[alto]

I'm ducking early so you don't throw rocks...I have 5 pairs of fully custom Dehners, 1 pr. of field boots "off the rack", one pair of dress boots fully customs from Schneiders of London. At the time, I was riding mostly hunters, jumper, fox hunting and 3-day. Now I am almost strictly a dressage rider and have found semi-custom Petries and Konigs (I have 3 pairs of Petries and 1 Konigs) with stiffeners, lining etc. work much better. Three pairs have gussets, 2 pairs have zippers (and gussets). All but one pair have very high Spanish tops. To get through the painful break in period, I ride with doubled up Dr. Scholl heel pads (2 in each boot) - that way the back of my knee doesn't get it too bad. The stiffners REALLY help with your leg position and aiding, especially preventing "floppy" ankles at sitting trot. So, my recommendation, if you are riding dressage, get some dressage boots and save the Dehners for hunters/jumpers (which are very comfortable and long lasting boots, just not specially for dressage).

No ducking needed ...
BUT I do want pictures of your Boot Closet!


As to whether ideayoda does dressage ... uhmmm ... yeah

[equusaround]

Ok, I know ideayoda does dressage, but she wasn't the original poster to whom I was responding.

And I don't have a boot closet for you to see....boots by the front door, boots at the barn, boots behind the bedroom door, boots in closet in box, under the bed, on top of bookcase...kind of like my whole house has been overtaken by horse stuff.

[Kadenz]

Now, now. I think it's totally normal and acceptable for some people to like/require stiffer boots than others. Doesn't mean you don't know how to ride.

OP, I too have weak ankles. I've broken one and committed very bad sprains on both, and as a result they cave outwards very, very easily. They also don't flex (toe-up/toe-down) to the same degree. Riding in anything less supportive than my stiff Petries seriously hurts and causes painful swelling of the non-inconsiderable amount of scar tissue around my ankles. I used to ride happily and comfortably in cheapo no-name boots or paddock boots with half chaps. Can't do that anymore, at least for anything more than a trail ride at the walk. (If I'm doing any jumping, I have to wear ankle braces underneath my nice, stiff boots.)

Also? I never - not once! - had blisters or worse around my ankles from my stiff Petries. They're quite comfortable to me.

[equusaround]

Like Kadenz, I used to ride in <gasp> tennies and half chaps daily and would put on my Dehners for shows. Worked fine for me until I got my first REALLY big moving warmblood... then I found that the extra firmness in the ankle of the Petries really helped my riding. I never get sores on my ankles from the Petries or Koenigs. But I have had sores rubbed into the back of my knee/bottom of my thigh from the back of the boot during the break in period. That is why I use 2 heel pads to raise my heel during the break in period.

[Kadenz]

Like Kadenz, I used to ride in <gasp> tennies and half chaps daily and would put on my Dehners for shows. Worked fine for me until I got my first REALLY big moving warmblood... then I found that the extra firmness in the ankle of the Petries really helped my riding. I never get sores on my ankles from the Petries or Koenigs. But I have had sores rubbed into the back of my knee/bottom of my thigh from the back of the boot during the break in period. That is why I use 2 heel pads to raise my heel during the break in period.

The only time I've gotten blisters from my Petries was when I left the boots on to teach a lesson. Those boots ain't meant for walkin'!

Which is fine by me - they last MUCH longer if they're only used on the horse or during the walk to/from the mounting block.


ETA: that last point reminded me that I didn't get sore behind my knee, either: because I hadn't ordered the boots to be *quite* tall enough. Next time I'll add a bit to whatever the measurer tells me should be the height.

[arlosmine]

Another vote for Petries. I have Dehners and Petries. The Petries are better for dressage for the reasons stated by the above poster.

[alto]

Ok, I know ideayoda does dressage, but she wasn't the original poster to whom I was responding.

knew I'd get into trouble apparantly linking those sentences - none intended, just that OP should try whichever she likes

And I don't have a boot closet for you to see....boots by the front door, boots at the barn, boots behind the bedroom door, boots in closet in box, under the bed, on top of bookcase...kind of like my whole house has been overtaken by horse stuff

Think of this Photo Challenge as an excellent motivation to collect all your lovely boots, arrange them on a dais (OK table ) & record for posterity ...

[Velvet]

ideayoda, you're forgetting that a lot of people walk and drive in their boots these days. Terrible for the boots, but it does break them down and makes them more comfortable for people. Especially the super rigid ones.

Personally, I like a 3/4 lined boot. My fav. You can easily feel the horse and yet you have a bit of stiffness. Really the best. I hate the super stiff dressage boots of today.

Oh, and BTW, to the others out here asking about how to break in a boot--you should ask the COTH people to dig back through old issues and come up with an article they wrote a million years ago. I think it might even have had pictures from the old Millers in NY.

[myhorsefaith]

No rock throwing from me! I appreciate everyones opinions. I was just in NJ visiting family so I went to the Dover there and had a long chat with the manager who does the custom boot measurements and orders. I learned a ton, and was able to look at sample boots, swatches, etc. Between that and all your input, I feel much better prepared to go to my local tack store in seattle to order. I am still leaning towards dehners, but with wishbone lining, and maybe the voyager to start until I can save up for the calfskin. But we shall see, I may change my mind again! LolThanks everyone and happy new year

[JRG]

My Dehners, fully lined calf, full semi-front zipper, spur rest, leather sole and Olympic tops.

When I had mine done (6 years ago) Dehner didn't do the whale bone back stay.

[Velvet]

As to whether ideayoda does dressage ... uhmmm ... yeah

This just shows either how little you know of dressage, or the fact that you have no clue who is behind the alter. Actually, I'm guessing it's a bit of both.

[alto]

This just shows either how little you know of dressage, or the fact that you have no clue who is behind the alter. Actually, I'm guessing it's a bit of both.

well I definitely know dressage more intimately than I know you
- thanks for the vote of confidence though ...

[equusaround]

I used to wear my Dehner's everywhere. They were very comfortable. I'd come home from the barn and garden in them before I took them off. The Petries and Koenigs, I don't put on until just before i bridle my horse. I keep them in a padded bag. I clean them after every ride. After I get off, the first thing I do is take off the boots and put my clogs back on. So, it doesn't matter to me if they are comfortable to drive in, because I don't use them for that. Riding. Period.

[Velvet]

well I definitely know dressage more intimately than I know you
- thanks for the vote of confidence though ...

Go retread the information in the post where I copied your sarcasm towards ideayoda. She was the alter I was referring to and the reason I'm making my assumptions about you.

[alto]

Go retread the information in the post where I copied your sarcasm towards ideayoda. She was the alter I was referring to and the reason I'm making my assumptions about you.

The problem is your assumption of sarcasm - it was anything but

JMNSHO but ideayoda is the closest this forum has to an ODDG

retread the information

must admit I have NO idea what you mean by this ... slang

[myhorsefaith]

okay guys... stay on track here....Custom Dehners.... LOL

[ironbessflint]

RUN, don't walk, away from Dehner. PM if you'd like more details. I have a good ten examples...

I've had Konigs and Cavallos I've been quite happy with, and just ordered another pair of Konigs. THOSE are black Favorit Specials with curved black croc detail at the top. Can't wait!

Edited to answer the actual question...For my Dehners I went with brown voyager, half woody lining and the wishbone, polo boots with the zipper up the front. They ARE pretty cool boots...they'd be better if they were actually made to measurements.

[alto]

they'd be better if they were actually made to measurements.

I am sorry that you ended up with boots that didn't work out

For the OP, I think this is always an issue with any custom made boot - get measured by at least 2 different "specialists", then have a 3rd set done just because, get measured at different times of the day, have confirmation of the numbers on your special order form, make sure that the "finished" boot measurements are going to be for the inside of the boot & not external dimensions etc.

[Foxtrot's]

One thing you will know - Dehners will last - and last - and last. Mine are over 30 years old, have been shown, evented, & hunted every Saturday in all weathers and swam in the Fraser River many times. They have a few too many blackberry scratches on them to be used for anything else than trail riding now. They are fully lined and have been re-soled once.

[ToN Farm]

I am sorry that you ended up with boots that didn't work out

For the OP, I think this is always an issue with any custom made boot - get measured by at least 2 different "specialists", then have a 3rd set done just because, get measured at different times of the day, have confirmation of the numbers on your special order form, make sure that the "finished" boot measurements are going to be for the inside of the boot & not external dimensions etc.

A long, long time ago, I was measured for Dehner's at Beval Saddlery in NJ. Twice, they came in not fitting. Not even close to fitting. Since then, I don't think I would ever buy custom boots. When you get the semi-custom Konig, Cavallo, Petrie that you can actually try on before buying, why bother with custom?

Where I find a problem is in the foot length. They always measure in such a way that the foot is too long. I like my toes right up against the front of the boot. I like a really tight foot and they don't measure for that.