Long Riding Boots

WHICH LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?

The correct pair of long riding boots depends on the discipline you want to ride. While a Western rider is more likely to use Western boots, high-quality long leather riding boots are suitable for English riders with competition ambitions. These are more expensive than long rubber riding boots, but will last for many years with proper boot care. They provide good support and close contact with the horse's body and enable targeted aids.
For dressage riders, closed long leather riding boots with a raised dressage arch are suitable. Alternatively, you can choose a long riding boot with a zip at the back. Long leather riding boots for jumping also have lacing at the front to give the more bent leg the necessary flexibility. Rubber riding boots are not only recommended for wet weather, but also for young riders who are still growing. Long rubber riding boots are cheaper to buy and easier to care for and are therefore extremely practical for growing riders.
Kramer Equestrian stocks a wide range of long leather riding boots and long rubber riding boots, offering a wide range of uses for every budget.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING LONG RIDING BOOTS?

• Wear breeches and riding socks during the fitting.
• Take measurements in the afternoon or evening
• Measure calf height and calf width
• The full comfort of the riding boot is only achieved after it has been broken in.
• When trying on the boots, they should not pinch or squeeze.
• The shaft must fit tightly to the leg, but never too tightly.
• When the boot is bent, the end of the shaft should be flush with the kneecap.
• After breaking in, the shaft leather settles and the shaft becomes approx. 2 cm shorter.

HOW MUCH DOES A DECENT PAIR OF LONG RIDING BOOTS COST?

The price range for long riding boots varies greatly. If you are an occasional rider or a beginner, cheaper styles are recommended. The price of good entry-level styles, made of rubber for example, can start as low as £20.
If you want to pursue a career in riding, whether in competitions or as a leisure rider, you are better off with long leather riding boots for dressage and show jumping. Prices here can climb up to as much as £900. At Kramer Equestrian you can find high-quality long leather riding boots for as little as £80.

WHAT CAN BE DONE IF THE LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE TOO TIGHT?

Long riding boots should be snug, but should not squeeze. Long riding boots that are too tight can lead to dangerous blood congestion, especially if the circumference of the calf increases over the course of the day. To avoid this, take measurements when buying your long riding boots in the evening and always wear breeches and riding socks when trying them on.
If the long leather riding boot is still too tight, you can do the following:

• Leather stretching: spray this special spray on the inside and outside. This helps to stretch the leather
• Always store the boots in a boot tree
• Good leather care makes the leather soft and stretchy
• Freezer method: A tight freezer bag filled with water is placed in the boot and then kept in the freezer overnight. The water expands due to the cold and thus stretches the boot leather
• A trip to the cobbler

WHICH LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE SUITABLE FOR WINTER?

Long winter riding boots protect against cold feet, which can be extremely uncomfortable when riding. Long riding boots lined with teddy fleece or sheepskin help against freezing feet. Good long riding boots for winter should also have a non-slip sole so that walking around the yard does not turn into a slippery slope.
The upper material is also decisive for quality. Unlike a rubber boot, a long leather riding boot is breathable and thus ensures a pleasant foot climate. This prevents sweaty feet from getting colder faster than dry feet. In our online shop, you will find lined long leather riding boots as well as long riding boots for winter made of the robust and easy-care synthetic leather Sylka.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LONG RIDING BOOTS WITH LACING?

• More flexibility
• Increased freedom of movement
• Thus increased wearing comfort
• Adaptation to different calf sizes
• Partial lacing in the instep area is particularly interesting for show jumpers, as it allows greater flexion in the ankle area.

WHICH LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Besides breeches, riding boots are part of a child's basic equipment when they start riding. However, children quickly outgrow their sizes, which is why an investment in expensive long leather riding boots is not absolutely necessary. Long rubber riding boots are ideal for children as they are sturdy, easy to care for and cheaper to buy. Alternatively, the child can wear Jodphur boots or riding boots with half-chaps.

WHICH LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE SUITABLE FOR DRESSAGE?

Closed long leather riding boots with a high dressage arch are well suited for dressage. However, long riding boots with zips are also recommended. Only if the long riding boot fits properly is it possible to achieve optimum contact with the horse without the shaft pressing on the back of the knee or, if the shaft is too short, catching on the saddle flap. Dressage riding boots are usually made of firmer leather to provide the leg with the necessary stability and to enable fine aids to be given by a steady leg.
The less expensive alternative to long riding boots are Jodphur boots with gaiters. These are very similar in appearance to dressage boots.

WHICH LONG RIDING BOOTS ARE SUITABLE FOR SHOW JUMPING?

When show jumping, the leg is bent more at the ankle and the knee. For this reason, the long riding boot must allow a high degree of flexibility. The leather of show jumping boots is softer than that of dressage boots. To prevent the shaft from rubbing the back of the knee bloody, the shaft is shorter and the arch of the shaft is not as rigid as its counterpart. Many styles suitable for show jumping have lacing at the front to allow the ankle to flex. When buying your long show jumping boots, also make sure that the leather is tight enough around the ankle to prevent the boot from slipping.