I was 44 when I got Dave. I had looked after various horses & ponies all through childhood / early adult & then fell away from horses altogether for about 15 years, the I got the chance of a part loan, finally 10 years ago, I felt right to have my own.
As @smolmaus said, if I had got one...
I take it you mean Bareback? Mine leak a bit if not kept well waxed. You can get a tin of dubbin wax from Amazon for cheap, clean boots & allow to dry & then generously dubbin, as @little_critter above says, pay attention to seams an any worn areas.
(Need to practice what I preach, mine are...
I use straw pellets under straw. I use about a 3rd of a bag in the spot where Dave wees & I can usually stretch a week out of it. I do put a good thick bed over the top.
Just watching Lucy Worsley on the telly & Bloodhounds were used for looking for escaped slaves.
Thankfully they have a more positive use now, but it enforces they are NOT HUNTING FOXES.