Riding Boots

Description

Horse riding tall boots are essential for more formal riding disciplines like dressage, show jumping, and fox hunting. These boots provide ankle support, protect the rider’s legs from friction, and offer a sleek, professional appearance.

Types of Tall Boots:

1. Field Boots:
   • Purpose: Mostly used in show jumping, eventing, and hunter classes.
   • Features:
     • Lace-up ankle design provides flexibility for riders, particularly in movements that require a deep heel, such as jumping.
     • Zipper at the back for ease of putting them on and off.
   • Material: Typically made from high-quality leather that molds to the leg for comfort.
2. Dress Boots:
   • Purpose: Used mainly in dressage.
   • Features:
     • No laces; they are designed for a more rigid, structured fit.
     • Offer maximum contact between the rider’s leg and the horse.
     • Higher cut on the outside of the knee (Spanish top) for a traditional look.
   • Material: Stiffer leather to give a more formal appearance and better leg support.
3. Hunt Boots:
   • Purpose: Traditionally worn for fox hunting.
   • Features:
     • Similar in design to dress boots but usually with a distinctive tan cuff at the top.
     • Some may have spur rests to accommodate the use of spurs.
   • Material: Leather, often more robust to withstand outdoor conditions.

Key Features to Consider:

1. Fit:
   • Tall boots should fit snugly around the calf and ankle.
   • The height of the boot should come up to the back of your knee. Initially, tall boots may feel tight or slightly tall, but they’ll break in and drop slightly over time.
   • Many tall boots feature elasticated panels or gussets for better fit and comfort.
2. Material:
   • Leather: Premium leather tall boots offer a traditional and elegant look, great durability, and better molding to the rider’s leg over time.
   • Synthetic: Cheaper and easier to maintain but less durable and not as breathable as leather.
3. Fastening Options:
   • Zippered Boots: Zippers (usually at the back or side) make tall boots easier to put on and take off.
   • Elastic Gussets: Some boots incorporate elastic panels for a more flexible, comfortable fit around the calf.
4. Heels and Soles:
   • The heel on tall boots is usually about 1 inch high, providing support to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup.
   • Soles are smooth to ensure the rider can easily slip their foot out of the stirrup if needed.

Caring for Tall Boots:

• Cleaning: Wipe off dirt and dust after each ride with a damp cloth.
• Conditioning: Regularly condition leather boots with leather conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking.
• Polishing: Use boot polish to give them a shiny appearance, especially for competitions.

Popular Tall Boot Brands:

1. Ariat:
   • Known for combining performance technology with comfort.
   • Popular models: Ariat Heritage Contour II, Ariat Challenge Contour Field Boots.
2. Tredstep:
   • Offers a range of well-designed boots that are perfect for competitions and training.
   • Popular models: Tredstep Donatello II, Tredstep Medici Tall Boots.
3. Mountain Horse:
   • Known for durable, comfortable riding boots suitable for everyday wear.
   • Popular models: Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot, Mountain Horse Venice.
4. Parlanti:
   • High-end boots known for their sleek, custom look and premium leather.
   • Popular models: Parlanti Miami Tall Field Boots.
5. DeNiro:
   • Known for luxury and custom-made boots, often used by top riders.
   • Popular models: DeNiro Salentino Dress Boots.