Long boots vs short boots & chaps/gaiters

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chaps89

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Which would be your preference?

I tend to find long boots quite uncomfortable, are there any comfy, non-clumpy cheaper ones out there, or to get comfort would I have to spend mega £££?
Because I need both new boots & chaps & gaiters but by the time you add the cost of that little lot up, you're in the price range of long boots anyhow.
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Im trying to decide between buying long boots or short boots and gaiters atm. i find all the long boots i try on seem quite restricting but dont know if this would change once they are worn in though.
 
All long boots will be stiff until they're worn in - wear them round the house to get them into the shape of your feet! Nothing is more comfortable than a well fitting pair of boots - you should be able to wear them all day and not have tired feet.

Depends what you want them for
 
Try equestrian clearence they had the musto innovation short boots and chaps on there awhile back - think you could pick both up for a bout £60 . I have saxon equileather boots and they do me just fine . They are not the flashiest boots ever made but mine have just had their year anniversary so can't be too bad. http://www.equestrianclearance.com/musto/musto_innovation_riding_boots/clearance/1/index.html

http://www.equestrianclearance.com/musto/musto_innovation_over_chaps/clearance/1/index.html
 
I prefer chaps and short boots, feel more flexible and can use my leg better for everyday riding...and jumping
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but it doesnt look very proffessional!
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Prefere the look of long boots though, I've ripped the inner soles out of my Petrie boots so I can feel the stirrup more and wiggle my toes around more, feel I can ride much better in them now and don't feel as thick and stiff in the sole.
 
I have always worn long boots even when I was a kid riding. I got some mountain horse ones a few years ago and they have been comfy from day one and warm in winter too.
I got kicked in the shin whilst riding by someones horse buckng once and whilst I had one hell of a bruise for a few weeks, it would have been a right mess without the protection of my boots!
 
I have both short boots and chaps and long boots.
I think both are equally comfortable, but that my long boots I can wear for a longer period of time than my chaps (but that's because I need some new ones!)

I have Dublin boots and suede chaps which total at around £77, and I have the Robinsons Softy Top leather long boots which were £80, so not a huge price difference!
The Robinsons boots are cut quite low on the inside which is why I bought them because the £200 mountain horse ones pinched at the back.

I do prefer my long boots,as my leg feels more secure in them, even though I can 'feel' more in my boots/chaps.

IMO it depends on the individual as to which boot you prefer. Try on lots of different types of boot and different styles, have a walk in them, and don't forget to 'crouch' (think riding position but with no horse there!!) in them to see how much bend you can get in your leg.
Hope you find some boots/chaps/gaiters/whichever(!) that you like
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I live in long boots (and the whale boned ones most of the time as I very rarely jump theses days). I *may* have a pair of gaiters worn once somewhere, I love my long boots but really dislike shorties and chaps.
 
I like short boots and chaps. I have rubber long boots, but I use them as wellies rather than for riding! My leather long boots were too hot to wear in the south so I took to short ones and chaps. I could do all my taking up etc in my short boots and the just put the chaps on to ride. I now wear a pair of Adidas walking trainers with my chaps for riding. This is because I might have to do a bit of walking/running out on a hack and they are more comfortable. I have toe cages on my flexi stirrups so I don't have any problems in the trainers.
 
I have the same problem at the mo, I had a pair of Saxon jod boots they where only £20 and lasted over a year, i chucked them yesterday when the sole came off!
So now im looking for another pair of jod boots, but wondering whether I should go onto long boots, I think ive always stayed with jod boots as they are quicker to put on and I dont need to worry about getting my foot stuck in them etc.
 
I like ariat short boots and gaiters and i also think they look quite smart for shows, i have long mountain horse boots aswell i find these good for winter!
 
I have short boots & gaitors and look pretty smart, plus from a distance they look like long boots
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For everyday riding I have Harry Hall Faro boots and they are really comfy. I also clean them up and wear them showjumping and for XC. They are maybe a bit too chunky and casual but I only do local stuff and nobody has complained yet.

I wear my proper long leather ones for dressage but even after about 7 years I still find them very uncomfortable (probably as I don't wear them enough to soften them up). They're fine when I'm riding but they cripple me if I have to walk in them as the heel area bends in one place and digs in. They don't rub but actually cut my heel to ribbons! I put them on just before I get on and taking them off is the first thing I do when I get off - even befoer undoing his flash! I should really get rid of them and buy a more comfy pair but they cost so much I resent it!

Once out drag hunting my reins broke and I had to lead him home. I walked about 1/4 a mile and had to get back on as I was in so much pain. Rode home holding one rein virtually at the bit. Luckily it was my old boy and would walk happily as soon as he was away from the hunting! My current one probably would refuse to leave or would prat about the whole way home! I had to wear flip flops to work for a week in the middle of winter as my heels were so bad I couldn't wear normal shoes.
 
i have ariat short boots and gaiters for everyday and long boots for shows, i think i prefer my long boots for riding but for being around the yard definately the short ones. my long boots were quite expensive though not sure how the cheaper ones compare
 
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