Product Review - Mountain Horse Rimfrost Paddock Boots

CSO

Warm Feet in the Stirrups

For years, my toes froze all winter at the stables. I tried thermal socks, heated socks, and everything else I could find. I rode in tall winter boots, short winter boots, and even hiking boots. Nothing seemed to help. Finally, as I was searching for other equestrian supplies online, I spotted the Mountain Horse Rimfrost Paddock Boots and decided to try one more time.

We area die-hard, horse-crazy family. Our barn is unheated, as we contend it is much healthier for our horses, even if we humans may have to toughen up in the frigid winter months. We ride together all year round, snow or shine. Thanks to Mountain Horse, on those sub-zero days, my feet are finally comfortable!

These heavy-duty winter boots employ a waterproof Duralon (PVC) outer material and a soft polyester Thermolite lining. They have excellent built-in arch and instep support, and they are quite sturdy and durable. The rugged soles provide super traction in the pasture and the stirrup. Mud, manure, snow, salt, and other materials rinse off easily.

Mountain Horse is not known for sleek styling, but the strength of their long-lasting products far exceeds any others I have tried. (My pricier Ariat waterproof winter paddock boots cracked along the seams within a year! My Ariat Glacier tall boots cut into the arches of my feet and my ankles, once I enlisted three friends to help me put them on.)

The only real disadvantage I have found with these paddock boots is that they are so sturdy that riders cannot fit spurs on top of them. (However, our horses tend to be a bit peppier in colder weather, so this is not a major problem!) Also, leather half-chaps will not fit over these boots.

The Rimfrost paddock boots are a bit clunky, like old-fashioned lace-up ski boots or steel-toed factory footwear. However, this has helped when heavy horses have stepped on my feet once or twice.

Mounted police wear these boots. While they are not suitable for showing, they are excellent for schooling for half of the year in areas with colder winters.