How tight should riding boots be at the calf?

Answer 1

Depending on your environment, ankle length boots may be better.

Long/Dressage or English style boots should be tight enough that they do not rub your calves, or the horse, at a sitting trot... but loose or of a flexible enough material to remove and put on without too much effort!

Something else to consider is the height of the boot - as was said before, the ankle-length paddock boots are practical and, with half chaps, can be warmer than dress or field boots. Paddock boots and half chaps are generally used for schooling and lessons, but leather half chaps are acceptable in some schooling shows.

If you choose field (hunter/jumper) or dress (dressage) boots, the height is as important as the width. The spanish-cut top which is currently in vogue is wonderful at making the leg appear longer without cutting off movement at the knee. Be careful in measuring your leg before ordering boots or, even better, go to a tack shop and try on various boots to find your best fit!

or if you can fit 3 fingers down the back of the boot that always works for me