Conference noted::equitation

    I haven't seen too many ads for used boots, but you might try the
    Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar (I assume you're in the eastern MA, southern
    NH area).  I also assume you checked the "for sale" ads in this
    file.
    
    The first pair of boots I bought were rubber ones.  They now have
    fairly nice rubber/vinyl ones and that might be a good choice for
    your husband.  If the riding doesn't work out, he can always wear
    the boots in the rain or when it's muddy.  That's what I did with
    mine after I got my leather boots.
         
    For leather boots, you might try one of the cheaper brands, like
    Marlborough.  My husband has Marlborough boots and they've held
    up well in the 5 years he's had them.  He got his from State Line
    Tack Shop in Plaistow, NH.  I bought mine at Nashoba Valley Tack
    Shop in Pepperell, MA.  Mine are Windsor and they were on special
    since they weren't going to carry that brand any more (that was
    8 years ago).
    
    I recommend that you go to the store to try on the boots (although
    my husband got his mail order).  When I bought mine, the tops were
    a bit too tight and I couldn't get them on all the way.  Ted used
    a boot stretcher to get them too fit.  They were snug at first,
    but after wearing them a few times, they stretched a little more
    and have been perfect ever since.  Also you can try on different
    brands and see what fits best for what you want to pay.
    
    						Jan

    Hi Pam,
    
    I suggest you try to find used boots.  New ones take a while to
    break in, and can be uncomfortable.  Leather boots should fit snugly,
    they will stretch a little so if you have to get new ones, don't
    get ones that are loose around the top.  
    
    The rubber boots are a good idea also - and you don't care if they get 
    wet.  The Horseman's Exhange in Wayland, MA has used items for sale.
    You can call Mrs. Stevens at (617)-358-4662 to see what she has in.  I 
    think she opens after noon time.  You might also look in the Want 
    ADvertiser and other classified papers that have a section for horses
    & equipment.

    
    Do try Barbara Stevens, it is worth the ride and I know she has
    one pair of men's size 10 1/2 black leather field boots, used once.
    How do I know? They are my husband's. 
    
    Are you or your husband planning to show? If not, have you considered
    paddock boots and chaps, instead of breeches and boots? Many people
    consider them more comfortable and men don't object to walking around
    in them as much as in the skin tight breeches.
    
    Good luck!
    
    	Nancy
    

    Hi,
    
    I have a pair of women's Colt Cromwell leather boots for sale. 
    They are a size 6 I believe.  They are in excellant shape and
    I will sell them for $65 of b/o.  I live in Harvard MA.
    Call if you are interested.  dtn 282-1702
    
    Linda
    

    Oops! I forgot to mention that my shoe size is 8 1/2. I've heard
    that boots run big but I don't think a 6 would fit me. Thanks for
    the offer, though.
    
    Pam

    Having gone through enough men's riding boots with odd size 11 feet in
    the last fifteen years I have come down to a pattern of boot buying.
    For regular wear I prefer the French "Stylo", "Ecuyer" or "Aigle"
    rubber riding boots - this is the same boot, it just has a different
    name depending on where its sold. These are sold at State Line Tack
    Shop and the Equestrian Shop in North Andover for about $60. However,
    I buy mine in England, where I am now (thankyou Uncle Ken), where
    they go for about $35. These boots are lined and provide more support
    than the less expensive rubber boots, look quite acceptable and
    only need a wipe with a damp cloth to clean them. The only drawback
    is that they last for about two years before some part of them
    disintegrates. I do ride (and wear them) a lot so this could be
    considered heavy use. Fortunately I go to England at least three
    time a year (thankyou Uncle Ken again) so I can always get another
    pair before they wear out.                                         
                                                                       
    I have also bought several pairs of leather boots and only those I
    bought in England have survived which I use for formal riding in
    competition. I didn't find the pair of Marlborough boots I first bought
    in the US lasted much longer than these French rubber boots. Since I
    have a difficult foot to fit, I tried getting a pair of custom made
    boots from Dehner's through the Equestrian Shop. This was an utter
    failure and they were eventually sent back and my money refunded.
    Apparently the bootmaker didn't believe somebody could have as high an
    instep as I do. Then, on my next trip to England I went into the
    Schneider Leather Company shop which is just off Regent Street in
    London and found the first pair of boots they showed me fitted
    perfectly, high instep and all. Previously I had to abandon attempts to
    get into standard sized boots in other stores before I pulled the
    straps clean out of the boots.
    
    My conclusion is that if you are only looking for one pair of boots,
    these Stylo boots are more than adequate, unless you really like
    polishing boots. 
     

    re .7
    
    Sorry you had such a bad experience with Dehner.  I have Dehner's
    and absolutely love them.  I've had the same pair of Dehner's for
    the last ten years, three of which were very heavy riding (3-4 hrs
    day atleast) and five of which I rode very little if at all.  They're
    finally wearing out, but I've gotten an awful lot of use out of
    them, and they're SO comfortable!
    
    Joan

	Someone back a few notes mentioned that they should fit tightly.
	I am waiting on a pair the local tack shop ordered for me cause
	the clerk insisted that the one's I thought fit were too loose.
	I thought they felt fine and she said if they don't hurt they are
	too big. I don't get it, in my experience if a shoe hurts when you
	buy it your feet pay the price. What's so different about riding
	boots? Why do they have to be tight? Why does it matter if they
	get a little loose with wear? liesl

    re .9
    
    The boots should fit snugly (ie. a little too tight) if they
    are new since they stretch and 'wrinkle' around the ankle
    with continued use.  The boots should fit like a second
    skin so you can have close contact with the horse's side.
    If your boots are shifting on your leg or foot when you
    press your leg against the horse, it doesn't give you
    the same effect - or you won't be able to feel the horse
    as well.  As for the foot part, they should fit snugly with one
    pair of thin socks so that you need a boot jack to take them
    off - the foot part doesn't seem to stretch too much, so 
    I wouldn't get a pair that was too tight in the foot.
    
    Another thing to consider - when fitting new boots, the
    back of the boot should dig into the back of your knee
    when you bend your leg, because as the boots are broken
    in, they wrinkle around the ankle - this causes the hight
    of the boot to decrease so that when they are broken in,
    you can bend your knee and not feel the back of the boot
    dig in (if you get them too low when they are new, then
    when they are broken in, they will be too short)

    What's the difference between riding boots and paddock boots? Are
    paddock boots primarily used for tromping around the barn or for
    riding to? You can't wear britches with paddock boots can you?
    
    What are some of the better companies that custom make riding boots?
    prices?? What shops carrying these brands??
    
    Thanks for the help- 

    I should have said in the original note that I have a pair of paddock
    boots. They are mid-calf leather lace-up boots. I bought them a
    few seasons ago during the winter so they were fine riding with
    jeans. But now it's so HOT that the jeans and paddock boots are
    not so great. I was told the britches are cooler for summer and
    thus thought I would have to get hunting boots to wear them.
    ==What do you think?
    
    Sorry for the confusion....

    Britches are cooler in the summer, and you don't have to wear hunt
    boots with them because you can buy a pair of gaiters.  Gaiters
    are suade like chaps that wrap around your calf and have an elastic
    band that you step (with your boot on) through so that they don't
    ride up.  They fasten around with velcro.  they cover the space
    between the top of your paddock boots all the way up to under your
    knee.  They look great, and allow me to ride with britches which
    are cooler and help you to maintain a correct seat without the aid
    of chaps.
    
    They are not expensive and come in as many colors as chaps.
    
    stephanie
    

    Thanks for the info... I wasn't aware of gaitors!! I can't wait
    to get some and some new britches.... I'm tired of feeling like
    I'm in a sauna while riding!
    
    Thanks again-

    A lot of catalogs list the gaitors as "half chaps". I love mine.
    
    On customs boots - 
    I have a pair of Dehner's. Vogel and Cavallo (sp?) also make custom
    boots.  I think I paid $400 for mine a couple years ago.
    
    -maureen
    

    I find hiking boots and/or work boots work great with britches and
    half chaps. They feel more comfortable than my riding boots since
    they only go up a few inches past my ankle bone. Plus I feel more
    at ease getting my hiking boots wet ( when Jasper and I go swimming,
    or he gets a bath) than my "real" riding boots.
    
    I definitely agree that britches are cooler than jeans!
    				Cindy
    

    
    I'm looking for some leather polishing tips/tricks/techniques.
    
    Any noters out there have any `secrets' they wish to share on how
    to obtain a real nice shine?  I have a problem obtaining this from
    certain types of shoe/boot leather (usually the heavier grade stuff).
    
    Thanks in advance

    I'm having trouble finding a pair of rubber boots that fit.  My
    calves are wider than average (but not that wide!).  Someone suggested
    I have a gusset (an elastic insert) sewn in the back of calf.  Has
    anyone ever done this?  I"m not worried about looks because I won't
    be wearing the boots to show.  I just want to know if it works.
    
    Also, are there brands of boots that come with wide calves?
    
    --Laura

    I have wide calves and I was able to find leather boots at Miller.
    Not sure if they carry the wide size in their rubber boots. If you
    don't have a Miller distributer near you try to get their catelog.
    I just threw out my Miller catelog so I don't have the address,
    maybe someone could post a reply with the address.
    
    Mary Ann

    If you go for a STYLO MATCHMAKER boot you have the option to buy
    with wider calves, or if the wider ones don't fit they make the
    boot wider (about 32.00 english pounds, not sure in dollars and
    whether you even have Stylos over there).
    
    Barbara

    Can someone post the address for Miller's here? I'd like to get
    a catalog.
    
    thanks,
    
    --Laura

    Millers
    235 Murray Hill Parkway
    East Rutherford, NJ  07073
    
    -M-
    
    

    hi buck...
    
    try stable yard tack in nashua or concord nh..
    i bought a pair of used for 15 and they are my second season..
    
    what size and i can check around..
    
    

    I can't be the only short person that's had this problem - there
    must be other folks out there that's gone through this.  Also -
    if there's a note on this already, I apologize - I didn't see it.
    
    Problem:  I've been looking for leather riding boots (I already
    have rubber ones), but either the boot leg is too long or my leg
    is too short (that's a good possibility - I'm 5'3").  I've looked
    three different places, but, no success - I wind up with 2-3 inches
    of leather pushed down around the ankle.   
    
    Question(s):  Does anyone know of a place that will "trim" the boots
    to fit?  If no - does anyone know of custom shops that will make
    a pair to fit me?  I don't mind paying for something that's a good
    quality and will last for a while BUT, I don't want to have to take
    out a 2nd mortgage to pay for them either.  I wouldn't mind traveling
    if it's worth it.  I live on the Haverhill/Plaistow NH line.
    
    Thanks,
    Lynne (sam_you_made_the_legs_too_short)
    

I knew a woman with the same "problem"... she waited until the Equestrian
Shop in N. Andover had their yearly Feburary sales and had a set custom made.
She absolutely loved them.  Additionally, she got a set of half-chaps for 
daily use to extend the lifetime of the boots.

					-Caroline

    
    
    	Also try the Salem Tack Shop on Rt.28, right next to the Subaru
    	dealer.  They made a beautiful pair of brown field boots for
    	my sister.  They were about $120 I think and the shop is in 
    	Salem, NH so the drive is right around the corner.

    
    	Good Luck!
    
    	Zina

    Leather boots will also "wrinkle" around the ankle with wear, and most
    people buy boots that are a bit too high when they are new, so that
    when the boots wrinkle they will still come up to the knee.  This may
    be painful when they are new, but looks much nicer than once the boots 
    break in.      

    Joan Ray
    

   Since off-the-shelf boots rarely fit normal people very well
   it's common to have a good (and I mean one who knows riding
   boots) cobbler make a few adjustments. You can have the tops 
   trimmed down, or the calves widened at the top with an elestic 
   insert at the back or a variety of other adjustments. Be
   careful, I took some boots to a cobbler who didn't know how
   riding boots are supposed to fit and he ruined them.

   If you have boots trimmed down, don't have them trimmed too far,
   because as they wrinkle at the ankle, they will drop at least
   1 inch in height. New boots should give you a nice sore spot
   behind the knee for the first few weeks! The rule of thumb for
   boot height is to measure from the floor to the point on your
   leg just under the knee, where the top of the boot should be--
   than ADD 1 inch. (For men wearing sizes larger than 10, add 1 1/2
   or even 2 inches to that measurement, larger boots wrinkle more.)

   I had some boots made for my husband by Pineland Boot in Maine.
   They were $200 a pair (1988) for field or show boots, men's 
   or women's. When you're looking at $125-150 for off-the-shelf boots,
   then $30-50 or more for adjustments, $200 isn't so much for boots
   that fit *you* perfectly. The phone number is 207-582-8415. 

   Good luck, a good pair of boots are worth their weight in gold!

    Thanks one and all for the info.  Especially .5 - it's good to know
    how to measure them!  Where in Maine is Pineland??
    

    
    5'3"..I pray to be 5'3"...I'm 4'11"..and my problme is that my boots
    cut into my knee's and I keep on riding..so the inside of my knees
    tend to bleed!  I have switched to the ankle boots (I dont remeber
    what their real name is) I could never afford the "custome" made
    boots..but State Line Tack shop in N.H do custom make you boots also!
    
    good luck
    
    Louisa_another_shortie

    re: .0
    
    Most good tack shops should be able to perform the task you wish. I've
    had friend who have had their boots widened in the calves, and some
    have had tops sewn on after their boots dropped too much from wear, so
    I don't see why they could not cut yours down to fit you properly.
    Personally, I have the opposite problem from you....being 6'3", I
    cannot find stock boots that fit at all! ;^) 

    Well, miracles *do* happen, I *finally* remembered to get the
    Pineland address for you...sorry it took so long!

    Pineland Boot Company
    25 Winter St
    Gardiner, ME 04345
    207-582-8415

    PS. I have no idea where Gardiner is, maybe somebody from Maine knows.    

    Thanks again everyone!  Hopefully I'll be able to find something
    now with all the info.
    

    
    	Gardiner Maine is just south of Augusta on the Kennebec
    	River.  It is @ 110 miles from Portsmouth (guess on my
    	part - I drive it alot but don't pay attention to how
    	far it is in miles)
    

I'm looking for leather riding boots and I've got two problems: large calves 
and big feet!  Can anybody recommend a brand of boots that comes with a very
wide or extra-wide calf?  I know that the calves can be stretched, but how much
is reasonable?

Also, do sizes run pretty standard?  I have a size 10 foot but some size 10 
women's shoes don't fit me.  If a size 10 boot won't fit, this is a problem 
because I"ve only located one brand (effingham) that goes to size 10 1/2.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

    
    You might want to try men's boots.  
    
    I have a friend with larger feet, and larger calves.  She found that
    men's boots worked well.
    

    A friend just bought a pair of boots and she normally takes a 10 (with
    a large calf).  What she found was and English made boot in an 8...no
    problem with the calf.  Can't remember the name of it right at the
    moment but she bought it at the Equestrian Shop in Andover, Ma.
    
    Will try and get the name for you tonight.
    
    

    I was at State Line this last week-end and actually fitted my daughters
    size ladies 10 1/2 narrow foot into their 10 leather paddock boot.  It
    was a bit longer than any other 10's we have tried elsewhere.  While I
    was talking to the lady helping us, I mentioned I have NEVER been able
    to own a pair of boots due to my oversized calf.  She said wait -- we
    now have EXTRA WIDE calves in ladies leather riding boots.  Low and
    behold...  by the way the boots are on sale until ?August 15? I believe
    that was the cutoff date for this sale.  Either $79 or $89 something
    very reasonable.  The paddock boot was $42.50.   A very good buy in my
    book.
    Ester

Thanks for the info. I've ordered a pair of women's boots with extra-large
calves from State Lane.  According to my coupon flyer, though, the ones that
are on sale aren't the ones that come in extra-wide.  Hopefully the size 10
will fit.  If it doesn't, I'll start over again! 

Devon-Aire makes a boot with an extra-wide calf, and I suspect that's what 
State Line is selling because the description of State Line's boots matches
the description in my Devon-Aire flyer.

--Laura

An ad in the July issue of Horseman's Yankee Pedlar recently caught my
eye on this topic.  On page 10, the Tack Shop at Beaver Valley Farm
(Pelham, New Hampshire) is advertising "semi-custom" dress boots in
four widths (slim, reg., wide, x-wide) and two heights (16" and 18"). 
Price is $99.  
Phone: 603-635-2597. 
(I've never been to this place - I'm just quoting the ad.) 

    Can anyone help me?
    
    I am looking for a pair of Men's Field boots! The Tack Shops I have
    called do not carry Men's boots. Dover in Wellsley can get them,
    but it will take 4-6 weeks.
    Does anyone know were I can try some boots on for fit, or even have
    them custom made?
    
    Allen

    
    Call Horsemen's Exchange and ask Barbara Steven if she has any men's
    field boots for sale. She has consignment sales and often has good
    deals. She's in Wayland Ma - the number is 508-358-4662.
    
    Nancy
    

    Allen, I just went through the same hassle looking for mens boots.
    My problem was made worse due to the fact that I'm big in the calf
    and I'm short.  Beaver Valley tack shop in New Hampshire had mens
    boots in stock.  I don't have there Tel# but if you need it and 
    directions let me know.
    
    Good Luck, Gary
    

    Both Beaver Valley (NH) and State line (NH) carried
    mens extra wide boots.

    State Lines had wider calfs and were cheaper.
    B.V.'s were of better quality but I'm a hacker.

    Question time:
    
    This past weekend I went riding with some friends for the first time
    this season.  Much to my surprise, my Dehner boots don't fit anymore!!
    ;^(  I guess the last 10 months in the gym have increased my calf far
    beyond where I was when I was measured for them!  My question is can
    riding boots be stretched in any way to accomodate my new calf size??
    Or should I start looking for a new pair of riding boots?!?!?
    
    Please reply to this note, or send mail to CAVLRY::BUCK.  

    Thanks in advance...
    Bill Buckley
    CAVLRY::BUCK

    Re: .49
    
    Hey Bill, maybe it's from hauling all those Maaahshall stacks around!
    
    Sorry I don't have a more helpful answer offhand, but I'll ask a couple
    of people who should know.  I suspect they can be stretched somewhat,
    but the question is how much more room you need.  If you need more than
    can be accommodated by stretching, maybe you can have an insert sewn
    in to enlarge the upper.  
    
    But I find it hard to imagine that 10 months in the gym would have
    increased your calf *that* much.  Just wait 'til you meet up with the
    bully who kicked sand in your face!  [Who you callin' "Skinny Legs,"
    suckah??]
    
    Glad to see you're pursuing your equine interests these days...maybe we
    can arrange an equitation/music noters party some day. %^)  Hmmm...that
    sounds like a barn dance.
    
    steve
    

    re. buck..
    
    If yo can get into them and they are jsut wicked tight, i would first
    mix 3/4 water and 1/4 achaol (sp?) not the type rothberg drinks either
    :*} 
    
    and get a spray bottle and put the boots on and soak em down where they
    are tight and wear them until dry, i would put them on wiht thick socks
    after you stretch them out somewhat and soak em down again and just
    keep saokign em down until they feel nice.. 
    
    as far as stretching em' any good boot person can do them..
    
    wendy o'
    
    

    I need to buy a new pair of leather riding boots.  My problem is
    my legs are very long and my feet wide.  I thought about buying
    men's boots (where I can get the D width I need) but I haven't been
    able to find any tall enough. 
    
    Does anyone know of a brand that comes extra tall?  Or is there
    any place I can have some made that won't cost too much? (that I
    can order by phone/mail - I live in Maryland)
    The prices I've heard of for custom boots is $350+.

    Thanks,
    Sherry
    

    I'm looking for recommendations of places where people have been
    measured for, then purchased, custom boots.  I know Dover Saddlery and
    The Equestrian Shop will measure, but want some other suggestions 
    for the Southern NH, Mass, RI, or Northern CT area.  I don't 
    mind traveling a little.  Last month in California I was quoted $375 for
    Dehners, $485 for Vogels.  Dover just quoted me $485 for Dehners
    and $550+options for Vogels.  California is just a LITTLE too far to
    travel...                    
    -Kate

    
    
    	How about the Horsemen's Tack Shop?  Thier # is (603) 894-5744
    	They are located right on RT28 in Salem N.H. next to the Subaru
    	Car Dealer.
    
    	Zina 

    Since I've had such good luck from noters, I'm going to try again.
    
    
    I am in DESPERATE need of someone who can stretch my custom boots for
    me quickly (i.e., less than a week).  I live in Clinton, MA, will go to
    Worcester and surround areas - I'd prefer not to go to NH but if there
    is someone who has a wonderful reputation, I will.
    
    I will be showing again next week after a 5 year absence from riding
    and, yes, this was a last minute decision.
    
    Any recommendations are welcome.  
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    Kris
    

    
    I took my boots to be cut down to JUNE STREET boot in worcester, Ma
    I'm not good on directions, and you can't call them for directions
    becasue you only get an answering machine that tells you all about
    the service they supply.  Ask someone who knows worcester.
    
    Good Luck
    
    Louisa

    
    Try Dover Saddlery in Wellesley, MA.  I think they stretch boots...  I
    know they fit a lot of customs and do repairs.  Not sure on turn around
    time.  Numbers in information.
    
    Best of Luck showing again.  Where and what classes???
    
    
    - Anna

    Tried them, actually that's where I got the boots to begin with, 
    turnaround is a couple weeks, but I need them done for this weekend.
    
    Showing Sunday at Shallowbrook (on Kiirja's horse, Harvey) in the
    Amateur Adult Hunter.
    
    
    I found this little hole in the wall in Clinton that will stretch
    them quickly.  Going to pick them up tonite so we'll see what happens.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Kris
    

    In regards to fitting english riding boots.....
    
    Do they run equal to your size?  For instance,
    if you normally take a women's size 8, are the
    boots a size 8?  
    Are there specific styles for certain types of 
    english riding?
    
    Any tips would be welcome....I'll be at the Horseman's
    Faire this Saturday, and I plan to be on the lookout
    for any "bargains"...(-;
    
    (I feel funny going to a tack store to try on boots, 
    when I'm planning on trying to find a used pair...
    though I think this is what I'm going to have to do....)
    
    Lynne

  Sizing depends on where the boots were made. If they are made here
  in the US, the size should correspond to your shoe size. If the
  boots are made in England, then you will look for a size 1-2 sizes
  smaller. That is, if you normally wear a 7, your English sized boot
  will be a 5 or 6 UK (depending on the shape of the foot and the boot).
  If the boot is made in continental Europe, there is a single scale
  of shoes for all people (not separate for men and women). If you 
  wear a 7 US then you should look for something between 37-39 EU.
  Again, it depends on the shapes of your foot and the boot exactly 
  what size will fit you best.

  Triple Crown Tack Shop in W Boylston has a large selection of used paddock 
  and tall boots. I know that's not exactly in your neighborhood, but it might
  be worth a trip if you're really interested in used boots. You can call
  them first to see if they have anything in your size at the moment, the
  stock constantly changes. They are always getting salesmens samples too, 
  which are new boots that the salesmen took around to shows and shops. They 
  have usually never been worn, but may have a few scratches on them from 
  traveling around. These are usually a real bargain. 

  Dressage riders prefer the dress boots (no laces) whereas in hunters
  you will see field boots (with laces) as well as dress boots. For schooling
  shows, any black boot that fits well will be fine. For a nice look, be 
  sure to get a boot that goes right up to your knee and fits as snugly around
  your calf as you can tolerate. A short boot or one that flops around the calf 
  doesn't flatter the leg at all. 

  Another note on sizing...just to make things confusing, some boots
  made in England or elsewhere are made specifically for export to the
  US, so they may already be sized on the US scale. (It just occured to
  me that my Egnlish made boots were sized for the US.) At any rate, the 
  boot salesperson should know what to give you if you tell her your 
  size.

    
    
    	What fair on Saturday...????  Where...????

    
>    	What fair on Saturday...????  Where...????

 See note 1130.3.

    Does anyone have directons to Triple Crown in
    W. Boylston?
    
    (I might be in that area next week...)
    
    Thx-
    
    Lynne

>    Does anyone have directons to Triple Crown in
>    W. Boylston?
 
    There is some info in note 118.40.

    I've been thinking of getting some "foul weather" riding boots. My
    leather ones are taking a beating in the rain. I've looked through this
    note and saw the praises for the French STYLO boots.
    
    Are those recommendations still good or have the boots changed so that
    you don't like them anymore? Anybody like any other kind? Cheap would
    be nice...
    
    John

    Re: .66
    
    My opinions expressed in Reply .7 to this note haven't changed. In fact
    it's time for me to assess the condition of my present Stylo's to see
    if I need to bring another pair back on my next trip to Europe.
    
    Some folk dislike rubber boots in hot weather. I haven't found my feet
    any less sweaty in leather boots than in Stylo's. I wear mine in fair
    weather or foul. 

    re .67
    
    Yeah, I wear 'em all summer too.  In fact, if it's a really hot day,
    you can cool off real fast by spraying cold water from the hose on your
    boots, or standing in the water tub -- Can't do that with leather
    boots!  (Well, ya could, but.......)
    
    -ellie

    I found one thing I don't like about the Ecuyer boots without even
    seeing them: the price!
    
    I looked in catalogs over the weekend and the cheapest model men's boot
    Ecuyer makes was about $135/pair! Seems outta sight to me compared to my
    $90 off-the-shelf leather boots...
    
    Rubber's out of the question for me. I wear knee-high rubber Wellie's 
    mucking out and they get unbearable at temps around 60 degrees! My
    leather riding boots must "breathe" more or something because they're
    bearable even at 90 degrees despite being a tighter fit. 
    
    john

    John,
    
    I've just learnt that there is a new type of STYLO boot available
    over here.  I wonder if this is the one you saw advertised.
    It's called the STYLO Protective.  The UK description is
    "Lightweight steel toe cap manufactured to BSI standard BS 4972
    to take up to 1000lbs of pressure"
    
    There is no price quoted on the ad I have to hand, but it's NOT
    going to be cheap.  Their marketing theory being toes aren't
    replaceable, boots are.
    
    Judy

    Judy,
    
    Thanks for the news. I'll check the catalogs to see if that's the case.
    
    If they are the protective model, I won't wear them. Now, that sounds a
    little strange coming from somebody who tells everybody and her brother
    to wear a safety helmet and consider body protectors when jumping.
    
    But, I have genuine reasons. I used to wear steel toed workshoes around
    the barn because I had been stepped on several times. The steel toed
    shoes did more harm to my toes than horses EVER did! 
    
    First of all, they rubbed my toes in spots. I eventually developed
    callouses on those spots but if I wore the shoes for a long time my
    feet still hurt. 
    
    Then, a horse stepped on me one day and bent the steel cap. OUCH! I've
    not worn steel toed shoes since. 

Posted for my wife (ex-deccie -- sold to Oracle awhile ago)

Has anyone tried the Ariat Champion (Ariat's field boot)?  What did you
think of it?  

I'm looking for ideas or tips on cost effective field boots.  I usually
wear a size 11 (womens) but have large calves (but not correspondingly
large at the top of my calf).  I suspect I'm going to need a gusset but
really wanted to avoid the cost of a custom boot if possible.  I was
considering the Champion as a possibility...

    
    
    Hey Roger, 
    
    Have Kathy go try them on.  And there are good leather places around 
    that could be in a gusset or a zipper.
    
    I know a couple of people with them.  Because they are kind of broken
    in, they don't hold up to 12 hour a day, every use very well (A friend
    of mine replaces hers about every 5 months but she rides ALL the time).
    
    Also, Dover catalog that just came has Koenig boots which you can order
    with a zipper. 
    
    Mary Jo