Collection: Riding Boots

Whether you're a leisure rider looking for an everyday horse riding boot thats a comfortable and practical or a competition rider looking for a stylish boot designed to perform there are a few common points worth considering. Essentially equestrian footwear should provide good support around the ankle, good grip under foot and a sturdy heel for safety to help prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup and becoming trapped in the event of a fall. Beyond this the market for equestrian footwear is full of different styles, shapes and materials, which can make choosing the best pair of riding boots for you a difficult task and a little daunting, even for the most experienced riders. So to help keep things simple we've created a basic guide to finding the best riding footwear for your needs, enabling you to get the most from the next pair of horse riding boots you purchase.

Long Riding Boots

Also known as tall riding boots, long riding boots are a classic style of riding footwear and are riders go to choice for competition and formal wear. Traditionally these leather boots fit snugly around the shape of the calf and end just below the knee providing the rider with optimal support, stability and protection whilst in the saddle. Further more long riding boots generally come in two types of style - field or dress boots. Each collection differs slightly by design so lets take a look and see what works for you.

Field Boots

Field riding boots are a smart and stylish horse riding boot characterised by a signature lace up style at the front and zip up the back. They are tailored in such a way to give the rider an extra secure fit while allowing greater flexibility at the ankle making them a popular choice for show jumping and also for riders with wider calf muscles. Field boots such as the Ariat Heritage Contour II Field Zip are designed with a supple leather that when worn moulds round the leg, giving the rider greater freedom of movement and the ability to feel the horses sides with ease. For every day horse riding and competition this style of riding boot is one that ticks all the boxes from fashion to functionality and us undoubtably one of our best-sellers!

Dress Boots

Although somewhat similar to field boots, dress boots are a much more formal style of horse riding boot. The plain front design of these long leather boots compared to field boots gives a more polished look making them suitable for a variety of horse riding disciplines, especially dressage. They are designed to fit snugly around the lower leg, with a zip up the back and also tend to finish a little higher up on the outside of the knee to give an extra sleek appearance. If you desire a pair of horse riding boots that are plain but still special enough to ride on on show days then check out the new Ariat Palisade Tall Show Boot...you won't be disappointed!

Short Riding Boots

Typically the most casual type of riding boots, short riding boots tend to be a popular choice for leisure riders and every day wear. They also tend to be a more budget friendly option making too which makes them ideal kids riding boots. Short riding boots offer horse riders of all ages convenience and comfort, stopping just above the ankle, they come in a range of different styles that you can pull on and off your feet with ease. Two of the most common styles of short riding boots that you will come across as an equestrian are Johdphur or Paddock Boots and Yard or Muck Boots.

Jodhpurs & Paddock Boots

Jodhpur or Paddock Boots are the perfect everyday riding boots, made from leather and synthetic materials they finish just above the ankle and provide horse riders with a good level of support while allowing great flexibility for daily riding. Meanwhile the low heel enables you to ride safely preventing your foot sliding through the stirrup. You can pair these short riding boots up with half chaps to create the illusion of a tall riding boot which in turn will give you additional support and protection in the saddle. This combination of paddock boot and half chap is can also be worn for competitions so long as they are smart and sleek.

Many equestrians prefer the idea of riding in this type of short boot as they tend to find they have less pressure on the ankle and are therefore more comfortable for training. Furthermore they are a practical choice for busy equestrians who require a pair of boots that adapt perfectly for both riding and yard work -however in this case we would recommend choosing a pair of leather paddock or jodhpur boots with rubber or composite soles - like the Ariat Heritage IV Paddock Boot - to prevent wet weather and muck etc leading to rot. 

Yard Boots

Designed to keep your feet comfortable and dry not matter the weather conditions whilst working on the yard. Generally made from leather and waterproof materials, yard or muck boots are a versatile choice of shoe for equestrians. Enabling you to tackle mud and wet weather without compromising on comfort, many models of yard boot boost cushioned insoles and breathable linings which makes them popular with those who work with horses and spend all day walking or on their feet. While not conventionally horse riding boots per se...many types of yard boot are also suitable for riding in too. The Ariat Keswick Steel Toe is the perfect example of a yard boot that ticks all the boxes. This one of a kind rugged safety pull on Jodhpur boot features a steel top cap and a barnyard acid resistant sole delivering safety and performance in the saddle and on the ground.

You'll find many styles of yard boots within our country boots collection, some more suited for cold temperatures while others are more suited when summer finally arrives. Insulated and waterproof boots - like the Ariat Wythburn Insulated H2O are perfect winter horse owners and country side walking alike. While the Ariat Langdale H2O is a popular choice for the yard and country on sunnier dry days. 

Summary

Whether your a novice or seasoned horse rider finding the right pair of horse riding boots isn't just about the look. It's important to remember that selecting the right pair of riding boots can significantly enhance your riding experience and to consider your specific needs, fit, materials and of course your budget before making that all important purchase. Our friendly team at Ayr Equestrian are always on hand to help!