Posts Tagged ‘english boots’

When it comes to safety in horse riding, boots come second in importance only to the helmet. Horse riding boots keep you comfortable, protect your feet when around the yard and prevent the foot from slipping from the stirrups. A brief glimpse into the pages of horse riding history shows that these boots have always been made with high heels for the purpose of preventing the foot from slipping. Nowadays, horse riding boots are made in different styles and patterns for different purposes. Boots for show and pleasure are not the same as those for field and hunting.

Types of horse riding boots
There are various kinds of boots. Broadly speaking, they are divided into two: English and Western boots.

English equestrian boots
These boots are made with soft leather that is of high quality. English boots are of different kinds like tall boots that come up to your knees and paddock boots that come just above the ankle. The long ones are preferred in competitions. They come in different styles and look graceful with their curved top. Long English boots are more stable and provide protection to the lower leg when compared to short ones. Hence, they are often used for dressage, jumping and cross-country riding. The short ones, meanwhile, provide the lower leg with more flexibility. The famous jodhpur boots and paddock boots belong in this category. Jodhpur boots are worn with jodhpur trousers that come down to the ankles. These boots have a zip and elastic on the side as well as a heel whereas paddock boots have laces on the front and a heel. Muck boots are short boots suitable for general handling and stable duties.

Western riding boots
These boots are also available as long and short types. They are normally made of leather with a solid heel and sometimes have a decorative pattern on the calf area. Western boots are the ones that come up to your calf. These are normally made of cowhide but occasionally materials like alligator or snakeskin are used.

When you buy horse riding boots
Check online shops first before you actually buy. This helps you to get familiar with the market and the range and cost of boots. Have a clear idea in your mind about your favorite types of riding. There are specific boots for specific purposes. As with other horse riding equipment, boots should also be bought that correctly fit the rider. Correctly sized boots are safer for riding than ones that are too loose or too tight. Heels and sole tread are important parts in horse riding boots. Hence, take special notice of both when you buy your boots.

Cleaning the horse riding boots
Cleaning of your boots should be done carefully and frequently since they are made of fine leather and are therefore expensive. There are several things to be noted while cleaning. Cleaning with neatsfoot oil makes the boots clean but not if you need a good polish on your boots. Once you clean your boots, let them sit overnight before you polish them. Don’t let water penetrate the leather when you wash it. While cleaning the sole, do not apply water directly. Instead, wet a rag and apply it on the sole. Let your perspiration get absorbed by your socks. Never omit wearing socks while wearing horse riding boots.

Author: Sajith Joseph
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news

Have you ever thought about riding your horse barefoot, with the wind whipping through your hair? It sounds nice, doesn’t it? However, you might want to think twice about this idea and instead consider some riding apparel. Its not exactly the same as riding without a hat (or boots), but a lot of riding apparel has a purpose – keeping you, the rider safe as you go galloping around.

Boots are a must, whether you are an adherent of the English or Western style of boot. Even when feeding your horse or grooming, it is still a good idea to wear your boots. After all, those hooves are very heavy and if your horse accidentally steps on your toes; well, let’s just say you’ll wish you had worn boots. English boots are a little uncomfortable for walking in, but cowboy boots can be very comfortable. However, for working in your stable, you may want to pick up a pair of hiking boots or work boots.

While not very many people are excited about wearing a riding helmet. After all, one would hardly call them stylish. At the same time, a riding helmet can quite literally be a lifesaver in the event of a fall. Your cowboy hat will also not provide adequate protection. For optimal protection, think about a vented riding helmet as you ride.

In competitive riding, you’ll have to stow your t-shirt and jeans. Western wear is perfectly comfortable for riding. English wear, on the other hand, is make less for comfort than for looks.

If the show you’re riding in asks for hunt seat attire, then you’ll have to wear a riding shirt which is either white or pinstriped. You’ll also need breeches, a hunting cap, dress riding boots and a wool riding jacket. Riding gloves are also customary in these events. Breeches and jacket can be any color which is dark, but you may want to find out what colors are “in” before making an investment in them. Being out of style may not win you favor with the judges or the audience.

You’ll need to dress formal for dressage riding. You’ll need a white shirt, a stock tie (which should be fastened with a horse-themed pin), white or tan breeches, black jacket and dress boots, as well as a helmet or hunt cap. If it is a saddle seat competition, then you’ll want dark jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, a riding derby, a dark jacket and white riding shirt.

Western riders wear different clothes depending on their gender. While men will need Western shirts, ties, belts (leather with silver buckles), felt cowboy hats and riding boots as well as jeans and chaps; women will be attired in Western tuxedo shirts, vest or jacket, bow ties, riding boots, felt hats and of course, jeans and chaps. In more intense sports, the ties and silver belt buckles are not required.

If you have a child who is riding, whether for fun or competitively, they must wear a riding helmet rather than a riding hat or a cowboy hat. Children especially are vulnerable to falls, so make sure that they are always protected.

Author: Susanne Malloy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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