Riding boots
Riding boots are specially adapted to the requirements of riding boots .
The common characteristics of all riding boots and shoes are their continuous sole, a heel and a shaft that protrudes over the ankle. While many normal shoes have a multi-part sole , this is not desirable for riding boots in order to prevent any possible snagging of the boots in the stirrup, especially in the event of a fall, which in extreme cases can lead to serious injuries if the rider regrinds.
Riding boots can be made from leather , rubber and PVC .
Dressage boots
The dressage boot is the classic form of the riding boot. Its tall shape and the stiffening of the boot on the outside should promote a more stable position of the lower leg on the horse and make the leg appear longer. This is often emphasized by a dressage bow at the top. The inside of the boot is softer and occasionally thinner to allow for finer contact with the horse. The boot has a slim cut in order to have good contact between the calf and the horse's body in the area of the calf. Additional stability in the heel area is achieved by a very high, reinforced heel cap, which allows spurs to be easily attached . To make getting in easier, the boots can have a zipper, which is often placed on the inside front, where it does not interfere with riding and is not seen by the spectator. The sole is usually smooth (leather) in order to ensure quick separation from the stirrup in the event of a fall.
At the Spanish Riding School a special version of the dressage boot ( cuff boot ) is used. In the front area, it extends above the knee. This is intended to provide additional protection for the knee, for example when riding off-road (striking the knee against obstacles) or when working on the hand where the rider is walking behind the horse (protecting the kneecap from the horse exiting).
Jumping boots
The show jumping boot is softer than the dressage boot because it has to give the rider's leg more mobility. Show jumping boots are often closed at the top with a colored cuff . Since these boots are also used for fox hunts and other cross-country rides, protecting the leg from branches and thorns is one of their essential functions. Occasionally a lacing in the instep area can be seen as an entry aid.
Polo boots
Polo boots are always brown, never black, out of courtesy to the other players. Black boots cared for with shoe polish can leave stains on the opponent's white breeches when they come into contact with the body - and this is very common in polo . Typical brown polo boots are only cleaned with water and saddle soap .
Solid leather is used in the production, often two or more layers, to ensure better protection against ball hits and horse kicks. As a rule, they have a long zipper that extends the entire length of the shaft and makes them very easy to put on and take off (especially in an emergency in the event of a fall).
Winter riding boots
Since equestrian sports are also practiced in unheated riding arenas and on outdoor areas in winter , there are special winter riding boots. There are classically cut leather riding boots with lambskin lining, as well as leather riding boots that are insulated with materials such as Thinsulate. With the advent of thermal boots, these have also become established in equestrian sports. Particular attention is paid to the robustness of the boot, as the rider is often not spared the way through mud and manure.
Western boots
The western boot (also called cowboy boot) is usually a half to three-quarter high boot, which is usually worn with high chaps when riding. Particular attention is paid to comfort - as a work shoe it is worn all day - and stability.
Ankle boots and jodhpur boots
Ankle boots are half-height riding boots that only extend a little over the ankle and are often used together with short chaps or jodhpure breeches as an inexpensive and convenient replacement for riding boots. With jodhpure breeches, they enable particularly close contact between the calf and the horse due to the lack of a boot shaft. Jodhpur boots are classically cut, but there are also riding ankle boots with laces or profile soles. For longer rides, where the rider often walks next to his horse, such ankle boots are very suitable as a combination of hiking boots and riding boots.
Chaps
Chaps are leather leg protection that comes from the work riding and serves as protection against thorns and branches. Neoprene is also used for winter chaps.
Long chaps look like trousers that only consist of a belt and legs. This form is used in western riding and work riding. Due to their shape, they offer a lot of freedom of movement and good protection.
Short chaps, also known as chapslettes or mini-chaps, are reminiscent of a pair of knee socks without a foot section. So they just lie around the lower leg and are fastened with a strap under the foot. Short chaps are often worn with boot pants and ankle boots.
So-called “boot shafts” are short chaps made of very firm, smooth leather. Together with matching Jodhpur boots, they can hardly be distinguished from normal riding boots from the outside. For this reason, boot shafts can also be worn at tournaments together with jodhpur boots.
Gutul
In Mongolia , Gutul are traditionally worn as riding boots.
Web links
- Indispensable part of equestrian equipment, article from the horse week of June 17, 2014