What boots do you wear to hack in?

MuddyMonster

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I've been riding all Spring/Summer in short boots and chaps but as I sometimes have to get off and lead out hacking, now the groubd is getting muddier this may become problematic if I want to keep dry feet - which I do!

I'm was tempted to try the equileather type boots that Brogini and Saxon do - but I'm not sure they will be much better, as they have a zip down the back.

What do you find works best for riding but may also have to contend with some mud and puddles too?
 
The equileather ones still let water in! :)

I use my chaps with short boots.. I try to go on my tiptoes if I need to go through water (and usually fail miserably..)
 
Mud completely knackers zips, I've done three pairs of boots in that way.
Country boots seem popular, though I haven't ridden in them. Just make sure your stirrups are wide enough as people have had their feet caught up.
 
I've been riding all Spring/Summer in short boots and chaps but as I sometimes have to get off and lead out hacking, now the groubd is getting muddier this may become problematic if I want to keep dry feet - which I do!

I'm was tempted to try the equileather type boots that Brogini and Saxon do - but I'm not sure they will be much better, as they have a zip down the back.

What do you find works best for riding but may also have to contend with some mud and puddles too?

I got some brogini short boots in Jan. Didn't used them until March as I wasnt riding. I've worn them made 3 times a week up until June. Then less since. And they are totally trashed. I'm shocked at how naff the quality is. One of them has started to come away from the sole

I've always worn cheap Dublin boots, from the kids section and they've always lasted a couple of Yrs rather than a couple of months
 
I got some brogini short boots in Jan. Didn't used them until March as I wasnt riding. I've worn them made 3 times a week up until June. Then less since. And they are totally trashed. I'm shocked at how naff the quality is. One of them has started to come away from the sole

I've always worn cheap Dublin boots, from the kids section and they've always lasted a couple of Yrs rather than a couple of months

I also bought the short brogini boots and the soles have split in several places and I have hardly used them, I always ride in my long mountain horse high riders I find them the most comfortable boots.
 
I used doc martens for years. When they died I moved onto mountain horse short boots they are great even spent a whole day with a horseshoe nail halfway stuck in the sole and didn't notice! For longer hacks I wear mark todd long boots but I would never get off in those esp in mud! The zip is way too fragile.
 
I have HKM madrid boots, had them about 3 years and they are still waterproof, they are fine for riding in as they have extra leather as padding where the stirrups normally rub other boots, I school in them too.
 
I wear Toggi Calgary and so far they've done 3 years, including an unplanned wade when we got stuck in a bog. They're still going strong. There is a zip but unless you're planning to dismount at every puddle I'm sure they'll do the job....
 
I wear Ariat tall boots with laces up the sides for everything. They are on their fifth year - used to hacking, schooling jumping, dog walking, turning out, bringing in, seen thick mud,walked through streams, rarely cleaned - when they are hosed and brushed off, then use Urad suff.They are ace! Expensive but worth every penny.
I've got through three pairs of (good quality) wellies in that time but my Ariats are still going strong!
 
Woof wear muckers, they do long or short versions, depends how deep these puddles you have to contend with are! I use short ones with half chaps.
 
Thanks for all your ideas. Nudibranch - I like to think it won't be every puddle, but my horse is a bit of a wimp about muddy puddles - so who knows?! :D

Sadly, Ariat boots are out of my price range - I'm supposed to be saving money currently and can't justify £300 on a pair of boots for my hobby, no matter how lovely they may be. I've got Dublin boots already, but they've dropped a lot around the ankle so didn't find them great to ride in last time - but I might try again and see.

As my boots are a few years old already & weren't particularly expensive to begin with so I'm not worried about trashing them, it has been suggested to me that I try plastic bags over my socks as a short term measure - at least it will stop my feet getting wet, even if it is rather uncouth.

I might investigate Muck Boots or the HKM country boots - or even relive my youth and buy rubber riding boots! They weren't trendy as far as I can recall 10 years ago, but at the grand old age of 26 I'm beginning to care less than I did at 16 as long as they do the job!
 
What about the short Ariat boots like the Terrains? They are beloved by endurance riders around the world and I've walked miles in mine. You can wear them with chaps and they are quite a bit cheaper than the long Ariat's. I buy mine direct from the USA via Shoebuy.com.
 
What about the short Ariat boots like the Terrains? They are beloved by endurance riders around the world and I've walked miles in mine. You can wear them with chaps and they are quite a bit cheaper than the long Ariat's. I buy mine direct from the USA via Shoebuy.com.

I second this. Awesome boots and last forever! I would never wear any other short boots now.
 
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