Patent Tops?

[ecileh]

I received my colors at the end of last season and am busy getting them put on my coat. I was not planning to have tops put on my boots, but it has been suggested that I really should–so I am looking into it.

I have an email in to the maker of my boots (Celeris UK) asking if they can make me cuffs that are removable* and I’m wondering if anyone has pictures of theirs (assuming they are removable) and how they fasten in the back. One of our masters has a gorgeous pair of Dehners with brown cuff tops that have brass buttons/snaps in the back and it’s a stunning look, but I think it might look odd with patent. Would love to see examples if they are out there.

*Removable is desired because my trainer would PLOTZ if I tried to wear patent-topped boots into the show ring, even though it is allowed by USEF rules for hunt members with colors.

[Rackonteur]

That being the case, your trainer should just get over plotzing.

Congratulations on receiving your colors!

[Foxglove]

Dehner used to make a detachable patent top --still might. I had mine made by the local harness maker who makes patent leather harness. But I live in Amish country where there is a harness maker on every corner (really --right next to the horse shoer and the large animal vet). I hunt out with Battle Creek Hunt --I wear my formal patent leather topped boots exactly twice a season —Blessing of the Hounds and The Joint Meet --the rest of the time, I and everyone else wear Mountain Horse Winter Riding Boots or Ariat Winter Riding boots --but unlike you I don’t show —if I did, I’d wear my hunt colors and my patent leather boots —and as an MFH (Ret.) I’d probably wear my red coat —and let everyone think was an Olympic Rider (well, they would until they saw me ride my short, fat QH).

[KateDB]

I have a pair of Vogels where I can swap out my brown tops and patent tops. Journeyman’s made them for me.

I don’t know if this would make you cringe, but I know a lady master in our area, who hunts with a VERY well-respected pack (and she is very well respected, as well, of course), she has her patent tops on a pair of Aigle rubber boots and they look amazing. Wouldn’t know they were rubber.

[McGurk]

I love the look of patent tops and am sorry they are declining in popularity. GHM killed them in the hunter and eq show ring by saying that he preferred plain tops because the patent tops added a vertical line that was distracting and visually shortened the line of the leg. Funny how he never said that about men in the jumper ring wearing brown tops with their scarlet coats.

Anyway, hope you find a solution for removable patent tops.

[ecileh]

@Rackonteur

That being the case, your trainer should just get over plotzing.

Congratulations on receiving your colors!

Thank you!

And thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I am personally not a fan of the patent look, but I do want to respect the tradition.

GHM killed them in the hunter and eq show ring by saying that he preferred plain tops because the patent tops added a vertical line that was distracting and visually shortened the line of the leg.

I wonder how long it will take after George’s passing for his influence to fade. (Not that I wish him any ill will, mind.) It’s really remarkable how much of it he’s had over the years.

[SonnysMom]

@McGurk

I love the look of patent tops and am sorry they are declining in popularity. GHM killed them in the hunter and eq show ring by saying that he preferred plain tops because the patent tops added a vertical line that was distracting and visually shortened the line of the leg. Funny how he never said that about men in the jumper ring wearing brown tops with their scarlet coats.

Maybe he didn’t say it about men in the jumper ring because jumpers are not judged on looks but hunters and equitation is all about the look.

[gypsymare]

Forum won’t resize my photos anymore, bummer.

My 2013 Dehners with removable tops have a snap behind the boot pull nylon loops. Tops have a rounded tip triangle shaped leather tab sewn inside the top of the topper with the other part of the snap in the tip of the triangle. They get slid inside the boot and snapped together.

Aigles are super popular here for staff and field alike. It’s certainly been the weather for them this year!