!7: Coupon Frye Motorcycle Boots: December 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

!±8± harness boots in water 2

part 2 of me trashing my harness boots for a buddy of mine

harness boots in water 2

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Monday, December 26, 2011

Horseback Riding For Kids - Keeping Them Safe

!±8± Horseback Riding For Kids - Keeping Them Safe

Safety gear is critical not only for the health and well being of your children, but also for your own personal sanity. Who needs the stress of worrying about your kids, while they're out having a great time? Additionally, safety knowledge evolves over time (sadly, often out of tragedy), and technology evolves and matures, that often gets applied to safety gear in new and innovative ways, so you should take advantage of it. Take skiing for example. Speaking for myself, I never wore a helmet when I was growing up. In fact, I never wore one until I had kids and had the opportunity to get them up on the slopes, and realized that I need to make them wear one, not only to protect them from themselves, but also to protect them from the other yahoos flying down the slopes at something close to Mach I. So that's evolution in thinking. Biking has evolved even more such that the law in many places requires wearing helmets. The focus on safety and the quality and variety of safety equipment available today in all sports and recreation is orders of magnitude better than when I was a child, and it continues to evolve.

Horseback riding is no different. Consider the following:

Horses are animals and inherently unpredictable. Horses out-weigh horse kids on the order of 20 times. Beginning horse kids by definition have little or no control of the animal. Horse kids do not have enough strength to regain control if something does happen. Horse kids are inevitably surrounded by other horse kids, and other horses, over whom they have zero control.

In fact I would argue that particularly for horse kids, safety equipment is the single most important acquisition you can make to ensure their enjoyment and comfort, and your own peace of mind. So what do you need to start? The answer is simple - a helmet, and boots. Just like buying a bike helmet, ski helmet, motorcycle helmet, etc - there are many different manufacturers, models, colours, with some variations in style, and considerable variations in price. I've seen them priced anywhere from to about 0. Average price is in the - range, and of course you tend to pay more for helmets designed to be worn in shows or competitions. Troxel and International Riding are the most popular brands around where we are, and the Troxel Sierra (tan) is by far the most popular with local horse kids at the moment. If it is the very first time riding, many people will simply use a bike helmet they already own, until they determine whether or not their child is going to become a real horse kid.

Now I was naive enough to believe that buying boots was going to be a simple task. Pick up the kids a pair of cowboy boots, and we're done. Silly me. Paddock boots, field boots, who boots, western boots, English boots, hunt boots. Sigh. I'll write an article on the different types of boots and when or why you need them when I have some time, but from a safety perspective, there are 4 important characteristics:

A distinct heel to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrups on the saddle. A sturdy toe (steel if possible) to protect the riders feet while on the ground, particularly from random hoof movements. Non-slip sole. High cut enough to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the leg of the rider.

Most cowboy boots will do, but note that a lot of kids boots don't have very sturdy toes, and some have no heel on them. You may decide you can live without a steel-toed boot, but I wouldn't risk a riding boot with no heel. Frye, Ariat, Roper, and Smokey Mountain seem to be the brands with the best reputation that we've discovered thus far.

And that's it. Your horse kid is ready to go for

Horseback Riding For Kids - Keeping Them Safe

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

How to Wear Boots with Style

!±8± How to Wear Boots with Style

Boots are one of my favorite things about winter - once the novelty of snow and sweaters has worn off, anyway.

Boots can be practical or sexy, although rarely both in the salt-laden streets of harsh winter climates. Speaking of which...

While it may often seem like store clerks are just trying to boost their commissions by ringing up protective sprays and gels, their sales gimmick is not totally bogus.

It is essential to understand that not all boots are created equal. The word 'boot' is not synonymous with water-proof or snow-friendly. Respect your fashion investment by weather-protecting and cleaning all of your winter footwear regularly.

Realize that protective and restorative shoe applications cannot perform miracles. Have the common sense to know when to air on the side of practicality and not to wear your suede stiletto calf-cut boots. Salt and water produce damaging, lasting stains which - in addition to ruining boots' finish - actually corrode the integrity of genuine suede, leather and fabric. Purchase a swank boot bag in which to tote your trendy footwear to work in nasty winter conditions while opting for damage-proof snow or rain boots while en route.

Boot Tip: If you remember nothing else: Be seasonally consistent when putting an outfit together. Do not wear boots and a skirt with bare legs; tights, nylons, or even flesh colored fishnet stockings help bridge the (thermal & fashion) gap between your knees and your hemline.

Ankle Boots

Very funky footwear when worn with tights and a skirt. Avoid wearing ankle boots with long skirts past the knee - this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Mid-Calf Boots

A unique cut that looks great with skirts of all lengths. This style accentuates your calf muscle and stands out from the crowd of knee-high boots. Very sexy, indeed.

Tall Boots

The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits snugly around your leg; if the boot gapes open you may need to have it altered for a more chic look—a standard procedure at most cobblers.

Fur-Lined Boots & UGGs

Narrow, fur-lined lace-up tall boots are a sweet accompaniment to a flirty short skirt. For a funky casual style, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek (ever so slightly) over the top of your boot. This look works best if your socks and tights are contrasting colors.

UGGs have become all the rage as the surfer-type's (and urban wanna-be surfer type's) winter foot-wear of choice. These robust, wooly sheepskin boots have been fashioned for years by Australian craftsmen, and were first mass introduced to North America in 1978 by Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer seeking to spread the UGG-love across the United States.

Twenty-five years later, and while UGGs aren't exactly the height of chic sophistication or glamorous sexiness, they are hailed by wearers as the ultimate in comfort and warmth at 30 below.