| Horse show boots are a very important | | | | across are paddock boots which are shorter in |
| component in your overall look when showing | | | | height than the tall boots. A paddock boot ends |
| your horse. Not only do they have to be | | | | just above the ankle. |
| comfortable, they also have to meet the needs | | | | This type of boot is used more for daily use or |
| of what is required to show. | | | | riding. Mostly found in a lace-up variety, the |
| This guide takes a quick tour through the | | | | paddock boot is also usually made of leather. |
| different types of both English and western style | | | | They are easier to pull on and off compared to |
| boots. If you are just getting familiar with the | | | | the taller riding boots. |
| horse show world, this is a helpful resource to get | | | | Western |
| you started in the proper footwear for both in | | | | When you think of western horse show boots |
| and outside of the show ring. | | | | what do you picture? Most people would picture a |
| English | | | | cowboy type boot. You would be right if this was |
| When you think of English horse show boots you | | | | your image of a typical western boot. |
| may have a picture in your mind of the typical tall | | | | The cowboy type western boot rises about as |
| black boot. There are actually a few different | | | | high as the calf, not near as tall as the english |
| styles of English boots. | | | | boot variety. The purpose of the western boot |
| It is the riding boot that is the taller style with the | | | | height is to protect the rider's calf from rubbing |
| boot ending just below the knee. The purpose | | | | on the fender of the western saddle. |
| behind the height of the tall boots serves to | | | | When showing you do have more options to |
| protect a rider's leg from being pinched by the | | | | change boot styles between in-hand and riding |
| leathers on the saddle. | | | | classes. The typical "cowboy boot" is seen more |
| For showing in English classes, it this taller boot | | | | in the in-hand classes such as halter and |
| that is recommended. You will most likely use | | | | showmanship. |
| these boots for riding classes, but you may also | | | | When in the saddle your chaps cover most of |
| have the option to compete in showmanship in | | | | your boots, therefore you have a little more |
| English attire. | | | | flexibility in the boots your wear when you ride. |
| Most commonly you will find the classic tall black | | | | You can opt to wear a more comfortable lace up |
| boot for English. However, there are a few who | | | | boot; just make sure the color of the boot |
| have shown in solid brown boots. English is a | | | | matches your chaps. |
| discipline that is based on tradition and traditionally | | | | Most western horse show boots are made from |
| riders have always worn black boots into the | | | | cowhide, though there are more expensive |
| show ring. | | | | materials such as alligator or snakeskin. |
| Horse show boots are typically made of leather | | | | Again comfort should be an important part of the |
| with soft leather being of higher quality. | | | | shopping process when looking for your next pair |
| Other types of english boots you may come | | | | of boots. |