riding boots

[solomon]

Further to lusting after mountain horse boots, how different are they from hiking boots i have a really good pair of leather hiking boots that aren't used much since i bought a horse!

[jane]

hiking boots may not have enough of a heel, - often flat underneath, may be too inflexible and can be rather big for stirrups. Try them though and so long as your foot fits comfortably into the stirrup iron (not tight) then they may be fine.

I am most comfortable riding in a pair of dealer boots, nothing fancy I'm afraid.

[brigadier]

The concern with non horse boots is that the sole may be too wide and get caught in the stirrups, also your foot may slip right through but as long as you check this then they should be ok. I rode for years in a pair of heeled steel toe capped yard boots- they were so comfy!
A lots of the Mountain Horse and similar boots have ridged soles now anyhow. I picked up a pair of Ariat dealer boots a great yorkshhire show for £30- they are soooo comfy- what a bargain!

[haffyfan]

If you use stirrup cages, if as Brig says the sole isn't too wide, it's much less of a risk.

I love ariat trainers...I live in mine and rarely ride in anything else....need a new pair really as seen better days! They have a riding sole/heel but I have caged stirrups anyhow.