What Is a Paddock Boot?

Paddock boots (also called Jodhpur boots) are a type of footwear most commonly worn by grooms or people who take care of horses. They are a multi-purpose boot that is tough enough to shield toes from being stepped on by a horse but light enough to easily move around in. Many people also ride in paddock boots.

  1. Identification

    • Paddock boots look like a cross between a work shoe and a riding boot. They are often half the length of thigh-high riding boots, but can be shorter. They often need to be secured in laces or Velcro straps. They usually have a tough shell covering the toes and a prominent heel of at least a half-inch. They come in a wide variety of colors.

    Advantages

    • Paddock books have several advantages over full-length riding boots or sneakers. They cost less, they are easier to take on and off and do not chafe the skin as much as riding boots. They also are far more water-resistant than sneakers and give much more protection to the foot should a horse step on you. Also, it is dangerous to ride in flat-heeled shoes like sneakers because they can slip through the stirrups.

    Maintenance

    • Depending on the material they are made out of, paddock boots still need all of the care given to full length riding boots. Leather paddock boots will need saddle soap or they will crack and fall apart. Paddock boots made of synthetic materials may be able to be machine-washed, but check the manufacturer's directions. The boots need to be checked every day for holes, splits or other signs of wear. Laces need to be replaced as needed with any kind of bootlace.

    Considerations

    • Paddock boots are often not allowed in the show ring, especially for Western events, English equitation and hunter classes. They are allowed for some saddle seat classes (featuring gaited horses) and for side saddle classes for ladies. Some halter or confirmation classes also will also not allow paddock boots. Always check the class rules before entering the ring.

    Disadvantages

    • Some riders intensely dislike laced boots because they snag and come undone. Retying the laces can be difficult when in the saddle. It still takes the same amount of time to break in paddock boots as full-length riding boots. Because they are used more heavily than riding boots, they will wear out faster.