Advice on warm riding footwear for dc pls

[Stillconfounded]

Returned from riding on Sunday with frozen toes - not kidding - three steps away from frostbite. Everyone's dc were suffering.

DD in ordinary leather jodhpur boots with neoprene chaps - didn't keep the ends of her toes warm though. Her boots are now too small to fit in an extra layer of socks.

Can you please recommend some WARM, practical riding shoes or boots for a 7 year old girl?

Have seen these but the heels aren't very deep, so I think they are perhaps more appropriate for yardwork. The ones I'm after must be OK for riding too.

Any ideas gratefully received!

[Stillconfounded]

Anyone?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

these DD had these. She is terrible in winter. One cold hack and she has hypothermia. She was toasty in these and they were reasonably priced. They also lasted her for three years!!!

[Callisto]

The woof ones look like the cleats would be too deep for riding in? I guess it is less important with safety irons, but I would always prefer a smoother sole. I'm looking for DD atm - there is a real hole in the market imo.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

They do have cleated soles but then so do most winter boots. My Dd always uses peacock irons so I've never worried. I had mountain horse rimfrost riders, these were much the same.

[Stillconfounded]

Thank you very much Saggy

I think they are the same ones I was looking at but your link is interesting because the heel depth looks deeper in the pics there ...

but, yes, thanks Callisto, that is still my concern too; I'm slightly more reassured by the close ups but would prefer more of a choice ...as you say, there really is a gap in the market

Also ... looking at the manufacturer's blurb ... such as here they seem to be advertised primarily as yard boots

I will get them if there is nothing else available. They look well made.

Any other choices out there?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Be wary of the mucker style boots, with the rubber feet and the fabric ankles, I've had them for years and they don't keep you warm or dry! I don't think it really matters what they wear as long as they use peacocks. My favourite boots are the muck boots or mudruckers which are mainly neoprene. The warmest driest boots I've ever had. They don't have much of an instep though. One way to get round that is to use those stirrup cup thingys which stop their feet going through!

[Stillconfounded]

Thanks again Saggy!! Much appreciated. We've certainly found the neoprene chaps good.

Good point about the peacocks too. Trouble is, dd is on and off different horses most of the time so can't always guarantee them.

Will keep searching ...

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

We have this problem too. We found that it's easier to just let her take her stirrups everywhere with her. It's no problem to slide off the old pair and slide hers on. That way we know her stirrups actually fit properly. Some of her rides are in horses belonging to older people with bigger feet. Having seen her fall off and end up with her whole leg through a too big bent iron stirrup, ( thankfully the pony was a saint and stood stock still) she doesn't need to worry any more.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

(Obviously, she takes the leathers with her as well!)

[Stillconfounded]

Thanks Saggy that's certainly food for thought ...safety first and all that ...

[Pixel]

Ds has the cages for his stirrups so I don't have to worry so much about what he has on his feet. He does usually wear jod boots but as you've noticed sometimes it is just too cold and last winter he was able to wear some cosy fleece-lined wellies and never came back cold. I'm surprised they aren't more popular for children as they've really given me peace of mind but I suppose the look of them doesn't appeal to everyone.

[Pixel]

I got some like these.

[Stillconfounded]

Thanks very much for the info and link Pixel

I would still prefer to buy warm riding boots but if all else fails ..!

Can't understand why they are so many varieties available for adults and not for children - dc get colder more easily

[Pixel]

I can understand you preferring proper riding boots, I was the same when dd showed a slight interest rode, but ds is disabled and only goes on the lead-rein. As long as he can't jam his feet in the irons I'm happy for him to wear wellies.

I still think the cages are under-rated though!

[gomez]

DD (10) wears Gortex walking boots, thermal socks and chaps in Winter. Keeps welly socks on too, under chaps plus tights and thermal socks. Clearly boots in a larger size than normal. Boots have a good deep heel. Works for her.

[Stillconfounded]

Pixel

I'll give that some thought Gomez - thanks for the ideas!