Boot-up for the Barn

Boots are an essential part of any barn experience. Whether you work at a barn, ride Western or English, have 1 horse or 100, a good pair of boots is always necessary. Finding the right boot often causes stress and headaches but we'll break down all the information so you can find the best boot for you! Some crucial characteristics to look out for when boot buying are comfort, weight, water resistance, safety, and ankle and foot support. Luckily there are tons of brands and styles available to make sure that you end up with the perfect boots for you!

The comfort/ support factor is pretty much self explanatory. We all know working at a farm is a 24 hour, 7 days a week job! You need boots that will keep you comfortable and dry all day long. They need good support since you're on your feet all the time, working out in paddocks, fields, on tractors, in stalls, or wherever else you find yourself. If they're too heavy it can make even the simplest of tasks seem much harder, a sturdy light weight boot is crucial! While many people hide inside when it rains or during the winter, your work doesn't end! Water proof or water resistant boots are absolutely necessary to keep you dry all day long; let's face it, working in wet socks is cold and miserable.

Coming from the perspective of an equestrian, a day at the barn is only as good as your boots! I have an array of different styles of boots so that I'm prepared for whatever comes my way whether at a horse show or a day at the barn! Heading to the barn? Throw on some mules, clogs or rubber sandals; something to wear that you won't mind getting a little dirty! Certainly don't wear them around large animals since they won't protect your feet, but for small jobs around the tack room or laundry room, they're really handy!

From there I usually change into rain boots or puddle boots. Apart from my riding boots (traditional leather paddock boots) my rain boots are the most comfortable! I spend all day in my rain boots, and they're great for cleaning stalls, catching horses in muddy paddocks, and trudging around horse shows in the rain. If you've ridden a horse, you know the feeling of trying to ride in slippery muddy boots, it's not easy! I always try to keep my riding boots and working boots separate to avoid such messy circumstances.

Of course whenever I get to the barn my horse is out wandering in the field, and there's no way she's leaving her grass to walk up to the gate! This means trudging across the whole paddock to catch her. Good thing my boots come up to my knees and are completely waterproof with traction! I use Kamik rain boots because of their great design, snug fit, comfortable soles and beautiful array of patterns and colors! They're a great summertime boot; I find that they don't get too hot or stuffy and that my feet stay dry. After a walk through the paddocks, they're pretty much covered in mud which luckily all comes off with a few sprays with the barn hose. Much easier than trying to get mud off of your riding boots before you ride!

After my horse is all tacked and ready to go, I change into my riding boots. They're classic leather front zip boots with reinforced toe. When working with animals the reinforced toe is essential! My trainer always says you only need to get stepped on once to convert to steel toed boots!

In the winter we always say that the barn is colder than it is outside! Heavy jackets, layers, and hats are standard, as well as winter boots and heavy socks. The most popular winter boots are the Muck Boot Neoprene tack boots. They're insulated, but in a New York winter you need double socks plus the insulation to keep you warm. Most people at my barn buy the boots a half a size larger than usual to make sure they'll fit with their thick layered socks. They are a very comfortable boot, providing all day support the busiest barn bums working in the winter.

Horse shows are always a place to showcase the newest trends and styles in the riding community. From riding boots to puddle boots and everything in between, bright colors can make boots much more exciting, and help you tell them apart! The newest craze is patterned boots in bright solid colors or with colorful designs. Some can be super expensive, but look for more affordable alternatives to the new styles. That way when they get worn out you can toss the old pair and buy a fun new pair and not feel guilty!

Whatever boot you choose, make sure it has everything you'll need for working at your barn! All these boots are great for certain things, and they'll stick with you on whatever tasks you choose to conquer, no matter how big or how messy!

by Katie McHugh, Equestrian