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This page explains what governing bodies, standards bodies and veterinary bodies publish. It is not a substitute for instruction from a qualified coach or riding school, and it does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
No boot standard, but a common rule
Unlike helmets and body protectors, riding boots do not appear in our research with a test standard, a quality mark or a tagging scheme. Nothing here says a boot is safe or accepted at a competition; each body's current rules and the officials decide, and the FEI eventing rules let a steward inspect dress before any test and refuse a start where it breaks the rules. How a boot should fit, and how it works with a particular stirrup, is a question for a coach.
The point that recurs across the rulebooks we read is the heel. The FEI Eventing Rules (2026, Annex O) require cross-country boots to have a well-defined heel, and say the reason is to stop the foot slipping through the stirrup. The FEI Jumping Rules (2026, Art. 207.2.3) require boots to have a heel, and say the same of boots worn by children and pony riders. US Equestrian's GR801.9, quoted in its 2026 dressage booklet, requires any boots or shoes worn while riding anywhere on the grounds to have a distinguishable heel. Equestrian Australia's national eventing rule 2.3 also requires a heel.
The FEI rules here are read as reproduced in Equestrian Australia's 2026 rulebooks, and the FEI dressage rule from a 2019 text published by Equestrian New Zealand, because the FEI's own site refused our requests. The 2026 FEI Dressage Rules may differ.
Colour and style, rule by rule
| Rule | Where | Boots |
|---|---|---|
| FEI Jumping Rules 2026, Art. 207.2.3 | Civilian athletes in competition | Black or brown; other dark colours at the FEI's discretion; one contrasting colour only around the top, heel or toe; a heel |
| FEI Jumping Rules 2026, Art. 207.2.2 | Inspecting the course | Riding boots, with white or light fawn breeches, a shirt and a white tie or choker |
| FEI Eventing Rules 2026, Annex O | Dressage test | Black, black with a brown top, or a dark colour |
| FEI Eventing Rules 2026, Annex O | Jumping test | Black or brown |
| FEI Eventing Rules 2026, Annex O | Cross country | A well-defined heel |
| FEI Dressage Rules (2019 text), Art. 427 | CDI3* and above, FEI Championships and Games | Black or the colour of the coat |
Short boots and half chaps
Two national bodies set out when short boots may be worn in competition:
- US Equestrian, DR120.1.6 (dressage booklet, 1 May 2026): at Fourth Level and below, riders may wear tall boots, or paddock or jodhpur boots with half-chaps or garters that match the boots. Above Fourth Level, tall English-style boots are required. The booklet's dress code applies at USEF-licensed and USDF-recognised dressage competitions, and FEI dress rules apply at CDIs.
- Equestrian Australia, national eventing rule 2.3 (2026): long boots in black, brown, or black with a brown top, or short boots with matching full-grain leather chaps. Suede chapettes are not permitted, and juniors may compete in jodhpurs and short boots.
The two rules differ in detail: US Equestrian allows garters as an alternative to half-chaps, while Equestrian Australia asks for full-grain leather and rules out suede. Each applies only in its own competitions.
Boots and stirrups
The heel rules sit beside the FEI's stirrup rules, which require the stirrup and leather to hang free from the saddle and, for cross country and jumping in eventing, forbid any device that stops the boot separating from the stirrup immediately in a fall. The safety stirrups guide covers those rules and US Equestrian's 2025 safety stirrup rule.
Our picks by category
Riding boots
Long boots are required above Fourth Level in US Equestrian dressage; FEI jumping asks for black or brown, and FEI dressage at CDI3* and above for black or the coat colour. Short paddock or jodhpur boots are allowed at Fourth Level and below in US Equestrian dressage and, with matching leather chaps, in Equestrian Australia's national eventing. The heel is the common thread in the FEI, US Equestrian and Equestrian Australia rules above. Acceptance on the day is for the body's rules and the officials.
Best for: Riders who need long boots for higher-level dressage, or a heeled boot for any riding
Half chaps
US Equestrian asks for half-chaps or garters that match the boots at Fourth Level and below. Equestrian Australia's national eventing rule asks for matching full-grain leather chaps with short boots and does not permit suede chapettes.
Best for: Riders in short boots at levels where the rules allow them
Sources
- Equestrian Australia, National Jumping Rules 2026 (reproducing the FEI Jumping Rules, 28th edition, updates effective 1 January 2026)
- Equestrian Australia, Eventing Rules 1 January 2026 (reproducing the FEI Eventing Rules, 27th edition)
- Equestrian New Zealand, FEI Dressage saddlery and dress rules (2019 text)
- US Equestrian, Dressage Attire and Equipment booklet (1 May 2026)