On the ground boots protect your feet if a horse or cow steps on you. The boot s large heals won t slide through the stirrup, so you won t catch your foot if your horse falls. The look of your boots also shows that you re a horseman. Spurs will leave gray marks on your boot heels. This is considered a mark of distinction among Western riders.
Western boots are stiff, with high tops and are scalloped and stitched for decoration.
They have a reinforced arch and high heels. The traditional cowboy hat has caused much controversy in today s safety conscious world. In all equestrian disciplines except Western riding, horse people have recognized the importance of protective headgear. When jumping all riders wear protective headgear. Yet, Western riders who gallop and turn at speeds faster than most jumpers stick to their hats of felt or straw.