Best Horse Riding Boots for Children

Buying shoes for your children for any activity can feel daunting. Finding the right comfortable fit can be difficult. When you buy different shoes for soccer, school, dress up, and any other activity they participate in, you may feel like you will break the bank, too! The worst part is that your child will likely grow out of the shoe in six months to a year. 

Below, we will cover the safety requirements for footwear while riding a horse. Moreover, we will tell you the vital features when selecting a riding boot.

Are there requirements for horseback riding boots for children?

There is no requirement for material or color for lessons and riding outside of competition. However, you will want to choose a material appropriate for your climate. 

Requirements in the line of safety are a different story. First, your child will be in the stable, tacking up her horse. While instruction is vital to avoiding injury, a horse may step on your child's toes from time to time. You will want to choose a shoe with a hard shell. A steel or composite toe is not required and can cause further injury.

Additionally, the shoe must have a heel of at least one inch. The heel prevents your child’s foot and leg from sliding through the stirrups. Severe injuries can occur if the leg slides through the stirrup.

For competitions, speak with your instructor and read the competition requirements. There may be restrictions on style and color.

What features should I look for in riding boots for my child?

Riding boots come in three styles:

• English
• Western
• Sneaker

Each style has its unique features.

English Style Children’s Boots

English riding boots are tall black boots. Fitting them for a child is difficult because they have a break-in period. Furthermore, these boots are primarily for competition. However, the height of the boot adds significant protection while riding on trails. Most of these boots have a zipper to make it easier to put them on. 

Paddock boots are a shorter version of the tall English boot. These are excellent for children because they are comfortable but only go to the ankle. Often, they are acceptable in youth competitions as well.

Western Style Children’s Boots

Traditionally, Western boots rise to the mid-calf. Moreover, they are more comfortable walking around the stable. The heel is taller, and the sole prevents slipping on the stirrup. 

Most often, Western-style boots are more readily available. There is a large market, even in youth and toddler sizes. Altogether, Western boots do not provide the same airflow as English boots, but they are easier to clean and will not damage from water.

Henderson’s Western Store provides a beautiful line of Western boots for children. There is a variety of brand, style, and cut.

Sneaker Style Riding Boots

Sneaker-style riding boots are more expensive and more difficult to find. However, they are durable, breathable, and comfortable. Typically, this footwear is constructed from synthetic materials. 

While similar to running shoes, they provide significantly more support through the ankle and sole and a heel for stirrup safety.