Neverending Boot Quest - Petrie/Cavallo?

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shampain

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So, I realise that everyone is always asking about boots, however every single search seems to bring up numerous conflicting opinions... hence the creation of this thread. :p

Okay so, bit of history. I'd always been a 'short boot & chaps' girl up until last year, when I tentatively bought some Brogini Romas. Looked after them well, always taken off for yard work, etcetera, however the zip on one promptly broke. In addition, the brogini short boots & gaiters that I bought at the same time (yep, fool that I am) are leaking in the first case (and always have) and falling apart at the seams/flaking all over in the latter case after a total of 5 months of wear. So no, I'm not best impressed with Brogini.

As I now have a bit of cash all of my very own and no horse to splurge it on (the joys of riding everyone else's ponies), I decided to fork out a bit more and buy myself a new pair of tall riding boots.

Now, budget is around £350 so still not huge, however doable, I believe. I shall say in advance that I'm really not a huge fan of Ariats; no decent reason for this, other than that I'm shallow and superficial and don't find them pretty enough. :D

I've been looking at Cavallo boots, either the Grand Prix Plus or the Polo boots, and was wondering whether anyone had any experience of the make, or of the Petrie Olympic or Athene boots? Especially leather stiffness/whether they'd be at all jumpable (it's a word) in? My heart is rather set on brown boots, hence the above selections.

Thanks a bunch :)
 
i got some sergio grasso boots & i adore them so so beautiful & fit so well :) they were 300 so within budget
 
I'm not sure whether the quality is still as good, but I have a pair of Cavallos which are at least 20 years old, and still in fantastic condition. Unifrtuantely, my legs have expanded a few inches since I was a sylphlike 20 year old, and I can't get the beggars on. They are lovely boots which have more than stood the test of time
 
Alright, thanks guys, perhaps leaning towards the Cavallos a touch currently, then. Sergio Grasso boots are gorgeous but, as aforementioned, I really am superficial and have my heart set on a pair of brown boots (Broginis are black, so want to mix it up a bit?!).

Any other opinions?
 
Sarm Hippiques are beautiful soft leather and seem to come in a range of styles. I think you can get brown although you may have to order in specifically. Sadly my calves are too big for Petries etc so I had to write them off from the start.
 
The Petrie polo and Athene are both stunning boots.

I personally will only buy Donadeo now (from Joshua Jones) but they are double your budget, but if you DO want to splash out they really are superior to Konig, Cavallo etc :)
 
Will have a look at the Sarm Hippiques, too.
PS, I'd love to be able to up my budget but sadly for me this already counts as splashing out rather.

With regards to the Petries, do they wear well/how do the Athenes stand up in comparison with the more expensive boots? Considering that I ride usually 6/7 days a week, up to 5 horses a day (but look after my boots).
 
My polo boots did not wear as well as previous Konigs (the Komet) but i wasnt sure if it was the leather as mine were the cognac colour but livery has the athene in dark brown (as does a GP friend who rides 4/5 a day) and the leather seems thicker and more flexible in their boots and seems to be wearing better? so i wonder if mine were affected by the dying process somehow?

so i think the athene in the dark brown would be a good bet :)

ETA they didnt wear badly, i ride 1 or 2 a day in them depending on teaching/riding for other people commitments but they lost colour on the inside of the leg and the creases because quite hard (but didnt actually crack). The zip and soles i have to say were very tough and didnt need replacing at all.
Just compared to the Konigs that did 5 years and still looked basically just worn in!
 
That's great, thanks so much. Shame as the cognac were certainly my favourite, but on the upside they also seem to sell cheaper in black/dark brown.
-pootles off to eye up konigs- ;)
 
I have used Petrie boots to hunt in for over 10 years. I am only on my second pair due to breaking my leg and having my old pair cut off!! They are absolutely fab. I got first pair brand new. Second pair off Ebay for £25. Brilliant boots!
 
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