long boots for riding or short boots and gaiters and which ones?

[scribble]

i normally ride in jod boots and half chaps but am starting to compete my youngster for feel i need new boots as xmas and birthday coming up. do leather boots and gaiters work or are long boots the answer. I get cold feet so need to keep warm. thick socks or insulated boots?

 

[Twizzel]

I have a pair of ariat short boots and gaiters, and a pair of sergio grasso long boots... Long boots win hands down, so much smarter and a lot more supportive when riding. I still use the ariats though, hunt in those and keep the long boots for competing.