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The tack room

Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

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Original poster

Could anyone help me choose footwear for first riding lesson?

50 replies

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 20:51

Hello, taking my dc riding at the weekend and frantically looking through my shoe drawers for something suitable. I know I need a small heel, and (I think) a smooth sole? I might have to buy something for the dc so really don't want to for myself. (This might lead to other lessons but might also just be a one-off).
Would anyone be able to peruse my choices and say if any would be suitable? Thank you!

OP posts:

Thread gallery

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 20:52

Choices - first three

Could anyone help me choose footwear for first riding lesson?

OP posts:

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 20:53

Last ones

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katmunchkin · 14/05/2021 20:53

I would say either 2 or 3, but if they are suede and the yard is muddy...

backinthebox · 14/05/2021 20:54

Of the 3, the middle one (suede) is the least bad. It will end up filthy though. I would not allow anyone to get on one of my horses in the other 2.

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 20:56

Thank you! I was worried the thread was a bit thick? Good point about the suede though at this stage I'd just be glad to find something.

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backinthebox · 14/05/2021 20:56

For a non-rider, think smooth-soled chelsea boots as your best bet.

gingercat02 · 14/05/2021 21:00

The second pair is the only possibility but it's possible they won't let you wear any of them. It's a safety issue so your feet don't get stuck in the stirrups

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 21:07

For what reason are none of them suitable? I was only told small heel, no trainers.
Having looked some up online I think I'm imagining the heel needs to be bigger than the actual riding boots are (1-1.5 inches I read). I will go with the Chelsea ones though am now panicking we will be turned away? (This is a child-level beginner lesson if that makes a difference)

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Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 21:08

Thank you all for replying

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Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 21:24

I could pick up something like this Chelsea boot in Primark for around a tenner, might be better than the suede ones

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Pleasedontdothat · 14/05/2021 22:10

Do you have a decathlon anywhere near you? They have boots like this which are dirt cheap. Gloves would be a good idea too

minniemomo · 14/05/2021 22:13

Some ride in wellies or trainers. For a one off just make do, if you go more check second hand listings or farmers supply shops. Helmets are more important though, can you borrow one?

weaselwords · 14/05/2021 22:14

Seriously you are over thinking. I learned to ride in wellies and I’ve definitely seen people riding on holiday in trainers. Any of those will do! Enjoy yourself.

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 22:19

Ah thank you I am indeed prone to an overthink Though I now have the idea that they might turn us away in my head!
Decathlon ones look very good value.
The stables will definitely supply helmets.
I haven't ridden since I was a child and have come over all excited at the idea

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Poppins2016 · 14/05/2021 22:23

Another vote for wellies, I wore them to learn to ride as an adult before moving on to (relatively inexpensive mid range) riding boots.

UhtredRagnarson · 14/05/2021 22:27

You have a lot of boots OP!

UhtredRagnarson · 14/05/2021 22:27

I bet those are only the ankle ones too!

daisyjgrey · 14/05/2021 22:27

Our stables normally have a box of old riding boots that people have donated/grown out of.

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 22:28

And yet never the ones I want to wear

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BluePheasant · 14/05/2021 22:29

Wellies would be fine for a first lesson although some stables have a strict no wellies policy but these places would usually have a stash of jodhpur boots to borrow. I would call them and ask.

UhtredRagnarson · 14/05/2021 22:36

@Looksabitbig

And yet never the ones I want to wear

DumbestBlonde · 14/05/2021 22:36

Interestingly, a lot of boots sold in shops nowadays are described a "riding boots" (I got some from Shoezone a month or so ago, but they would not be any good for actually, you know, riding)- but not all of them would be up to the job, when set alongside an actual pair of riding boots.

Yes, smooth/minimal tread sole and heel max. 1" (no. 1 that you posted is no good), nothing added on to catch on the stirrups, or the horse's side -and, if you want to look the part - as well as not get your leg pinched by the stirrup leathers - long are preferable to short (jodhpur) boot, imho.
The yard/school may have some rules anyway - especially nowadays.

When I worked a s afreelancer, one yard (Riding for the Disabled) would not even let me take her horses out for exercise without a blummin' hairnet. Me, not the horse.

Have a great - safe - time!

Original poster

Looksabitbig · 14/05/2021 22:45

A hairnet ?! This is not reassuring me (especially with my lockdown hair)

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DumbestBlonde · 14/05/2021 22:48

@Looksabitbig

A hairnet ?! This is not reassuring me

(especially with my lockdown hair)

Oh, haha - it won't happen to you, I'm sure

I really don't know why she made me do it - but I went along with it to ride her lovely horses. You'll be fine

WingingItEveryDay7 · 14/05/2021 22:50

As a rider myself I would highly recommend wellies for the first lesson and you can splurge on 'proper' boots if your little one likes it. Higher legged boots are better as they prevent irritating rubbing and trouser legs from riding up. Hope they enjoy it!! x

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