Short boots compulsory for junior riders? Why?

its tradition and what they deemed was age appropriate. there was no reason to buy tall boots until you were full grown since they are expensive and need to fit properly. its starting to change but some people still stick to it. now you even see little girls wearing a shadbelly which was unheard of and only suppose to be worn by grand prix riders.

It must be only in Australia- I know that isn't the case here in the USA, and I don't think it is the case in the UK. I'm guessing it is a stupid tradition- alot of judges are real sticklers for "I did it this way as a child and it simply isn't right to do it that way". I can't see why short boots would be safer, and if the judge really finds seeing the ankle so important, well, they should get mental help. And really, the tall boot provides extra protection, and support- it's a GOOD thing. It also doesn't look tacky. I see very short "cowboy boots" on some western riders in my barn, but they don't show and I think it's personal choice- it's usually small children. (Yuck) But I'm pretty sure you are talking English.

Ugh. Does your friend get docked for wearing tall boots? If not, I would just wear them. I would hate to be forced to wear short boots-ugh.

In America only the people who do cross rails and are under thirteen are suggested to wear short boots. and i think the only reason for that is they grow so fast and no body wants to spend 400$ on a pair of tall boots for a kid who may not be committed to riding

im not exactly sure what to tell you except to share my sympathy for despising to wear short boots i can't survive without half chaps and i show in my tall boots and they actually improve my riding, good luck and if ur friend still places high follow her example or start a petition to get rid of that rule

i always thought it was a practicality issue. junior riders are most likely going to grow for a while and tall boots are expensive to keep replacing when a junior grows out of them. although your idea about open/child's classes makes sense too

Here in the UK, it is tradition (and compulsory in some showing classes) for children to wear short boots. However in showjumping etc long boot are accepted.

I agree with the first poster; probably a stupid tradition. Although, it isn't really a bad thing for kids to wear ankle boots; tall boots are expensive, and kids grow fast!

its not in the uk

its probaly so the judges can see the junior riders ankle to.

You;ll get used to them

hope it helps

zoey