First pair of stiff dressage boots - care?

[normandy_shores]

On a whim, I purchased a pair of rectiligne hanovres online. My other tall boots are amazingly soft rectilignes that fit me practically custom, and these were a deal and in my measurements.

Ive never had stiff dressage boots. They fit darn near custom, just to the back of my knee, barely zip the whole way. I can’t wait to ride in them.

The zippers are just the tiniest bit tighter at the very top, the last 2 inches. Do I let them break in naturally while riding (I never wear my boots around, on before I mount, off when I dismount)? Should I wet that area on the inside and wear them sitting on the couch till they dry?

How about day to day care? I don’t want to break down the stiffness, I already have a pair of super soft boots

Thanks!

[Moogles]

I use a boot tree while they are not in use to keep their shape. Otherwise just regular leather care. I do beak mine in by walking around for a few days before riding or they hurt too much and are not flexible enough…but my boots are pretty stiff.

[islandhorsegirl]

No leather cleaner or conditioner…clean with a damp rag and use polish.

[MysticOakRanch]

@islandhorsegirl

No leather cleaner or conditioner…clean with a damp rag and use polish.

Agree. I wipe mine down after each ride (including the zipper), then polish for shows. And I also keep boot trees in them.

Don’t use those “quick polishers” that you just swipe over the boot, they will gunk it up when you are doing a real polish. Don’t use leather conditioner!

[hoopoe]

do not treat these like saddle leather, They are shoe leather.

As others said, Damp cloth to wipe off dirt and sweat, particularly around the ankle. Boot polish as needed to shine and condition them. Some people use galoshes to protect the food from barn muck…

[MysticOakRanch]

@hoopoe

Some people use galoshes to protect the food from barn muck…

Personally, I just mix up the food with the barn muck - improves the flavor :lol:

[islandhorsegirl]

I forgot to add: clean any zippers with a toothbrush and use a zipper lubricant (but don’t use silicone or other products that attract dirt).

[normandy_shores]

Thanks guys I’ve never cleaned or lubricated my zippers, good tip!

I do generally stick to polish polish and quick wipes after rides. I’m hoping these don’t break in too much because they’re the perfect height now. Granted, my super soft rectilignes didn’t break in and drop that much, so fingers crossed these won’t either.

so I’m ok to dampen the top and wear them in the house to stretch that one spot slightly? I just don’t want to ruin the stiffness!

[theresak]

I busted the zipper on a newer pair of boots that were really tight…so now I leave them unzipped until I mount and then pull the zipper to the top after I’m in the saddle. They’ve stretched out enough in a month or so that I can now zip them on the ground.

I clean with a damp rag every ride, I never leave spurs on mine, and once a week I use Der-Dau Boot Cleaner on them.

I’ve found after polishing with the tin of Kiwi boot polish, to buff with a nylon/stocking for a really nice shine. I usually only polish 2x per year.

[islandhorsegirl]

Unless they’re super stiff and have a bone up the back, they will likely soften–even the stiff ones soften to some extent. But to reduce this as much as possible, use boot trees and only wear them to walk to the mounting block, ride, and then return to the barn…no exceptions!

[normandy_shores]

First ride in them was awful – felt like I couldn’t use my leg how I normally would, and like I couldn’t feel my pony through my legs. Granted, I noticed she was much more aware of my leg positioning, but it’s going to take some adjustment… My coach actually said “are you going to keep using these? I’d hate for them to ruin your nice leg position” LOL