Recommended Horse Riding Boots for Children

The reason experienced horse people wear boots when they are riding and working with horses is about more than fashion. Horseback riding boots protect riders' feet from hazards and aid the rider in communicating with the horse. If your child is just getting involved with horses, it is important that she has the right type of boots to wear.

  1. Basic Requirements

    • The first purpose of a horseback riding boot is function. The basic riding boot needs to come up to the rider's ankles but stop well short of the knee. It should have a short, wide heel that is no more than 1 to 1-1/2 inches tall. The sole should have relatively little tread, as deep tread patterns can be too grippy and cause the rider's foot to become stuck in the stirrup in the event of an accident. Reinforced toe protection is also encouraged, especially for children who may not understand how to avoid being stepped on by the horse.

    Materials

    • Most high-quality riding boots are made out of leather or a combination of leather and rubber. They are also waterproof, which is necessary when riding in the rain or hosing down a hot horse after a warm-weather ride.

    Fit

    • A good riding boot should fit securely on the rider's foot. It should not be too tight or too loose. You do not want to buy your child's riding boots excessively large in hopes the child will grow into them, because that can negatively affect the child's ability to control the horse. Riding boots can be either lace-up or slip-on. Slip-on boots are easier to put on and remove, but this also means that the child's boot may slip off at an inopportune moment.

    Horse Boots vs. Non-Horse Boots

    • There are plenty of equestrian brands that sell children's riding boots. These are high-quality items that are intended for serious riding. If your child owns a horse, is taking regular riding lessons and spends a significant amount of time around horses, a high-quality pair of equestrian boots will be worth the cost. Children's boots from equestrian boot makers typically cost between $30 and $150. If your child is seriously involved in riding horses, you will also want to consider the riding discipline they are involved in while choosing boots, as there are style differences between English and Western riding boots. On the other hand, there are plenty of perfectly acceptable boots available at your local shoe stores for less than $50. If your child is growing rapidly or will not be around horses very often, these boots can save you some money while still getting the job done. Just be sure to find boots that serve the functions desired.