First, there is the anti-slip factor. A good boot should have a noticeably raised heel to help prevent your foot from slipping all the way through the stirrup even while jumping or galloping over rough terrain.

Second, there is the grip factor. Your boot should be form-fitting and hug your calves to allow you to comfortably feel and grip your horse so you can execute commands with your legs.

And third, there is the safety factor. As with all other equestrian riding apparel, your boot is not merely a fashion statement; it also serves to protect your feet from possible injury.

When choosing English equestrian boots, be sure to select a pair that can be used in your discipline or particular events. To guide you in this decision, here are a few product suggestions to consider.

Dress Boots

For participation in upper level dressage events, you’ll need all the right equestrian riding apparel in order to be in compliance with the very strict regulations. This includes a pair of tall dress boots, which should be black and have zippers rather than laces.

• TuffRider Ladies Baroque. Classic and elegant, this boot features a contoured ankle, Spanish cut, and round toe, along with elastic panels for a better fit and greater comfort.
• Ovation Ladies GC PRO Dressage. This side-zip boot is fully lined to yield the stiffer upper leg required for dressage events. You’ll love the finely detailed spur rest and toe caps, as well as the beautiful natural leather finish.
• Ovation Ladies Finalist PRO Dress. The V-style gusset in this boot provides the close fit you need without sacrificing comfort. The lined cuff, trim ankle and leg, and ridged grip soles all contribute to the Finalist PRO’s great looks and performance.

Field Boots

Field boots are tall and typically have laces at the ankle to allow for the greater flexibility required for jumping and fox hunting. These equestrian boots may be black or brown, with most riders opting to stick with classic black.

• Tredstep Ireland da Vinci. This boot features the Tredstep Pro-Flex Design, which means it is fully flexible at the ankle right out of the box and doesn’t require a break-in period. It also has a Vibram outsole for enhanced performance, as well as a flexible spine, spur rest, and zip guard.
• Ovation Ladies Tall Gold Pro. With its Bamboo Dri-Lex footbed and inner sole made from recycled PU foam, this boot will appeal to the environmentalist in you. Dri-Lex has thermo-regulating, dry-wicking, and anti-microbial properties for unbeatable moisture control, while the Elasic laces and V-notch front improve flexibility.
• TuffRider Ladies Baroque. This is the same as the TuffRider Ladies Baroque Dress Boot, with the addition of fixed elastic laces at the ankle.

Paddock Boots and Jodhpurs

If you don’t compete in shows and events, then you don’t have to be as picky about the equestrian riding apparel you wear. This means you can opt for low paddock boots or Jodhpurs for pleasure riding instead of more formal equestrian boots.

• Ovation Final Ladies Elastic Side Patent Jodhpur. These jodhpurs are crafted from fine patent leather for a traditional look that never goes out of style. The elastic sides and rubber gripper soles add an element of comfort and performance that you’re sure to appreciate.
• Ovation Aeros Zip Paddock Boot. Made from vapor permeable-leather with a unique Carbosan® innersock, this boot will not only keep your feet dry but also prevent fungus, odors, and bacteria from developing. The forged steel shanks offer superior support, while the lightweight rubber outsoles promise all-day comfort.
• TuffRider Outback Fleece Lined Paddock Boot. If you’re shopping for winter equestrian riding apparel, then be sure to put the TuffRider Outback on your list. This paddock boot is fleece lined for warmth and has a heavy rubber sole for secure footing even on snow or ice.

Whether you need equestrian boots for eventing, pleasure riding, or even everyday use, TheEquestrianCorner.com has the styles you want at prices you can afford. Browse our entire collection of equestrian riding apparel today and treat yourself to something new!

Dressage, hunt seat, and pleasure classes each have specific requirements regarding equestrian clothing. It is up to you to check with the sponsoring organization to get the details of your equestrian clothing needs.

Tall Black Boots: Focus On Fit

Your field or dress tall black boots must fit properly. Since manufacturers differ, you must use the sizing chart for the horse riding boots that you are buying. Most horse riding boot sizing charts will ask for calf and height measurements, plus your normal show size. Calf measurements are taken at the widest part of your calf, with socks and riding breeches on, while seated. The height measurement is from the base of your heel to the top of your lower leg plus one inch.

Tuffrider’s Ladies Pebble Grain Slide Zip Field Boots provide an excellent look, fit and feel, with the advantage of a specially designed zipper that facilitates putting them on and taking them off easily. Tall horse riding boots must fit snugly in all the right places to give you the look and support you need to do well in the show ring and to complement the rest of your equestrian clothing.

Show Coat: Looks Are Everything

Your show coat is what the judge will notice first. A properly fitted jacket should give you a trim appearance with squared shoulders and a narrow waist. To check for a good fit, you should be able to take a pinch of approximately one-inch of fabric from the sides of the shoulders, which will allow the freedom of movement you need.

The waistline of your jacket should be at your natural waistline. The length of your show jacket should take it just to the bottom of your buttocks. Show jacket sleeves are measured at one inch below the wrist. Show coats are generally beige, gray or a dark color. Dressage show coats are black.

Ratcatchers And Men’s Shirts

Under the show jacket, women wear a ratcatcher and men wear a buttoned shirt. Again, the correct fit is crucial to creating the right image while allowing you to ride safely and effectively. Ratcatchers are extra long-sleeved shirts with a short, upright collar. The Ladies Tailored Sportsman Ballard Show Shirt and the Ladies Tailored Sportsman Browne Show Shirt are excellent examples of high quality materials and craftsmanship creating a form-fitting riding shirt that provides the necessary freedom of movement with show clothes.

Riding shirt sleeves are generally two inches longer than normal clothing, to allow you the reach you need when jumping. After putting on your show jacket, one-fourth to one-half inch of your shirt cuff should show. Ratcatchers are normally white or of a pale color. A stock pin should be worn with your ratcatcher. Men are required to wear a button-down shirt with either a tie or a stock pin.

Breeches And Jodhpurs

If you are wearing paddock boots, then you will want to also wear jodhpurs. Jodhpurs are riding pants with an elastic cuff that is worn over your horse riding boots. When sizing for jodhpurs, measure your inseam plus one inch with your paddock boots on. If you will be wearing your jodhpurs in the show ring, try to find a color match with your show jacket. The Tuffrider Lowrise Kentucky Jodhpurs are especially comfortable with eight percent Lycra.

Breeches come in many styles, including front-zip, pull-on, side-zip, low-rise and full-seat. You’ll want to make sure that your breeches maintain the overall trim and professional look of your equestrian clothing. Show breeches are normally beige. Equestrian Corner’s Equine Couture F3 LowRise Side Zip Breeches and the Tuffrider Legend Side Zip Breeches will both help you to look your best in the show ring.

Helmets

An ASTM F-1163-01 and 04a/SEI certified helmet is mandatory part of your equestrian clothing any time you are on or working around a horse. These helmets are tested for the rigors of riding and can save your life in the case of a fall. Helmets are sized by measuring the circumference of the rider’s head.

By dressing appropriately for equestrian events, you’ll be able to showcase your skill and command of the sport. Wearing the proper show clothes will reflect the elegance and control of English riding styles.