boots for shows?

[shantihorse]

Would the Ariat hunter dress boots: http://www.ariat.com/products_detail.aspx?cid=1&scid=12&pid=197

work for dressage showing? I know Maestro is their dressage boot, but it's so much more expensive!

I'm only going to schooling shows now, but still want to dress appropriately. And if bought these boots would I have to get new ones if I move up the levels or attend bigger shows?

And what about showing in tall field boots? Is that a big no-no even at dressage schooling shoes?

Thanks so much for feedback, this is my first time showing!

[normandy_shores]

Any tall boot is fine. Field boots are totally acceptable as well, even at recognized show (at least up through 4th level... I don't know about beyond that).

Appropriate dress is light coloured breeches (tan or beige is fine), tall boots, show shirt and jacket. H/J gear is perfectly fine (as is H/J tack).

[CosMonster]

I showed in field boots for years with no problems. I think most people don't even really notice while you're riding. The Ariat hunter dress boot would absolutely be acceptable, again, it is hard to tell the difference between a dressage boot and a dress boot while you're riding. If the judge is looking at that, they're not much of a judge!

[BaroqueLady]

You might want to consider Petrie "Perfect" dressage boots. I don't know
what the Ariat's are going for but I just bought a pair of the Petrie's and
am thrilled with them. They were $299 plus $49 shipping from Germany.
The seller went out of her way to give me a great fit so they feel positively
custom! The "Perfect" line is not available in the US.

[trooper345]

I have the Ariat Hunter Dress and really like them, I also show in them and don't think they are really recognizably different, go with what fits well!

[Trevelyan96]

I have the Ariat Hunter Dress boots and they are perfectly appropriate for Dressage shows. They are also very comfortable! Great boot for the price.

[JLR1]

The Ariat's are a nice choice and very comfy. I think the only difference between the hunter dress boots versus a dressage boot is the level of stiffness. At schooling shows I see people in half chaps, so you would be way ahead of the curve in those boots!:)

[slc2]

Way ahead of what curve? The railbird curve? No dressage judge gives a poop what sort of boots you wear. No, not even 'first impressions' or 'they're human' or 'looking professional', or 'je ne sais quoi'. It doesn't work that way in dressage. If you want to get a good score, ride a good test. This is not some other division of riding. Expensive clothing, matching tack, colors, boots, make nothing.

[spaghetti legs]

omg SLC.. Image is everything. I can't believe you knew that. In fact, I hear if you spend so much time shopping for your outfit that you forget to actually practise your test, you should still get marked on how good you look.

[FancyFree]

At schooling shows I see people in half chaps, so you would be way ahead of the curve in those boots!

That does bring up a question for me: If you always school in half-chaps and have never ridden in full boots, will a rider have a problem adjusting? I ask this because a woman in my barn always, always wore full chaps. She did her first Jumpers and had to wear breeches. She was slippin' and slidin' all over the place. She said she felt like her saddle was covered in oil. :lol: It's a different problem, but still an adjustment one.

I'm curious if it's the same going from half-chaps to full boots?

[Star*]

i would definately plan to ride in any new boots at home for at least a week before a show.
i have konigs for home and a show pair, but new boots always feels stiffer and a bit clumsy until they wear in, so i use them at home for a week or two.

going from chaps to stiff boots is IMHO a big change so allow time to adjust.just my opinion :)

[Gloria]

That does bring up a question for me: If you always school in half-chaps and have never ridden in full boots, will a rider have a problem adjusting? I ask this because a woman in my barn always, always wore full chaps. She did her first Jumpers and had to wear breeches. She was slippin' and slidin' all over the place. She said she felt like her saddle was covered in oil. :lol: It's a different problem, but still an adjustment one.

I'm curious if it's the same going from half-chaps to full boots?

It does take a little adjustment from half chap to tall boots, especially new tall boots. Generally speaking, you need to break in new tall boots to allow it to drop and they can be awefully uncomfortable before that happens. I would give yourself "at least" one week of riding in your tall boots before going to shows. Once your boots are broken in and you have ridden in them for a few times, it is no big deal to jump from half chapts to tall boots or vice versa.

[normandy_shores]

That does bring up a question for me: If you always school in half-chaps and have never ridden in full boots, will a rider have a problem adjusting? I ask this because a woman in my barn always, always wore full chaps. She did her first Jumpers and had to wear breeches. She was slippin' and slidin' all over the place. She said she felt like her saddle was covered in oil. :lol: It's a different problem, but still an adjustment one.

I'm curious if it's the same going from half-chaps to full boots?

Even my show boots that are totally broken in are totally different to ride in then my paddock boots/halfchaps. My paddock boots have a big thick sole -- my tall boots have a very thin sole. I need to adjust my stirrups in order to feel secure and always ride in my show boots for a week or so leading up to the show.

You always want to try out the gear you'd wear for a show. I recently balked at buying the same style of show breeches that I use for schooling (Pikeur Mondegas). Now I think "well, I ride in these everyday and I hate the show breeches I did get, why not get the same kind?"