Devon-Aire
USPC Childs Paddock Boot
English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Manufacturer: Devon-Aire
Model: USPC Childs Paddock Boot
Category: English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Purchase: Last year I bought the cutest gray arab cross pony for my daughter, which we promptly spoiled and turned into the Spawn of Satan. She was so awful my daughter nicknamed herself 'Mommy's little crash test dummy'. My daughter was in 4H and I knew eventually she would go to a show or two, but early in the show season the pony was still very unpredictable so I didn't want to spend big bucks on a pair of boots that might never even make it to a show. These boots were attractively priced and carried the United States Pony Club name so I assumed they would be fine. I purchased them from Dover Saddlery for roughly 35.00. Well, we found an amazing new trainer, and with proper handling the pony turned back into the sweet packer she used to be. My daughter ended up going to lots of shows instead, so the boots that I thought might be worn once or twice were used quite a bit.
Likes: These boots looked good in the mini stirrup ring- with all the long braids, gargantuan hair ribbons, sparkles, and cuteness oozing from every pony-scented pore, who would notice what boots the kids wore anyway? They also kept my daughter's feet dry on the dewy mornings, and were easy to clean with a damp towel ringside.
Dislikes: These were the most uncomfortable boots EVER. I ordered up a size just in case, and even though they were still roomy she got huge blisters on the backs of her heels. The seams on the back of the boot came together to form a big lump on the inside with no surrounding padding. The walk/trot classes were always first thing in the morning so she had to wear them for schooling as well, and she was in agony by the first class. Worst of all, they rubbed extra hard when she tried to put her heels down! We experimented with various shoe inserts, extra socks, bandaids, etc., and nothing helped. I passed them along to another child who needed boots and her mom also commented that her kid was limping in them after a few minutes (she still didn't want to take them off because they were 'real' riding boots, so sad!) Her mom gave them back!
Quality: These boots were make of thin imitation leather with no padding on the uppers. The heel seams were designed by a sadist, and I doubt they would stand up to daily riding. They were finished ok and looked nice in the ring.
Summary: Awful, awful boots. THEY MADE MY DAUGHTER CRY. This year I'm buying another pair of Ariats just for my daughter's shows- they may be more expensive but they are comfy, put her heels in a good position, and look fab. If you can't afford new Ariats do what I do and buy them second-hand- Ariats are outgrown long before they wear out!
Rating: 1
Author: Cathy's mom
Date: 2007-04-12
Usefulness Rating: 3.4375 out of 5.
32 reader(s) voted.
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