OT - Kid's Riding Boots

[MontanaMouse]

DH and I just signed our DD up for a day camp at an equestrian center. She will spend a week there working in the barns, as well as being introduced to both western and english riding. The owner said that DD should have some paddock boots.

This is all new to me and I'm not sure what I should be looking for. I've looked around and they all look the same to me! If there is anyone out there that knows more than I do (and that wouldn't be hard) about such things, can you please make a recommendation?

Also, they said they had helmets she can use, but do you think blue jeans are ok for pants?

Thanks and sorry to be so off topic on the DIS boards, but if anyone out there will be able to help, I bet I'll find it here!

 

[honugirl]

DH and I just signed our DD up for a day camp at an equestrian center. She will spend a week there working in the barns, as well as being introduced to both western and english riding. The owner said that DD should have some paddock boots.

This is all new to me and I'm not sure what I should be looking for. I've looked around and they all look the same to me! If there is anyone out there that knows more than I do (and that wouldn't be hard) about such things, can you please make a recommendation?

Also, they said they had helmets she can use, but do you think blue jeans are ok for pants?

Thanks and sorry to be so off topic on the DIS boards, but if anyone out there will be able to help, I bet I'll find it here!

Hi there, long time equestrian here. Paddock boots (at least where I live) are the shorter boots that are just above the ankle. Pretty much the norm up here is anything with a heel on it works for horse camp, so that could be typical cowboy boots, paddock boots, etc. If this is going to be a 1 time deal, I wouldn't invest much and just get some cowboy boots somewhere. If she really likes it and gets more involved, I'd suggest a nice pair of Ariat boots.

Yes, jeans are fine. I've ridden in them all my life, both English and Western.

Hope she has a good time.

 

[MontanaMouse]

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm off to find the boots with a bit more confidence now!

 

[locolala]

I agree with Ariat boots. I've had the same pair for about 10 years now and I wouldn't give them up for the world. Jeans will be ok at first, but as she starts trotting and cantering, she might get rubs. I know I used to get them when I wore jeans, so I switched to schooling tights. You can probably find inexpensive jodphurs somewhere online, I have tights in all kinds of cool colors .

 

[limace]

I'd buy them on Craigslist, or see if you can find a resale place. Kids feet grow fast, and since this is just a one-week thing, I can't imagine you want to blow $100. I've had great luck finding boots on CL (check out the Farm and Garden section).

 

[Stephres]

At the tack shop I go to, they have faux leather ones which are considerably cheaper than real leather. Also she buys them back on consignment so if you go to a tack shop ask about that too. The kids grow out of them before they wear them out!

 

[tiggger1]

horseloverz.com has nice kids paddocks on clearance for $15

 

[dis-happy]

Look for a large tack shop in your area. A lot of them have used boots on consignment...especially for kids that outgrow them quickly.

If you decide to buy a helmet make sure it's certified.

Is it hot where you are? If so, consider getting her some lightweight riding pants. While not absolutely necessary, they are nice to have. Stateline Tack has decent prices through their catalog.