High heeled riding boots help stop you from getting hung up if you get thrown or a horse falls with you. If a foot goes through a stirrup you are a pretty good chance to wind up dead and still hanging from the saddle. I got dragged once when I was a kid but I didn't drag far because my foot didn't go right through the stirrup. I don't remember much but apparently I'd bounce in the air and the horse would kick out underneath me and then when his feet were down, I'd bounce again. I only went about 50 metres or so like that before I came loose and rolled up in a ball while the horse ran away. I would have had high heeled boots on for sure at that age. Now I ride with a low heel and try not to fall off.