Shiney Boots

[vicm2509]

How on earth do people get their competition boots so shiney? When I went to Your Horse Live, Carl Hesters boots were so shiney you could see your reflection in them. I have noticed that more and more people seem to have this megga shiney boot look.

So is there some sort of magic potion they put on them? As there is no way they could do that with boot polish. My boots are always clean, but dull

 

[Tierra]

Were they the patent konigs?

Carl has always worn konigs and do be aware that they (and a few other long boot manufacturers) make patent versions of their competition boots (usually just through the leg). If they were, then they will indeed be very shiney!

My konigs have patent legs and theyre super shiny.

Aside from that its polishing, polishing and more polishing.

Edited to add:-

http://www.classicdressage.com/acatalog/info_Patent.html

Theyre the konig boots with the patent insert. You can see how shiney they are on the leg section.

 

[vicm2509]

Now you mention it, I think they might have been

I didnt really think it was possible to get boots so shiney, unless you polished them for hours and hours. I did wonder why more and more people have really shiney boots.

 

[Tierra]

Theyre very much the fashion in dressage. As the bridles, gloves and spurs have gone blingy, the boots have gotten shinier

Over here its also the fashion to have white breeches with black suede seats which look very eye catching with the patent boots

Most leather boots will shine, but with a deep shine if you understand what i mean... like most saddles! But im 99% sure carl uses the patent boots for competitions so it wouldnt surprise me if they were what you saw

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I have a pair of Petrie boots which I use for hunting. I always thought I got them fairly shiny... that was until OH did them for me earlier this week. Bloody hell - you can def. see your face in them now!!

Apparently you have to liberally put polish all over them - don't bother rubbing it in. Leave them for a bit. Then get a lambs bone and rub the smooth bit over where there are scratches etc to get the polish in them. Then brush them off AND then get an old pair of tights and polish/buff them up with that. Lengthy process but god they look good!!

OH in definate favour today - he bought me a pair of brown Harry Hall boots to ride/muck out in etc which are lovely and fit over my jeans. What a legend!!!

 

[the watcher]

If you don't have a bone for the job a hot dessert spoon works just as well to melt and press the polish on - then lots more spit and polish. My equitectors are a bit matt and I can't build up a shine on them but my last boots gleamed (a layer of brown polish makes the colour a bit richer and warmer too)

 

[Muffin61]

I shine my riding boots on a regular basis just to help keep the leather supple and provide a degree of waterproofing. They have a shine, but not as described. Of course you can always take the approach as seen so often at my stables where the riding boots are never cleaned, are worn instead of Wellingtons or muckers so are constantly wet and eventually split because the leather becomes brittle. It’s called 'I can’t be bothered look'…