Which is the right pair of tall boots to use? And more equipment questions. **UPDATED

[Xctrygirl]

Long story shortened considerably:

I am competing in the Tb makeover in the field hunter division.

I have 2 choices of my tall boots and I wanted to ask, even though I think I know the answer.

I own a pair of Dehner field boots that are 15 years old now and have been ‘reworked’ to fit me. They’re not SOOOOO comfy but they’re correct field boots and God knows how many times I have hunted in them.

I also own a new pair of the Ariat S Volants. Pic seen here: http://cdnll.doversaddlery.com/images/xl/0380327.jpg

My issue is two fold. The Ariat’s 1) don’t have laces and 2) do have mild different ‘tops’. I would say it’s not right but my internal conflict is because supposedly they’re not tooooo picky on our equipment because they don’t want us all having to spend gobs of money to be ‘traditional.’

My gut says that the Dehners are the most correct. But my feet are crying. The Ariats are FAR more comfy.

That said I might be able to fit a thin Dr. Scholls insert to make things a touch better.

And I’m already a hypocrite because I will be investing in a new flat leather noseband and browband. So clearly I want to look the part.

Then the next question… breastplate. He wears an elastic breastplate across his chest normally. Would that be ok or do we need the flat ‘triangle’ hunting style one?

http://s103.photobucket.com/user/Xctrygirl/media/Gin%20Joint/10557142_10152957770152759_2969832649398506003_o_zpselqvynw2.jpg.html?o=7

Or should he be bare chested?

He doesn’t wear a martingale.

Thanks in advance,

Emily

[Dramapony_misty]

I would go with the Dehners. Seriously…how long will you be in them? Your feet won’t die and being “comfy” is not a requirement for riding well.
(says the gal who was forced into a too-tight pair of old-school TS, and into pull-on tall boots that were 1 size too big and 1" too tall for IHSA nationals b/c my Devonaire boots and On-Course breeches weren’t deemed acceptable at the last minute and those were the only things I could scrounge up to borrow).

[Xctrygirl]

Yea that’s what I thought.

Better start wearing them again.

Em

[KateDB]

Actually, if you want to be REALLY technical (which you know I’m good at!)! your Dehner field boots are incorrect, if you plan to be formally attired. I’m not sure what the attire is intended to be for the Thoroughbred Makeover, but if you are planning a black/navy/grey melton, canary vest, white stock tie and buff breeches then you should be wearing black dress boots. But, I wouldn’t worry about it and frankly most folks won’t notice anyway!
I would put him in a plain, flat hunting breastplate along the lines of your plain, flat hunting bridle. Also, use leather laced or braided reins, rather than rubber, imho!

[BeeHoney]

Yes, Kate DB is right, field boots are not “correct” for formal hunting attire, however, many people ignore that and wear field boots anyway nowadays. It would be quite a task for the fashion police to arrest every fox hunter who wears black field boots instead of dress boots. Good luck to anyone trying to squelch that trend. Anyway, your Dehner field boots are very nice, traditional look I’m sure. Wear the Dehners.

Yes, you should have a flat breastplate, check out the Nunn Finer hunting breastplates at BOB. Not that you can’t hunt in whatever it takes to hold your saddle in place, but for your purposes I’d try to get the proper hunting breastplate. No martingale is preferable, so that’s great that your horse doesn’t need one.

Best of luck!!

[FitToBeTied]

The breastplate is not required, so you could also go without unless you think the saddle is going to slip in the few minutes you will be riding to show. If you think the saddle might slip, you could use a no-slip pad.

[Xctrygirl]

[QUOTE=FitToBeTied;8330474]
The breastplate is not required, so you could also go without unless you think the saddle is going to slip in the few minutes you will be riding to show. If you think the saddle might slip, you could use a no-slip pad.[/QUOTE]

See this is where it gets interesting. We’re doing a mock hunt in the infield of the Kentucky horse park first. So not just a jump round of 2 minutes. For that reason he’s wearing a breastplate. I wear one when we event and given his back he also wears a non slip pad. Additionally since we’re going back to an all leather girth I want to make sure my tack stays where our belongs.

Penny Denegres and Jeff Blue of Middleburg are judging along with the MFH of Santa Fe West.

So I really want to be correct!

Ok question, the ariats ARE dress boots. Do they become more correct or do the tops kill them?

Emily

[Equibrit]

The tops could be a problem - looking like the patent tops of a hunt member with colours, when you are not. Your really correct choice would be plain black dress boots - borrowed maybe ?

[kcmel]

I think I have a flat breastplate from Bartville that you can borrow. I just have to find it!

[PNWjumper]

I will preface this by saying that I’m not an in-the-know person in regards to hunt attire. So that’s my disclaimer. But I will speak up in favor of your Volant S boots. I have them too and here they are in action . I don’t think they look nearly as “shiny” in person as they do on the Dover pic and I don’t think there’s any mistaking the slightly textured top for hunt tops. In fact, I think it’s tough to even tell that they have a different top unless you’re looking really closely. So my vote goes to the more comfortable Volant boots.

[2foals]

[QUOTE=Xctrygirl;8331481]
See this is where it gets interesting. We’re doing a mock hunt in the infield of the Kentucky horse park first. So not just a jump round of 2 minutes.

Penny Denegres and Jeff Blue of Middleburg are judging along with the MFH of Santa Fe West.

So I really want to be correct!

Ok question, the ariats ARE dress boots. Do they become more correct or do the tops kill them?

Emily[/QUOTE]

That sounds pretty neat! I was hoping to get over to spectate a bit, I’ll have to try to see that part.

Many vote is for the Dehners. I think that traditional field boots are more forgivable than modern looking dress boots with questionable tops. And I’m a fan of the Volants, it’s just the Dehners are better.

[CindyCRNA]

Your Volants are incorrect. I will PM you my mailing address to take them off your hands to help you save face.

[vineyridge]

Do Not wear the Volants. You could maybe, maybe get away with them if you have colors, but otherwise NO!

[Ponyclubrocks]

Every hunt has it’s own rules so best to check with your specific hunt. Speaking only for my club, the Volants would not be approved (and you would definitely be spoken to; kindly and in private; by the master). The field boots would only be correct for cubbing (rat catcher attire) but not for formal season.

[Madeline]

I hope that the judges will be looking at the horse, not your boot tops. As long as you have something that looks like a hunting coat and some boots, and your tack stays where it’s supposed to be, you should be fine. It is, remember, the thoroughbred makeover competition, not a Corinthian class…

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I’m pretty sure I have a few Bartville flat hunt breastplates (probably some with brass and others with nickel fittings) if you still need one. Just let me know!

[Xctrygirl]

Ahhh the benefit of pack rat dom.

I found and unearthed my 25+++ year Veltheim (made in Switzerland) old dress boots and they are still awesome. Once we tighten up one of the soles they’ll be the ones used at the Makeover.

http://s103.photobucket.com/user/Xctrygirl/media/12079822_10153210261692759_8422625158467495967_o_zps6r5zppg9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

I am so very happy to have held onto these that are truly high enough quality that they last after a 17 yr break from service. I rode in them last night and they felt great. Sure the foot isn’t as squishy and comfy as my Ariat’s but that’s all good.

~Emily

[Hinderella]

I will remember your story the next time my husband asks me why I have so. much. stuff…
But being a pack rat does come in handy. I am able to more or less outfit a friend going on her first hunt this weekend.

[kcmel]

And Emily won the field hunter division at the TB makeover. Congratulations! We want to hear all about it:).

[BAC]

[QUOTE=kcmel;8374851]
And Emily won the field hunter division at the TB makeover. Congratulations! We want to hear all about it:).[/QUOTE]

OMG, I was just reading about her, congratulations Emily!