Selecting the right yard boots is essential for comfort, support, and durability during daily equestrian activities. Yard boots come in various styles, including riding-safe and waterproof options, available in both short and tall heights to suit different needs.
Balancing Riding and Yard Duties
Determining whether your primary use will be riding or performing yard tasks is crucial, as it influences the choice of sole and fit.
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Yard-Focused Boots: These boots typically feature heavy-duty soles that provide superior grip and protection on uneven or slippery surfaces.
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Riding-Focused Boots: Designed with shallower treads and a more fitted ankle and calf, these boots allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness while riding.
Balancing Riding and Yard Duties
This is perhaps the hardest decision. The balance of whether you plan use the boot as more of a riding boot or a boot for mucking out will define which sole and fit you go for.
Some yard boots tailored more towards yard duties will have a much more heavy duty sole. The advantages of a thick robust sole is superior grip and protection.
Fitting Options: Pull-On, Laces, or Zip
Each fastening style offers distinct advantages:
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Pull-On Boots: Easy to slip on and off, ideal for quick transitions, especially when handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Zip-Up Boots: Provide a snug fit around the ankle, offering enhanced support. The position of the zip is important; for instance, a front zip is preferable if you plan to use spurs.
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Lace-Up Boots: Allow for a customized fit by adjusting tightness as needed. However, they may require more time to fasten unless combined with a zip for convenience.
A zip is a quick and easy option although these boots come in many different shapes and sizes. Zip up yard boots normally allow for a more fitted feel around the ankle offering more support. Different zip positions are important to notice if you intend to use your boots with spurs as you will need your boots to have spur rests and a front zip, not rear.
Laces really do allow for a custom fitted yard boot. They allow you to tighten or loosen your boots as and when required. The only draw back is that laces can take longer to fasten. Unless you go for a lace and zip combination like our best selling yard/ riding boot the Kentucky. (Available in 6 different colour ways in both classic and waterproof)
Additional Considerations
A quality pair of yard boots should be versatile, excelling in various tasks around the yard. For particularly dirty jobs, wellington boots might be more appropriate. Alternating between different pairs of boots on different days can also help prolong their lifespan.
By carefully considering your specific needs and the primary functions of your boots, you can select the perfect pair to support your equestrian activities effectively.
Supportive, comfortable, durable. The Yard collection are here to help you keep out doing the things you love longer. Contact us to help find the best boot for your job!
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