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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Dressage Footwear

7/7/2012

 

Socks

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I just got the best deal ever at Target.  Although, when do you NOT get good deals there?

You know those really cute Ovation Zocks that you can find in the catalogs - the ones that sell for $8.49 and up?  I found the exact same tall socks at Target this week, on clearance, for $1.75.  I bought four pair, but I should have bought more.  I have two other pair that I bought a few years ago, but they're starting to get a bit thin.  They work perfectly under my tall boots; they're thin, colorful, and tall enough.  

Which brings me to my dressage boots...

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Boots

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Newly widened boots
I like my dressage boots, a lot. They are so comfortable that I can wear them to work.  They don't pinch or rub anywhere. Until lately...  

I am already pretty muscular, especially in the calves and thighs, and when it's hot, my calves get even bigger.  I am not a super skinny twig, but my weight is right for my 5' 3" frame. I eat a healthy diet, and I exercise, maybe too much.

I like to run, but I have trouble being consistent when the daylight wanes or the mornings are too cold.  This spring I got back into the groove.  Since school finished up, I have been on the treadmill five days a week for upwards of 30 minutes.  

Since I really like my dressage boots, I only wear them for showing which means I only put them on once a month or so.  Imagine my surprise at the Clovis show a few weeks ago when I could NOT zip up my lovely, well fitting dressage boots.  It wasn't easy, but I ultimately dragged the zipper up over the widest part of my calves, cussing the entire time.  What the heck?!

You're probably a lot sharper than I am and have maybe even had this problem yourself.  It would seem that my recent bout of running has increased the muscle mass of my calves to the point where my calf width now exceeds the width of the boot.  

I AM NOT FAT! is what I had to tell the boot maker who fixed my problem. While in Clovis, several riders recommended that I send my boots to Luis Jovel, a custom boot maker, for a bit of widening.  I took their advice.  He assured me over the phone that I did indeed look lovely and that my boots needed just a teeny-tiny bit more wiggle room.  Hmm ... I like this guy.   

Luis did a fine job of widening the boots just where I needed it.  If you look closely, you can see that he added a small piece of leather on either side of the zipper at the widest part of the calf, but it tapers to a small point where the boots still fit.  Click photos to enlarge.

Sarah link
7/7/2012 04:20:53 am

How much does boot widening like that cost? Looks very nicely done. Just don't increase your treadmill workouts too much more! =P

Karen
7/7/2012 07:08:53 am

Sarah - I spent $15 to ship the boots to him and he charged me $90 for the widening and included the shipping in the price. So I spent $105 total, but that was still cheaper than replacing them! And honestly, I am not "heavy." Tall boots are just so narrow!!!!

Kelly RGF link
7/7/2012 07:22:26 am

Good deal! And nice job on the boots. I have the opposite problem - my legs are so slender (but feet not particularly small) that it's hard to get boots narrow enough through the calf to fit me. Good on you for your consistency at the gym, too! Must feel good :)

Karen
7/7/2012 07:34:17 am

Kelly RGF - I would love to have slim calves, but alas ... nope! I do have smallish feet though. :0) Although at only 5'3" they're probably proportionate. If they were any bigger, I might look like a duck!

Never having used English clothing or tack before 2010, I really have no idea what people spend on boot repairs. The price seemed reasonable to me, but maybe I got ripped off! :0)

Calm, Forward, Straight link
7/8/2012 02:49:53 am

Cute socks.

I have one calf larger than the other, thought neither one is petite. Thankful for my muscles but...

Found repair shop in NJ <a href="http://www.artcraftshoerepair.com/">(ArtCraft Shoe Repair)</a> who altered my one boot so I had a good fit on both legs. Very inexpensive with prompt friendly service - I highly recommend him. :)

Karen
7/8/2012 04:26:07 am

Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to bookmark his address. You never know when you'll need a boot repair.

My calves seem to match, but apparently they are over-sized when compared to my feet! :0)

Calm. Forward, Straight link
7/8/2012 02:52:14 am

Hmm - tried to imbed the link but no go - paste this into browser:

http://www.artcraftshoerepair.com/


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home