Help! I’m switching to hunter classes so I need tall boots. I have never ever had a pair so I’m clueless. I will be showing at big saddlebred shows so I want nice ones but I’m currently confused!
Do you have a photo of someone in these classes that you could post or describe the boots they’re wearing so we can decipher if they’re field boots or dress boots? After that, it all comes down to how each brand fits you personally. If you have a local tack store, it’s much better to go in and try some on to get fitted then if you don’t like those, at least you can have an idea of what size to order if you chose to order online.
There are also custom field boots, but they run over $1200 a pair (price depends on style and add-ons) and you have to be measured and wait for them to be made for you.
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If you’ve never tried them on before I’d highly recommend heading to your local tack shop. They can tell you everything you need to know regarding how they should/shouldn’t fit. Generally they are going to feel pretty tight when you first get them. And they will feel like the back of the boot is digging into the back of your knee a bit to begin with. Once the leather softens and wrinkles a bit at the ankle the height of the boot will drop a bit. Always better to buy a touch too high than too short at the beginning. And always try them on in the shop with the breeches you will be riding in.
Depending on the brand you can pay a reasonable amount, or a crazy amount. There are synthetic boots that would get the job done but really aren’t quite as nice. Leather is best. If you are just starting into the hunters - maybe just get an entry level pair until you are sure you will be sticking with hunters and needing tall boots going forward. At the end of the day - black boots look like black boots as long as you’ve got them nice and clean and polished and they are sized correctly (ie. not too short). The trend in hunter land is to have a super fitted look through the calf and ankle. I’m not sure if that translates to the Saddlebred hunter world? Pardon my ignorance - I didn’t know saddlebred shows had hunter classes. If you have a coach that is assisting you with these classes though they can probably tell you other details like whether field boots or dress boots are most appropriate.
If you were just doing a schooling level hunter show - you can get away with paddock boots and matching colour half chaps. But you are saying you are doing big shows so proper tall boots are probably in order.
I personally prefer riding in tall boots. But if you aren’t used to them they will feel different than riding in paddock boots. And a new pair of tall boots, again depending on the brand and what type/thickness of leather they are using will take some time to break in. Definitely plan to have some time to ride in your boots if possible before showing in them. Don’t just buy them the night before your show! I prefer having a few weeks but some brands are such soft leather they take maybe a ride or two to feel comfortable.
Thanks! I do need leather as I plan on competing at top level saddlebred show. Thanks for that information.
I don’t know how to post a picture…sorry. I’m open to dress or field boots.
Lol…funny I was literally just watching the video on that horse you posted for sale.
He’s ASHA Horse of the Year for 2016 for hunt seat. I figured his owner’s attire would be the best example since he won quite a bit. He’s a nice horse, very sweet on the ground. Really nice horse for the price, especially at only 6.
I sent you a message.
