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Field boots for riding lessons?
Ok, so I've been wanting half chaps, but my paddock boots are also needing replaced (the fake leather is falling apart). Would it be better to buy field boots? And are field boots ok for just riding lessons (maybe some shows, too, if they stay in good condition for a while)
I found a couple of pairs. One is Saxon equileather and the other is Dublin Aristocrat. I heard the zipper pops our of the Saxon ones, and I prefer leather.
But the Dublins cost twice as much as the Saxons do. Will the Dublins last long enough and stay nice long enough to be worth spending twice as much?
So 2 questions:
Is it better to spend more money and buy half chaps and new paddock boots, or less money and buy field boots, when I'll only be taking riding lessons for a while (though I hope to show late this summer or sometime next summer)? (it seems like field boots are too formal, but I don't want to spend $200 for lasting paddock boots and half chaps, if it would be just as good to get field boots)
Is it worth the extra money to buy the Dublins instead of the Saxons?
Another question about fit:
The guy that works where I found the boots said that you should only be able to fit one finger between your knee and the boot. But the ones that he said fit me almost pinched my calf when I was zipping them (they were tight around my calf, but comfortable to walk in), and that was without any breeches or socks between me and the boot. Did they really fit me?
I've never worn tall boots or even half chaps before, lol.
lessons are pretty laid back usually, you should just be able to use your paddock boots and replace them. I would get half chaps which will be fine with a new pair of paddock boots for showing as long as you aren't in the very upper levels. (I would get real leather paddock boots this time though, if you clean them with leather conditioner every so often they will stay in very good shape, I recommend Mountain Horse, they hold up great, even their synthetic ones. Also their tall winter boots are the best since they keep you warm for longer amounts of time.)
I would buy a pair of paddock boots and half chaps for lessons and field boots for showing..Though if you're anything like me that might be impossible. I've tried on tons of fields boots but my feet/legs are 2 different sizes so I need custom. What I did was buy a pair of zip up paddock boots (these are the ones i have) Visit Link
and buy a cheap pair of suede half chaps, and then purchase a nice pair of leather half chaps to put on for showing. (i have these ones, they were designed to look like the top of a field boot. Visit Link.
My daughter wears Ovation field boots for lessons and shows. They are leather and NOT pricey. She cleans and conditions them regularly and does not get them wet or muddy. She has been wearing them for 3 years and rides 5 days a week. Visit Link
Make an investment into some good leather boots that fit you properly. They are the best for schooling since they provide you support in your ankle where paddocks and half chaps do not. You can always clean and polish up for shows. They need to be comfortable in the leg and big enough for your breeches to fit inside. If you are worried about the zippers, get some pull on type instead, zippers are a luxury that aren't really necessary. You just can't go wrong with a good pair of leather boots, they last for years and years. Mine just retired after 9 years of constant wear and 2 re-soles. You can shop online and find close outs at many of the tack websites and even on ebay.
I bought a pair of Saxon equileather, I rode in them for about a month. The zipper popped off, like you said. I wouldn't recommend the Saxons, even though they're cheap; they are cheaply made. I say get half chaps and paddock boots. My field boots I only wear at shows or clinics. Half chaps are more comfortable. Fields boots you want to fit well, or they will cause pain. I use to have a cheap pair of devon aire's and they didn't fit as properly as if i got them custom. It would rub my achilles tendon and the tendons near my knee caps. And if your not comfortable, it's going to be harder to have good equitation on the horse.
