[JumpingBean]

I would do that in a heartbeat, Lindsayanne. Whatever works to keep them together so I won't have to buy new ones. I'd probably get some grief from the folks at the barn, but whatever. I can dish it right back out.

[kellidahorsegirl]

^wrap duct tape around your foot until the 'hole' is covered. I know lots of people out here who do that (husband included *sigh*) because they also will not buy new boots haha

if you do the tape to both boots, you can call it a fashion statement.

[JumpingBean]

Originally Posted by kellidahorsegirl

^wrap duct tape around your foot until the 'hole' is covered. I know lots of people out here who do that (husband included *sigh*) because they also will not buy new boots haha

if you do the tape to both boots, you can call it a fashion statement.

Kelli, I had bad experiences with duct tape and boots. The zipper on one of my tall boots broke while I was 2,000 miles away from home and my tack trunk... I borrowed some duct tape and taped the calf.

Hot summer, sweaty rider, sweaty horses... the adhesive melted and it was NASTY trying to get it off hahaha. From that day forward I swore I was never having zippered boots again.

My foot cramps when I clench my toes. I broke that habit pretty quickly. Nothing like pain to speed the learning process along.

[seaecho]

Lots of wonderful responses, and so many things to consider and try! Thanks for all the help! Now I'll just have to experiment until I find what works for me. Yep, the stirrups may be a bit long, and I do tend to put a lot of weight into my legs and down to my feet. I tend to sit too much on my crotch and not enough on my actual BUTT! Boy, this is getting expensive. I totally forgot about having to get English boots too! With the webbers, stirrups, girth, pad, it really adds up!

[JBandRio]

You don't have to get "boots", just get something with a ribbed/ridged sole so your foot isn't sliding around on the stirrup pad.

I do agree that foot cramps are from trying to "hold" the stirrup with your toes. Shortening the stirrups might or might not be the answer - can't know without seeing a picture of you in the saddle. But, even if they were the length of your Western stirrups, that's still no excuse because a nice Western length isn't much different from a good Dressage length. The REAL issue is how you are sitting and using your legs. I was surprised to hear you say you're sitting too much on your crotch and not your butt, as usually Western riders to the opposite. The middle ground is more appropriate, regardless of discipline, as a neutral spine and hip alignment is what gives you stability and balance.