Riding Boot

 

A riding boot is a boot made for horse riding. There are many different styles of the English riding boot used for different styles of riding. The boots are an essential uniform for horse riding which goes back centuries ago. The classic boot comes high enough up the leg to prevent the leather on the saddle from pinching the rider’s leg. The boot has a sturdy toe to protect foot on ground from a horse and the boot has a distinct heel to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrups. The sole of the boot is smooth to avoid being caught in the stirrup in the event of a fall. A modern riding boot is low heeled with less than one inch to try and prevent slipping through the stirrup.

Field boots are a style that have lacing at the vamp which gives the rider more comfort riding. Dress boots do not have lacing at the ankle and are generally stiffer. They are worn by dressage riders. They are also worn by riders of show jumpers. Dress boots are traditionally black in colours. Hunt boots, or Top boots are also like the dress boot but have a cuff at the top. The boot is usually black and used for fox hunting. Paddock boots, also known as Jodhpur boots are short boots that come just above the ankle, used most often for pleasure riding and everyday use. They are sometimes combined with half chaps, a type of leather used for added protection or to give the visual impression of a tall boot.