Types of Horse Riding Boots
Horse riding boots are the ones suitable for horseback riding. There are two main types of equipment available for horse riders, the American or Western and the English; this difference concerns even the riding boots, since the two basic types have prevailed all over the world. The riding boots, historically, were made with high heels so as to avoid slipping. The newer boots though, have a lower heel, with the exception of cowboy boots.
The most known and common horse riding boots are:
The field boots: they have laces up to the ankle, allowing the rider to modify the boots the way he wants. Field boots are favored in jumping disciplines.
The dress boots: these are stiff boots worn chiefly by riders of dressage. They are also favored by the show jumpers. The dress boots are cut so as to go higher outside the knee.
The hunt boots are similar to the dress boots, but have a cuff at the
top. They are favored by fox hunters.The paddock boots: these are also known as Jodhpur and they are short boots, up to the ankle. They are worn by amateur riders or those who ride for fun. They are favored over the high boots during summer, because they are lighter and less warm.
The Jodhpur boots are used in the Saddle style riding. Most riders tend to combine them with the half chaps so as to shield the leg, or give the impression of high boots. Although the typical horseback boots do not have laces, there are lace- up boots as well; they are
chiefly used in hunt seat riding. The lace-up boots are also used in Australia as riding boots and they are essential parts of the riding equipment for the Pony Club.
Field boots: they are similar to the paddocks, but have an added leather layer at the toes. Most of them feature tapered toes and zippers which run down the side of the boots.
The western riding boots refer chiefly to the cowboy boots; they are extensivelyused and they are chiefly made of leather. There are numerous types of cowboy boots, made of alligators, ostrich or other expensive equipment. They are high – lower than the typical stiff English riding boots though – and they have pointed tips. They are used only by horse professionals and casual riders, but are inappropriate for any riding or jumping discipline.
The typical English riding boots are made of soft leather, chiefly cowhide, and they are somewhat classic in their cut and design. The main purpose of riding boots is to shield the legs and feet from falls; even the most skilled rider can have an accident or fall, especially in jumping disciplines, thus a solid and sturdy boot that can shield the
ankles and legs is mandatory. Good riding boots keep the feet from
slipping from the stirrups and make the riding comfortable and safe.
Finding the right horse riding boots is important so as to achieve the finest possible performance while riding and be safe at the same time.
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