TACK & GEAR
Heels down
“Boot, saddle, to horse, and away! Rescue my castle before the hot day Brightens to blue from its silvery gray, Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!” ---Robert Browning, “Cavalier Tunes III Boot and Saddle” The Kade Country Boot (suggested retail, $129.95), from Ovation, is designed for good looks as well as durability, with an oiled leather foot and a sueded upper with a V-shaped detail and a button cuff. The boot features a rugged, grippy outsole and a waterproof, breathable membrane. Available in brown, in ladies’ European sizes 36 to 42 (approximately 6 to 10).
Visit www.ovationriding.com.
Scaled for young riders, thee Donatello Junior (suggested retail, $229.99), from Tredstep Ireland, is a classic tall field boot handcrafted of full-grain leather with a European top line, side spur rests and a rolled toe cap. The ProFlex system allows the ankle to flex, which reduces break-in time, and the boot also features a full-length, heavy-duty coil zipper and a rear stretch panel to ensure a com-fortable fit. Available in kids’ sizes 35 to 39, in black. To locate a retailer, visit www.tredstep.com. The versatile Dublin Ria Boots (suggested retail, $189.99), from Weatherbeeta, are lightweight and waterproof, with a sole designed to fit in the stirrup as well as provide traction on the ground. Lined with a waterproof, breathable membrane, the boot has a leather foot with durable nylon panels. Laced and elastic gussets at the top of the boot can be adjusted to fit the calf. Available in black-and-chocolate, brown or chocolate, in ladies’ whole and half sizes 6 to 10. To find a retailer, visit www.dublinclothing.com. To keep your feet warm on the coldest days, the Active Winter Zip Paddock boots (suggested retail, $119) from Mountain Horse, features an insulating faux-fur lining and a waterproof construction. The tread on the outsoles is designed to repel dirt while enhancing grip in the stirrups, and a steel shank provides stability. The boot is designed for durability in extreme cold. Available in ladies’ whole sizes 6 to 11, in black. To locate a retailer, visit www. mountainhorseusa.com.
The Brown Tiger Eye Cowhide boot (suggested retail, $220), from Justin Boots, features a 13-inch white cowhide upper with a colorful, eyecatching “scribble” design over a dark brown cowhide foot. The insole is constructed with a multilayered, supportive flexible comfort system. Available in ladies’ sizes 6 to 11, B and C widths. Visit www.justinboots.com.