subject: How To Pick Out Horse Riding Boots As A Beginner [print this page] How To Pick Out Horse Riding Boots As A Beginner
Beginners often display a certain amount of confusion when it is necessary to select riding boots for the first time. There seem to be so many different types and it can be difficult to determine which type is applicable for your needs. You have heard that certain types of boot need to be worn with certain types of trousers or parts and that tradition or decorum dictates that you wear a specific type of boot for a particular style of event. Should you choose short riding boots or long riding boots?Riding boots are traditionally made of leather and specifically designed for their purpose. Fundamentally, they are either "long" or "short," yet they are always designed for comfort and safety when in the saddle. As opposed to boots made for other purposes, the riding boot has a purpose made design and a heel shape that ensures that the foot interacts correctly with the stirrup and does not slip through during activity. The toe area is often reinforced to help guard against injury during an unfortunate accident, while the sole may be smooth so that it doesn't get caught up with the stirrup, again during an unfortunate accident situation.Long riding boots extended to above the knee and offer great protection for the legs and ankles. You often see them in formal riding events, shows and so on. You can further sub categorise long boots by looking at options for hunting, field activities or dress events. The boots will take into account the level of activity associated when jumping or hunting is involved and they are designed to give more comfort and flexibility, accordingly.You may be confused when you first buy long riding boots, as they appear to be rather uncomfortable and too long. Over time, you will be able to break in the boots though, and the ankle area will begin to crease naturally, moulding to the actual shape of your leg. As the leather is known to soften over time, you should buy your boots well ahead of the actual event or activity that you intend to participate in, so that you have time to wear them in.You should choose short boots for practicality and whenever you are going to be wearing jodhpurs. When starting off, many people choose short boots as they are quite a bit less expensive than their longer counterparts. Also, they tend to be a little easier to wear during those early days when you are getting your bearings and becoming accustomed to the unique requirements of horse riding. Remember though that you should also wear gaiters or chaps to help protect your lower body, when you select short boots.Whatever type of equestrian footwear you choose, make sure that it fits correctly. There should be no room for "give" but also you should make sure that they do not pinch your toe area. Some longer boots have zippers at the rear which may certainly help you to put them on, especially when they are new and a little inflexible.
