I am riding in a clinic this weekend. The high is expected to be a balmy 27 on Sunday 
Will I look like a total jack*ss/disrespectful if I wear my winter Mountain Horse Rimfrost boots? I’m a stickler about businesslike turnout for both horse and rider. On the other hand, I don’t tolerate the cold well. Give it to me straight.
I would wear whatever helps you ride your best… personally. I get terribly cold and don’t ride as well when I’m shivering, so would wear the boots.
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27!!??? Eep! I’d say they are businesslike for that weather. If anyone really does say something, just tell them what you told us, your feet don’t tolerate cold well. If the rest of your attire and turnout is spot on, I would think everyone will give you benefit of a doubt that you have a good reason for wearing them.
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I have a plate and a dozen or so screws in my foot and it quite literally freezes
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Can you put on one of those one-use foot warmers for the clinic, and then change into something else right after? Or is your ride time too long for that?
I find these things work GREAT for keeping toes/feet warm, but they’re expensive and only last a couple hours.
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Perfectly legitimate explanation. If you’re really worried, contact the host and tell them why you need to wear them.
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Aren’t they tall black boots???
Any clinician that would have a problem with winter riding attire in winter isn’t a clinician I’d ever want to ride with.
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You’d never catch me riding when it’s 27 degrees outside, so I say wear the boots, wear whatever it takes to not freeze to death!
As someone else mentioned, you could use the Hot Hands as well, but even though they’re pretty flat, they might make your regular boots a little tighter than usual.
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Op, if you can find this brand, I absolutely love them and use them all winter in my normal riding boots. I have poor circulation due to raynaud’s syndrome. I feel like I have tried every warm winter riding boot out there, and none of them matched the warmth provided by my regular tall boots plus a pair of these. I foxhunted in 15 degree weather for 3 hours and came home with warm feet!
The brand is called Narrow River Trading Co. They fit in shoes and last for hours!
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These do not work in tall boots because they rely on oxygen consumption to stay warm. Not a lot of air flow in your winter boots. But it might serve you for most of your lesson if it’s <1 hr.
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They work in my winter tall boots, but I agree with them nort working in oxygen deprived environments. Boot zippers let enough air in, IME
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Unfortunately not in my New England winters experience.
Maybe you like your shoes a little bigger than I do.
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Unfortunately, due to nerve damage etc, putting anything in my boots creates its own sort of pain. I own stock of hot hands for my hands, however! I don’t leave the house without stuffing a few in my pockets.
@mmeqcenter the are tall black boots, but they’re not as slim line as the newer styles. The clinician is very friendly and laid back, and British so I’m sure he’ll more than understand. It’s more a personal hesitation.
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Then I vote the winter boots! Clean them up as best you can, and have fun!
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I have had fabulous luck with the full insole foot warmers in regular custom tall leather boots in the frozen north. I haven’t noticed any decrease in performance and often my feet overheat.
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These help me quite a bit, but I usually don’t ride in below 30 temps.
I’m riding in a clinic next weekend with similar cold temps (Ontario) as the OP and will also be wearing my winter riding boots. And gloves.
My 70 year old hands and feet will thank me!
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Battery socks?
Wear your winter boots! The clinician would undoubtedly prefer that you were comfortable and focused and able to work.
I mean, its not like you are riding in ski boots. They are made for the purpose.
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They’re tall black boots with an insulated synthetic upper, right? They’re fine. Your horse would be more embarrassed if your leg went numb and you fell off.
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