Horses for long have been animals that are dear, useful and invaluable to humans. They are regarded as domestic animals and have uses in various endeavors like warfare, transportation, sports, agriculture, trade, commerce, pleasure, recreation, religion. They are usually seen as symbols of strength and speed, and also displayed as a show of status. They have been useful in the growth and civilizations of different cultures and have transformed the world in many ways.
Horses can be controlled and ridden in many different ways including riding, driving or vaulting. This is dependent on the specific use the horse is being put to at the time. In more recent times, horses have been used more for leisure, recreation, agriculture, law enforcement, sports, etc. rather than for war or other menial purposes. They are trained and used for practical purposes and have been useful in traditional ceremonies, parades, and public service.
Horse riding is known as equestrianism or as horseback riding. You may wish to learn more about it here. Riding a horse for any reason requires wearing specially designed shoes. They are mostly boots that are usually high though they may also be short.
Most classic boots are high so as to prevent the rider’s legs from pinching by the saddle. They also have sturdy toes and heels both to protect the foot of the rider when on the ground and to prevent the rider’s foot from slipping through the stirrup.
A stirrup is a ring or frame where a rider’s foot is held when riding a horse. It is usually attached by a strap, called stirrup leather, to the saddle. They are mostly used to mount animals and as a support during riding.
Modern boots usually have lower heels than earlier ones as high heels were thought to prevent the slip of the foot through the stirrup. They also have smooth soles so that the foot is not caught in the thread of the stirrup during a fall.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Riding Shoe
One of the many purposes of horse riding shoes is to help you stay comfortable when you are riding so that you can concentrate and not worry about your foot aching or getting caught up in the stirrup. Therefore, choosing the right fit is of utmost importance.
It is important to point out that using other types of shoes, especially sneakers, to ride horses is very dangerous and therefore not right. Your feet could get stuck in the stirrup if you fall and you may be dragged by the horse. Riding shoes are designed to be safe enough to use when riding horses so always use them when you do so.
Many different types of shoes for equestrianism are available from different manufacturers. With these very many options, how do you choose a good one for your feet? Here are things to consider.
Safety
This is the most important feature when choosing a boot. It must be firm on your legs. The heels and soles are very important so pay attention to them. You do not want your foot sliding through the stirrup or getting caught up in the case of a fall.
Discipline
This deals with why you are riding. As mentioned earlier, horses are used for many different purposes. The boot you choose must be suitable for the kind of riding you are undertaking.
Choose the Right Type of Boot
Two types of riding boots exist – the Paddock and the Tall Boots. Which you should choose is dependent on the use and comfortability. Paddocks are short and are used with chaps. They are quite popularly used during training while Tall boots are used more by experienced riders. Try both types and see which is more comfortable for you. When purchasing, you can consider Ariat boots. They are one of the most comfortable and safe shoes available.
Cost
Equestrianism can be quite expensive. You will need to compare your needs with your budget so you can know the type of boot you can get. It is not advisable to buy cheap shoes that will not serve you well and will be a waste of your money. At the same time, you should be able to find shoes to buy that wouldn’t require you to empty your purse.
Material
Most boots are either made with leather or rubber. The one you choose should be dependent on the weather conditions where you are. While they might be waterproof and good during snow or when you are riding through mud, rubber boots will not be nice on a hot summer day when the temperatures are high. Leather boots will allow your feet to breathe in the heat. There are also leather boots that are waterproof which can serve you at any point during the year and some boots are made of materials that are in-between rubber and leather.
Conclusion
The whole essence of riding shoes is to make a person comfortable and safe. Finding the right fit to wear before climbing on a horse should not be taken lightly. They must fit snugly on your leg; foot, calf, and ankle. At the same time, they should not be too tight around your calf to prevent pinching.
