RIDING BOOTS HELP!

[fleabitten]

I tried on a pair of lush ariat bromonts today - wide leg. They fitted nicely round my leg (yay!) but unfortunately they are too long!

Didnt really like the mountain horse ones they had (high rider and sportive) plus they arent as supple as the ariat. hate breaking boots in. avoid at all costs lol

so i tried on these: www.ariat-europe.com/virt-ret.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=56&category_id=7
which are very yummy! and v comfy and supple.

i tried on the ariat chaps but they arent terribly good fit with the boots i didnt think. they were gappy around the ankle. the close contact ones were better fit. www.ariat-europe.com/virt-ret.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=116&category_id=22

also tried on mountain horse xcelsior chaps which fitted like skin and were light and comfier but didnt really go with the boots (as you can see from the pics) still they fitted better than the ariat ones.... www.mountainhorse.co.uk/index.php?p=products (click on leggings at left hand side)

so - back to the point!

any recommendations on nice soft, supple leather gaiters OR soft leather long boots?

thanks

[kitcat]

It depends what you are looking for Flea, general wear or competion type. I love my Tuffa Suffolk boots. They are wide, short and so comfy. I think they do a less chunky style too which might be worth a look.

www.tuffaboots.com/index.htm?subj=Footwear

[fleabitten]

well i need something competitiony looking as im hoping to do my bhs stage 1 in the near future. this is to be an xmas pressie. will only be riding in them really, not doing yard work. i quite like the look of those tuffa derby boots - they look nice and soft but smart enough for bhs possibly.

the price tag is actually ok for them as the ariat joddy boots and the close contact chaps were going to be over 200 pound together!

i like the lippizaner chap/gaiter too - hmm, never considered tuffa....will have to look into that. and not a bad price actually, will still be under the 200 mark i think altogether.

[duckles]

I am a huge ariat fan and think the big money spent on them is money well spent - they last forever, always look good (and I don't really take good care of them) plus super compfy and very supportive to the feet. So if you really like the boots, would you consider asking if a cobbler could widen them slightly??
Years ago I got a fabulous pair of black long boots as a present - they are excellent quality but were very wide on my calves -(which are skinny) - I brought them to a a place in Kildare and they took them in so that they fitted well. I still have those boots, they look like knew and have got tonnes of abuse. (THey people also made hand/custom made boots).
I have never used boot polish on any of my short or long boots - always they same as for saddles, saddle soap or condition etc. A tip to shine up is to rub with a womans stocking (got this from a man of course).

[fleabitten]

the width is fine, its just the length thats a problem - and even with them dropping they will still be too long - even going half a foot size down. apparently custom made ones would be like 600 or something. the girl in the shop was wearing ariat joddy boots and said they were like 3 yrs old and not looked after and they were so soft and wore well.

i wonder what the ariat joddy boot and tuffa chap would look like together.... i dont even know if any local shops do tuffa.

can i also say how stupid it is for ariat to make a wide width but not have a short leg length???

apparently they do different leg lengths in the chaps though

[fleabitten]

anyone know how i would find out where stocks tuffa? have checked all local tack shop websites but no joy...

[racaille]

Are there any big horse events near you Flea? I find it is helpful to do comparisons that way - I wait until January and go to Cheval Passion in Avignon - I find the prices are competitive that way and there is lots to choose from. Might not help if you can't get to a big event tho .....

[fleabitten]

i dont think anything coming up - there used to be the northern ireland international horse show but it hasnt been on for the past few years - that would have been a good thing.

[kitcat]

You can email Tuffa and they will tell you your nearest stockist. Failing that horse shows are your best bet. I got mine at Bramham (not that that is mcuh help to you).

[fleabitten]

thanks kitcat, will do that.

[fleabitten]

reply from Tuffa - they provided me with a few numbers of companies that supply them but they seem to be in the Republic - will have a look though and see if i can find out where abouts they are. i asked them did they have any NI suppliers.

any ideas of other riding boot brands that i could try?

******only co.wexford. so basically only option would be to order directly from them.

[duckles]

If its Bernies - (can't remember if wicklow or wexford) - they are really good saddlery and very helpful but perhaps as easy (or even easier) to get it posted from England?

[fleabitten]

dont think its bernies. they said Pet Master or Celtic Equine Supplies. must both be in wexford.

i suppose you could just try them on and send back if they werent right but i suppose there would be a fair whack in postage to pay.

[fleabitten]

joy - have found a decent looking pair (obv not as nice as ariats) which say soft leather. www.shiresequestrian.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=16241&cat=650&page=1

what are your opinions on it?

do you think it would be good enough quality?