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I school in a super comfy but rather plain pair of Tuffriders. The longer I ride in them, the more I like them. I am hard on my boots though so I keep a clean pair of Ariat Maestros stored in my trailer for shows.  Not my Tuffriders. These are my Ariat Maestros. I like the Maestros a lot as well. They're actual dressage boots, not dress boots. They've also been remarkably sturdy and long wearing. Except. The one thing that I don't like about these boots is the zipper. Compared to the other three pairs of tall boots I've owned, the pull tab is remarkably tiny which makes getting a good grip on it difficult. Sorry, no photo. That in itself would be okay except that the zipper is also very sticky. It just doesn't slide up and done smoothly.  That's wax, not the reason for the sticky zipper. I keep the boots in my horse trailer, but it's reasonably well insulated and quite dry inside. They're stored in the coat closet of the living quarters which is weather proof. I don't think the zippers are getting damp out there, but I am open to suggestions.
Some time ago, I bought a large wax block used by divers. For what they use it I am not sure, but I bought it to coat the teeth of the zipper hoping it would allow them to slide more easily. It did help the zipper to slide marginally easier, but I am wondering if there is a better product out there. Do I just need to rub more of the wax on the zipper? Do I need to heat it first? If you have a solution for sticky zippers, please share!
M in NC
4/6/2017 05:52:42 am
When I was a child, my mother would use a bar of dry soap (small, like the ones you use to get at motel/hotel) on the sticky metal zippers. Like the wax you used, it should lubricate the zipper teeth and cut down on the friction. Not sure what impact it would have on the other materials in the boots. 4/10/2017 07:12:46 am
I think soap is a lot like wax. The zipper pull does seem too small for the zipper, but at least it's now sliding!
Christy
4/6/2017 06:09:40 am
Try a pencil. You just rub the lead up and down both sides of the zipper and that should help.
Karen
4/6/2017 06:41:01 am
WD-40 4/10/2017 07:14:32 am
I saw that some time ago, but Dover's shipping annoys me which is why i bought the diver's wax. I am hoping it's basically the same thing.
Jamie
4/6/2017 07:58:27 am
I second the WD-40, spray a little onto a plate or in a cup, use a little paintbrush to paint it into the teeth. :D 4/10/2017 07:15:08 am
I might have to try it, but I worry about staining my white breeches. 4/6/2017 08:36:42 am
I also run a little bar of travel soap along zipper teeth. Less messy than wax. I think divers use the wax for wetsuit zippers - stays put under water. 4/10/2017 07:15:52 am
I'll have to give it a try and see if it works better than the wax. 4/10/2017 07:16:30 am
I checked into it, butI am really worried about the mess. Is this what you use?
jenj
4/6/2017 12:47:58 pm
Eeeek, be careful with WD-40 and pencil graphite. It'll get all over your white breeches AND your white horse. Ask me how I know... 4/10/2017 07:17:26 am
Did you try them? I REALLY don't want a mess which is why I tried the wax first. 4/6/2017 06:26:46 pm
Oh what a pain! The irony is one of my all-time most popular blog posts is How to Fix a Riding Boot Zipper. And the "research" I did yielded a candle and Windex as best solutions. And pliers. 4/10/2017 07:19:03 am
So good to know!!!!! Windex is definitely a clean option and I've already found the wax to improve the smoothness. I could probably try to get the zipper modified, but I have already had work done to these boots and hate to spend more. :0) Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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