How to make your leather riding boots last forever (or at least a very long time)!
As we head in to winter (rather too quickly!), it seems timely to start thinking about protecting our gear from the ever increasing amounts of water and mud that we all need to contend with around horses. And riding boots probably cop the biggest beating, as we trudge through mud caring for our horses on a daily basis. So here are our top tips for making your leather riding boots last forever (or for as long as possible)!
Invest in gumboots!
If it's really ridiculously muddy over winter in the paddock - wear gumboots! Save your more expensive riding boots from when you are around the yard where it's not so muddy, or put them on just before riding. It saves a lot of hassle, and it will save your leather!
If you don't like gumboots, or really feel the cold, the Horze Supreme Zip Stable Boots are thermo lined!
Clean the mud off regularly
At the end of the day, if your boots do end up covered in mud, do your best to clean as much of it off them as possible. If the mud is wet, you may need to stick them in front of the fire to dry out (on a piece of old newspaper - watch mums floor!), before banging them gently together, or brushing off the worst of the mud, outside(!). Then wipe the remaining dirt off gently with a wet cloth or sponge. If they are particularly dirty, some saddle soap or leather cleaner might also assist.
If you can't manage a thorough job each time you wear them, just try and get the worst of it off, and then do a thorough clean once a week or so.
Protect with a leather cream
Over winter, it is crucial to protect and nourish your leather boots, to keep them from drying out or cracking. There are numerous products available to help you do this. You can use the same saddle oil or cream that you use on your leather saddle, or you can choose a purpose designed boot polish. It's up to you! We use the Oakwood Leather Conditioner for just about anything leather, but there are plenty of others that work well too.
Once you have cleaned your boots thoroughly, simply apply your chosen leather cream (or oil), let it sit for a few minutes to soak in, and then polish (remembering to read the instructions on your particular leather cream product to ensure the appropriate application method). If your boots are looking a tad shabby or marked, some Dubbin boot polish, in the correct colour for your boots) can also work wonders!
Store wisely
Over winter, it's best to keep your boots inside. Whether it's in the laundry, on a covered deck area, or just inside the front door, it's wise to keep them inside and away from the elements. This helps them to dry out overnight if its been particularly wet, and ensures you won't get wet feet when you put them back on in the morning (no one appreciates having to tip a pool of water out of their boots on a frosty morning!).
If you ride in top boots, either for training or competition, it's also a good idea to invest in some boot trees or shapers, like the Horze Boot Shapers. These are placed inside your top boots when you are not wearing them, to keep the shafts from collapsing or folding down. It's an easy way to prevent creases and keeps them looking great for longer.
A lot of the above is really just good simple common sense, as obviously, the more you look after your leather riding boots (and keep that mud from lingering on the leather), the longer they will last.
But if your boots are getting past their prime, we do of course have a great range of quality riding boots for you to choose from either online or in our Smythesdale store.
Not to mention our wide selection of amazing leather care products.