boots to learn in - i have a week long suitability test

[coppercolouredtop]

hi all hope you can help

i am a non rider. i have applied for a job which would entail learning to ride - they teach you in an intensive 16 week course.

as part of the interview process i have to attend a week long course to see how i take instruction.

i need to buy some basic kit for this but if i dont get the job i wont ever use it again so dont want to spend a fortune. if i get the job they provide all the kit i need.

i need boots - what would be the best for a complete beginner - a jod boot or a long boot?
if i get the job i would need to ride in long boots.

this is my absolute dream job and i want the best chance of showing i can be taught! i just cant decide what boot to get - id only ride maybe 4 times in the week long course so really cant afford silly money.

advice would be hugely appreciated

[Pleasedontdothat]

When my dd started out she had jodhpur boots and half chaps - much cheaper than getting decent long boots. She now has a pair of Ariats which are her pride and joy but usually only wears them for competitions. You can get ok short boots from places like decathlon which would be fine for what you need now

[coppercolouredtop]

Thank you! I priced both and thought jodhpur boots/chaps would be cheaper- just wondered if one was any better than other for learning really. Thanks again.

[cantstopfreaking]

Is it mounted police?
My friend did this from being a response pc.
Not sure re boots, but as you said I wouldn’t buy anything too expensive.
Can you find second hand maybe on a local selling group?

[Jakethecob]

I'd go with short boots as a beginner.

[QuestionableMouse]

Short boots and chaps are much more comfortable to learn in. Plus you can usually pick up a decent second hand pair fairly cheaply. Look for Mountain Horse or Ariat.

[QuestionableMouse]

Also do yourself a favour and get some decent jods or breeches to ride in. So much more comfortable and will help to prevent rubs. Seamless pants too if you're female.

[AllGoodDogs]

Agree jod boots and half chaps. Decathlon have an excellent range online, limited selection in stores but the website will tell you what your nearest store has. I got boots, chaps, hat, gloves and jodhpurs at my local one.

[coppercolouredtop]

Thank you for the replies! I did think jod boots and chaps for learning, just a colleague who does ride had said best learn in long as it's what I'd be expected to ride in but they'd provide those if I got job and thiught I'd feel more in short boots?
And cheaper if I don't get the job.

Thanks all will check those sites out. There is a big equestrian place near me that sells a really broad range so thought is just get cheapy for the week long "interview " thing....would rather have new than second hand I think else is borrow but I've tiny feet and no one I know is my size! Thanks again x

[coppercolouredtop]

scuse typos was on phone....

its coming up pretty soon so dont think ill have time to source second hand.

i tried to learn to ride a few years ago but an hour a week wasnt cutting it and i gave up although im quite comfortable around horses. i have a hat , gloves and jodpurs, thanks all x

[QuestionableMouse]

If your hat is more than five years old you might want to replace it because they can degrade.

Long boots can be rather painful when breaking in! (I still have scars on my legs). Chaps and short boots are better, especially because they'll probably feel more comfortable straight away.

[coppercolouredtop]

my hat was so little used and because its just a week long course im tempted just to use it.
it cost about £100 and is about 6 years old but im not willing to shell out for a new one for a week long suitability course.

it seems fine. its as new.

[coppercolouredtop]

blimey glad i checked decathlon....thank you to who said them. boots at a tenner!

its just a week course and ill only ride 4 times - its to see if i can be taught and take instruction so really not willing to shell out silly money. the job would pay for kit if i wouldnt but i really want this job so im showing willing in buying my own for the suitability course and if i get the job theyll buy me all the kit i need.

this job would make me SOOOO happy, i love horses. i love outdoors and i find horses therapy....fingers crossed!

[permana]

What job is it copper ? Sounds amazing?

[Shriek]

I want your job! What doing? Funny I'd have gone for the long boots, especially in mucky yard, mucking out and so on

Although jodphur boots are now quite the thing, called 'Chelsea' Boots in the fashion world so you could keep wearing.

Doesn't anyone recommend yard boots as a good all rounder,and can be useful after?

[Shriek]

It's warmth for me as well as the riding, as can be a massive issue keeping your feet warm when around a hard and outside a lot

[coppercolouredtop]

Thanks for the advice everyone x

[QuestionableMouse]

You really might want to consider a new hat. Even a silly fall can be a lot worse if your hat isn't up to scratch. They might also check your hat to make sure it's up to the required safety standards. You should be able to pick up a decent one for not too much.

[Shriek]

What sort of boots can you buy for a tenner OP?
Where can you get a 'cheap' hat? I thought all hats were exorbitant prices?!

[AllGoodDogs]

Shreik honestly check out Decathlon. They do have some lower quality "economy" ranges but my hat is this one www.decathlon.co.uk/c700-helmet-black-id_8296902.html My jodhpur boots were £20 and chaps £15. All excellent quality, comfortable and hard wearing.

[QuestionableMouse]

www.decathlon.co.uk/cpx-3000-helmet-blue-id_8320665.html

Though I can't remember if it's up to the latest certification.

[Shriek]

Thanks!... Can I have that horse to ride though?

[Shriek]

Leather jod boots £20?!!!!

[AllGoodDogs]

www.decathlon.co.uk/classic-black-leather-boots-id_8206478.html

[Shriek]

Thanks Allgooddogs I'm all growed up though

[Shriek]

I have a pair of small unused yard boots OP? Like size 4 or 5