Horse riding boots are one of the staples when it comes to riding attire… whether you are competing, out hacking, schooling or doing yard work, a good riding boot is essential (not only for comfort, but safety too!). Keeping your legs in the correct position in the saddle is not an easy task, but with the right riding boot providing the support you need, this can help dramatically.
Types of Horse Riding Boots
Let’s first look at the different types of riding boots: short riding boots & long riding boots. Long riding boots are the standard footwear for most horse riders, and come in different styles - field boots, dress boots and country boots. Long riding boots can be made from a variety of materials including leather, synthetic leather or other synthetic materials including PVC. They often have a full-length zip and elasticated features to allow for optimal comfort and fit.
Short horse riding boots are a cheaper, informal type of footwear and are perfect for those just starting out riding as well as being used as an everyday yard boot. There are so many different styles to choose from, and it is worth mentioning that there are two different types of short horse riding boots too:
- Jodhpur boots - these are made from finer leather, and are more suitable for riding.
- Paddock boots - these have a slightly thicker sole, and are more suited for yard work.
Both jodhpur boots & paddock boots come up just above the ankle to help provide support and flexibility. They also feature quite a low heel too, which sits naturally in the right place to stop the stirrup iron slipping over the foot. Paddock boots have a grippier, slip-resistant tread which helps provide extra stability in muddy ground. They also have a more cushioned sole, to absorb pressure when you are walking around the yard or riding.
Gaiters & Chaps
While we are mainly talking about horse riding boots in this blog, it is also worth mentioning gaiters and chaps too. If you decide to ride in jodhpur boots, then you will need some protection for your calf. Stirrup mark rubs on the inside of your legs are incredibly painful, so wearing chaps or gaiters is key to prevent this.
Half chaps have a more casual appearance, and are often what children start out in when they first have riding lessons. They come in a variety of colours and have elasticated panels for a secure, comfortable fit.
Gaiters only come in black or brown, and are a lot smarter than chaps. They are designed to give the look of long horse riding boots, and are shaped to fit the contours of the lower leg.
Looking After Your Horse Riding Boots
Investing in the right pair of riding boots can be quite expensive, particularly if you go down the made to measure route! However, if they are carefully maintained and looked after, they will last you years and are therefore a great investment.
Synthetic horse riding boots are the easiest to clean - usually a quick wipe down with a warm cloth will suffice, and to remove any extra grease they have picked up from your horse’s side then a mild detergent can be used.
Leather riding boots will require a little extra attention. Firstly clean them with warm soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Then, once they have dried, apply a leather care protection product to help condition and maintain the leather. Once cleaned, long boots should be kept standing upright by placing some boot trees inside them. Store your riding boots within a boot bag, in a dry place out of direct sunlight (so ideally not in a damp tack room!).
We hope you have found this guide to horse riding boots helpful, feel free to head over to our riding boots & footwear section on our website for more footwear options!