Riding Boots Rule Change – with immediate effect (07/03/16)
Each week the BD office receives around numerous enquiries as to whether certain riding
boots are permitted under BD rules, these range from style, colour, pattern, accents.
The equestrian market is flooded with a huge variety of boots in various styles which
members given the opportunity would like to wear. At the latest Rules and Fixtures meeting
the committee looked at a wide range of boots, some of which did and didn’t meet with the
criteria of our current rule.
The committee was in agreement that what people wear on their feet has no bearing on their performance and
regardless of personal taste that all the boots that were reviewed were acceptable.
The committee therefore put forward a proposed rule change to the Board to simply allow boots suitable for riding
in to be worn, regardless of patter and features, however keeping in line with the wording of the Jacket and hat rule
referring to conservative colours in muted tones.
We are delighted to share that the board have approved the change as of immediate effect.
Rule 119 – Boots, will now read as follows
Long riding boots designed for riding are to be worn. Short riding boots with gaiters of the same leather and
colour as the boots may also be worn. Boots must be predominantly in any conservative colours in muted tones.
This new rule means that the Hat, Jacket and Boots rules are all in alignment and the emphasis for judges will be on
the horses training and way of going rather than policing what riders are wearing.
Below are some examples of boots that are permitted: