horse. In other words, you will fare better when being stepped on in a boot instead of a flip flop or sneaker. You'll keep all your toes!
There are several types of English riding boots:
1. Paddock boots come to just above the ankle and may zip or lace up the front. Generally, these boots are used for casual riding. However children show in paddock boots paired with jodphurs and leather garter straps that fit below the knee.
2. Tall boots-there are two basic types of tall boots. Both are traditionally black leather and come up to just below the knee. Field boots have laces in the front at the ankle which allows them to break in more easily. Field boots are worn by hunter and jumper riders. Dress boots are the same style, but without laces and are worn by dressage riders. Adults, teenagers and older children show in tall boots paired with breeches which tuck into the boots. Tall boots are harder to fit than paddock boots because the calf should fit close to the rider's leg. It is also important to pick boots that feel a little too tall because the boots will "drop" about 1" inch as the leather around the ankle breaks in.
Also, see my article on boot care.
Boot Brands
My favorite boot brand is Ariat. Ariat boots are very nice quality. Some of the lower models are a good value for the price. Ariat makes all styles (paddock, field and dress boots). Always remember with riding gear and apparel that fit is the key, even more so than quality. Ariat not only sells boots in different price ranges to accomodate the needs of different riders. They also offer a wide variety of calf widths so nearly everyone can find a good fit. Also, Ariat puts special ATS and Cobalt technology in the soles of some of their boots. I like that they are designing equestrian footwear with the athletes in mind.
If you are a plus sized rider, a specialty company called Fuller Fillies makes boots in expanded calf sizes with elastic panels. Very ingenious! Also check out their apparel.
Other Boot TypesThere are other types of boots that may be useful to you. Some companies including Ariat make insulated winter boots (both paddock and tall styles). These are an essential if you live in a cold climate like I do. Otherwise you may not be able to feel your toes while riding in winter!
I also enjoy my Dublin River Boots (see My Apparel Favorites). They are manufactured by Dublin and are a fashionable, casual boot. They are completely waterproof and can be cleaned by simply hosing them off. You can ride in them, but I find that they are better for barn chores and being equestrian chic!
There are several types of English riding boots:
1. Paddock boots come to just above the ankle and may zip or lace up the front. Generally, these boots are used for casual riding. However children show in paddock boots paired with jodphurs and leather garter straps that fit below the knee.
2. Tall boots-there are two basic types of tall boots. Both are traditionally black leather and come up to just below the knee. Field boots have laces in the front at the ankle which allows them to break in more easily. Field boots are worn by hunter and jumper riders. Dress boots are the same style, but without laces and are worn by dressage riders. Adults, teenagers and older children show in tall boots paired with breeches which tuck into the boots. Tall boots are harder to fit than paddock boots because the calf should fit close to the rider's leg. It is also important to pick boots that feel a little too tall because the boots will "drop" about 1" inch as the leather around the ankle breaks in.
Also, see my article on boot care.
Boot Brands
My favorite boot brand is Ariat. Ariat boots are very nice quality. Some of the lower models are a good value for the price. Ariat makes all styles (paddock, field and dress boots). Always remember with riding gear and apparel that fit is the key, even more so than quality. Ariat not only sells boots in different price ranges to accomodate the needs of different riders. They also offer a wide variety of calf widths so nearly everyone can find a good fit. Also, Ariat puts special ATS and Cobalt technology in the soles of some of their boots. I like that they are designing equestrian footwear with the athletes in mind.
If you are a plus sized rider, a specialty company called Fuller Fillies makes boots in expanded calf sizes with elastic panels. Very ingenious! Also check out their apparel.
Other Boot TypesThere are other types of boots that may be useful to you. Some companies including Ariat make insulated winter boots (both paddock and tall styles). These are an essential if you live in a cold climate like I do. Otherwise you may not be able to feel your toes while riding in winter!
I also enjoy my Dublin River Boots (see My Apparel Favorites). They are manufactured by Dublin and are a fashionable, casual boot. They are completely waterproof and can be cleaned by simply hosing them off. You can ride in them, but I find that they are better for barn chores and being equestrian chic!
