What do you ride in? I was looking to buy a new pair of boots last weekend and couldn't decide which I'd rather have a second pair of. I've had knee high boots since I started riding as my instructor said they would help me develop a "quiet leg" so thats what I bought. Later on I bought paddock boots as an alternative to be used either alone or with half chaps. Since I'm not showing its not too important what I ride in so long as its safe. Which do you prefer and why? Any good brands that don't cost an arm and a leg before shipping, especially if they aren't readily available in the US?

I have a basic pair of boots, not really sure what they're called. They are like basic cowboy boots.

I think you should have a pair of each, just to be on the safe side. If you want to be a little flash the full boots would be more flattering, but the padlocks seem to be more on the simple side.

Haha, I didn't even think to qualify this with the fact that I am riding mostly English disciplines at this time. I think western boots come in ropers which are a shorter boot and another type which is midcalf and higher. I actually took English jumping lessons in my dads western boots because they fell right at my knees and we couldn't afford new boots quite yet. I need something with a heel because thats safe, but I'm not sure I want to spend $200 on high boots when $100 or less could fit just as well. I just haven't been shopping for boots in a few years and haven't a foggiest what fits well and holds up decently.