The horses and ponies you ride today were domesticated an incredible 160,000 years ago. They are all descended from just two breeds: the Arabian horse and the Turkoman horse.
Whatever breed of horse you ride, if you want to be comfortable, you need the right equestrian clothing. Jodhpurs, riding jackets, and show ties aside, your horse riding boots are one of the most important investments you’ll make in your horse riding career.
With so many different types of horse riding boots out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Read our guide below to find out.
Long Riding Boots
Also known as a tall riding boot, this elegant equestrian footwear is the go-to for competition riders. Typically, these English-riding style boots extend to a rider’s knee and come in three fashions: hunt, field, and dress. While the different styles of long riding boots might look similar, they each have a particular purpose.
The field boot laces up in front of the ankle, giving a rider more flexibility in short stirrups. This type of boot is perfect for show and event jumpers or even hunters.
The hunting boot is the shortest of the tall boot styles. It’s cut off at the knee and is sometimes topped by a cuff in a different color. This type of boot was traditionally worn by men when out on the hunt, but today, both sexes wear them.
Short Horse Riding Boots
The boot you’ll see most commonly on horse riders is the short riding boot or jodhpur boot. These boots come to the ankle, are made of leather or hard-wearing plastic, and have elasticated or zip-up sides. So long as they’re properly fitting boots, short boots are a perfect piece of horse riding equipment for beginner riders or children.
Some short boots come with additional features like waterproofing, steel cap toes, and cushioning technology. For leg protection, add a pair of gaiters or chaps. If you plan to don a pair of short boots as part of your competition wear, make sure to check in advance whether the organizers allow this type of boot.
Mucker boots, which you wear when undertaking yard work, also fall under the short boot category. However, it’s not recommended to wear these boots riding. If you can only afford one pair of boots, an all-purpose jodhpur boot will afford you the most flexibility.
Western Riding Boots
When it comes to Western horseback riding, there are a plethora of boot styles to choose from. What they all have in common is a closed toe, an obvious heel, and they’re made from full-grain leather. Look for boots that are stylish, durable enough for both riding and working on the ranch, and have extra features like waterproofing and insulation.
Possibly the best thing about Western riding boots is the patterns and colors you can choose from. So long as you’re ticking all the boxes in terms of safety and quality, don’t be afraid to embrace your creativity.
Caring for Your Riding Boots
If you’re into the sport of horse riding for the long-term, a quality pair of horse riding boots is necessary. Synthetic boots need regular washing in water and a gentle detergent. Care for your leather boots as you would your leather saddle and tack.
Store your boots in a dust bag in an upright position away from strong sunlight. Use boot inserts to maintain the shape of tall boots.
Are you looking for more information on equipment for your favorite sports? Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog.
*This is a collaboration post
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