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!

That’s understandable, but jumping in the saddle without knowing proper riding techniques and etiquette puts you at risk of injuring yourself or others. Before venturing out on your own for any serious practice sessions, sacrifice some time to learn about English riding basics. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Take lessons from a certified trainer. The fastest way to become a competent rider is to take lessons from a knowledgeable professional. You will learn everything from how to tack up your horse properly to how to keep your equestrian boots planted firmly in the stirrups with your heels down so you don’t lose your balance.
• Learn how to give your horse cues. There is more to safe riding than simply wearing ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmets and proper apparel. You also need to be in control of the animal at all times, which means being able to issue crisp cues and commands that will be understood and obeyed immediately. A good trainer can get you started, and then lots of practice will help you develop the confidence necessary to execute your new skills with authority.
• Pay attention to body positioning. English riding success begins with excellent body positioning. For instance, you must sit straight and tall in the saddle for better balance and control, and you should avoid leaning into turns. In addition, your ears, shoulders, hips, and the heels of your equestrian boots should all align with each other to ensure correct posture.

When you become comfortable enough to practice in a ring with others, make sure you follow these basic rules of English riding etiquette.

• Always wear proper apparel. Obviously, protective equestrian helmets are a must, but you should also wear a fitted shirt, riding breeches, and tall equestrian boots when practicing. Loose clothing may chafe your skin or become tangled up in your equipment, which may then lead to serious injury. You don’t have to dress as formally for practice as you do for a show, but wearing proper apparel is a way of signaling your respect for the sport.
• Go with the flow. There should be an obvious flow of traffic in the ring, with all horses and riders proceeding in the same direction. Use common sense and go with the flow rather than against it. Also, slower riders should stick towards the inside of the ring while leaving the outer portion to faster riders.
• Maintain safe distances. To keep yourself and others out of harm’s way, try to maintain a distance of at least one horse length between riders.
• Pass with care. If you must pass another rider, do so with extreme caution so as not to spook the horses. You should verbally communicate your intentions to the other rider before passing. If traffic is moving in two directions, be sure to pass left shoulder to left shoulder.

When sitting astride a half-ton bundle of muscle and energy, knowing some basic riding techniques and rules of etiquette can make the difference between having a productive practice session. To improve your chances of emerging from your outing unscathed, follow the above tips, always use approved equestrian helmets and apparel, and remember your training.

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