I loved these short boots! They were comfortable from the outset. Perhaps they feel a little stiff when you first put them on, but that is due to the quality of the leather. The zip and elasticated sides make them quick to slip on and off, and they work well with a pair of chaps for riding. Overall, they give an elegant appearance, and I’d be happy pairing them with some smart half-chaps for a clinic or grassroots show.
They are made from full-grain leather upper, with Vertycore insole and outsole. This is designed to provide “exceptional cushioning and comfort”, and I did find them extremely comfortable on the ground while dashing about the yard.
They work well with a pair of chaps, and have pretty detailing around the toe area
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
For me, this is a very smart look for a yard boot, so I would favour them for riding rather than mucking out, although they feel sturdy enough to do both jobs. They have pretty detailing around the toe area, which implies they are more aesthetic than a work boot.
However, the chunky rubber sole really does provide cushioning and feels like it would stand up to hours walking around, and is also comfortable for those who are on their feet on the yard all day long.
I haven’t tried them in the rain, but like any product made from leather, they would need protection and maintenance to keep that lovely, glossy look. Again, the rubber sole gives some protection against wet ground and muck.
A durable rubber sole ensures your feet stay dry
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
They have a robust feel, very supportive around the ankle, and also in case of the horse stepping on your toe.
While the boot is sturdy, it is sufficiently narrow to be perfectly fine slipping into a stirrup, with no concerns about the width. Some yard boots are too chunky to be safe in the stirrup. A pair of short-chaps fits easily over the top with no stretching of the zipper.
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The heel is fairly chunky – I’d go as far as to say it is slightly raised. This is ideal for those of us who are keen for a bit more height, but perhaps if you are already very tall a flatter heel may be preferable.
A chunky heel gives a bit of extra height, while elasticated sides add to the comfortable feel
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The Mountain Horse Aurora Paddock Boot is available in black or brown. I tried brown in a size 40 (UK 6½) and found them to be true to size.
Verdict
H&H Approved – Smart but functional and very comfortable, suitable particularly for riding but robust enough to stand up to yard chores too. An elegant short boot, which is both practical and looks great.
Martha Terry is Horse & Hound’s features editor. She has a horse and is at the yard every day. She is currently producing a four-year-old ex-racehorse with a view to eventing after several years off the circuit.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
