Always tall boots and breeches, generally Struck or whatever I have retired from the show ensemble. I wear what I show in, so to speak, so that practice is exactly like it will be in the show ring. Back in the day (gosh, I’m old!) 30 years ago, it was full chaps and paddocks because that was the “in thing”. They ended up killing my knees over time due to pressure. I’ve never found half chaps comfortable for other than trail riding or light hacks but that’s just me.
Lately just paddock boots. Ditched the half chaps for the last several rides, pain in the butt to put on.
I always rode in breeches regardless of what kind of boots I was wearing, tall boots for lessons and often for schooling too although I like half chaps and paddocks in the summer. I like to be able to take off my paddock boots and half chaps, flip up my breeches to my knees and wear clogs on my feet for bathing, grazing and grooming after riding. I prefer the feel of tall boots but like half chaps too.
Short boots and half chaps. It’s so HOT here that I don’t put the chaps on until just before mounting, and they come of the minute I dismount.
It’s so hot that since I ride in breeches, I have the breeches rolled up to the knee, and my socks rolled down over the top of the boots so my calf is exposed for most of the tacking up time. That’s one funky set of tan lines.
I’m not competing any more so there’s no worry about “practice in what you compete in”.
1 Like
I always ride in tall boots - I have a cheap brown pair for schooling and cubbing season, a nice black pair for showing, clinics, formal hunting, and insulated Ariats for the super cold winter days, though I’m always threatening to switch to full chaps!
For lessons I wear breeches, but lately when hacking I’ve just been wearing black leggings. I did it out of desperation one day because I had no clean breeches and realized they’re very comfy, they have a phone pocket, I don’t notice the lack of a knee patch at all and on super hot/humid days they’re cooler than breeches. I’m at a nice AA hunter/jumper barn where sunshirt or polo with belt and breeches has always been the norm but I don’t think anyone notices. I am also finding we are all getting a little more relaxed about attire as quarantine goes on… putting on breeches is the most ‘dressed’ I get these days!
1 Like
Generally my tall boots.
I literally wear a white Hanes t-shirt, Vans, and jeans every… single… day. I hate thinking about clothes. I won’t go near a mall. I dread online shopping. But riding clothes are a different story! I love nothing more than dressing for the barn. Why is there no Vogue for the equestrian set?
3 Likes
Flip flops and shorts. (Joking)
2 Likes
I always ride in tall boots and full seat breeches. My tall boots live in their bag with trees until right before I bridle, and they go back into the bag as soon as I untack. They do not go in the field, wash stall, trailer, just “around the barn” ever.
2 Likes
I always school in TS breeches, but use Ariat paddock boots w/ Grand Prix half chaps about 75% of the time, and tall boots 25% of the time. I always use tall boots in lessons. I tend to use half chaps exclusively in the winter, as my tall boots are too tight to fit over my winter-weight breeches and thicker socks.
I usually still wear collared shirts and a belt for riding on my own, but for lessons (I keep my horses at home and haul out to lessons) I will tuck in my shirt and wear a hair net.
Only tall boots - 24/7
More detailed anwer… Tall boots always - I have a basic super comfy pair of ariat heritage field boots and i just got a a pair of ariat dress boots (Kinsley?). Breaking them in now because i always buy them overly tall and overly tight so i wet the tops and put in heels lifts and ride. Breeches - I mostly wear TS mid rise side zip longs but also LOVE struck 50’s, Horze Grand Prix and my new faves - Ariat tri-factor
Paddock boots and half chaps. I’ve had them for years and forget why I chose them, I guess I liked the feel better. Back before zippers on tall boots were a thing, they were a nightmare to get off, so I think I always just thought half chaps and boots were easier, and was also told the zippers on tall boots break pretty easily (years ago when zip up ones were relatively new). It takes forever for me to break in anything to the point of not blistering my feet, so I will stick with these until they fall apart!
2 Likes
Breeches or riding tights, and currently paddock boots & half chaps because I’m trying to stretch out the life of my beat up old tall boots as long as I can. LOL. I much prefer to just ride in my tall boots all the time, though, so I can leave my spurs on and not have to rebuckle them every time. Plus, two boots are less to keep track of than two boots and two chaps. :lol:
I’m amazed at those who can ride with only paddock boots. I tried that once when I forgot my half chaps…#neveragain.
2 Likes
As a junior, I used to ride only in paddock boots and half chaps, but when I became a student and in need of some new show gear to be on the riding team, I wasn’t in a position to outfit myself in “schooling gear” too. So, I got accustomed to wearing my tall boots for all riding and just being smart about taking care of them. Now that I am ready to buy myself some paddock boots and half chaps, I am having a tough time finding some that I like and that fit me. I am hopeful that this winter I will get myself some winter paddock boots and full chaps, but otherwise, I might invest in some winter tall boots.
Tall boots and breeches. I was also taught to always ride in what you would be showing in. Ages ago I used to wear half chaps and when I would show the difference was crazy! My leg felt like it was swinging everywhere with my tall boots on (and it probably was lol!). So now I have a schooling pair of Ariats for home and some nice Derdau for showing. Made a world of difference.
In the winter I have a cheap pair of tall boots. I’m hard to fit as I have a really short leg so and it took me forever to find a brand that would fit!
1 Like
Always tall boots and breeches. Ride in what you show in.
2 Likes
I’ve been riding in the same pair of Ariat Heritage field boots for almost 10 years now. I wear them every time I ride at home or at a show. I never saw the point of fussing with paddock boots and half chaps, nor did I like the look of them. To each their own though. I personally love Kerrits riding tights, since they’re thinner and more comfortable than regular breeches, IMO. They are pretty hardy too.
Ride in what you show is good in principle. There is no right answer for everyone. I ride in paddock boots and half chaps at home, boots before a show or if the weather is nice. I have mine at home and do all the labor so tall boots just don’t work for every day riding for me. If it’s muddy, rainy whatever. I show enough never been an issue.
My kid rides primarily in tall boots. It works for her and that is fine.
Half chaos and paddock boots unless someone is here for a lesson.
if I trailer out I ride in tall boots.
My trainer jumps grand Prix and rides in half chaos at home.
1 Like
Thanks for feedback!
