I’ve ridden in the past with low, calf-height leather boots that I am 1) not a hundred percent sure were riding quality and 2) they were very uncomfy! Fast forward a few years and I have my first riding lesson on Friday. I’ll just be going over the basics and have a helmet, but I lack footwear. There’s no way for me to go out and get some boots, so I will either have to resort to tennis shoes, or one of two rain boots.
I’m hesitant to wear the tennis shoes because of the lack of heel and my teacher has already suggested I choose other shoes. The problem with the Hunter boots I have is that they are bright red and shiny (I’m worried it could frighten the horse I’m riding) and have deep grooves in the sole. I worry that I if I fall I may get stuck in the stirrup because they are a bit wide.
Now, the other pair I have are from Joules and they’re low, ankle-height, and very neutral looking. The heel is nice, and there aren’t super deep grooves. My sister rides Western and has boots with the same bottom design, if you know what I mean. The problem with them is that they are very low and I worry about chafing. I am going to wear pants, of course, but I don’t own breeches. I am considering asking my instructor for half-chaps as that’s what many of the girls at the barn wear.
I understand I’m very unprepared- this lesson was a spur-of-the-moment decision and an effort to get back in the saddle before the fall. I will be wearing jeans and whatever shoes I decide on, but I’d love some input from the community! Thank you everyone.
And I wouldn’t recommend jeans, as the seams can be very uncomfortable. Even a pair of fitted yoga-type pants would probably be better. Good luck, and enjoy.