I’ve Turned To The Dark Side
Yes, today I bought … I know it’s difficult to believe … western style Ariat boots.
It’s one thing to say I embrace and appreciate all riding disciplines. It’s another thing completely to show it in my footwear!
I’m a huntseat rider, have always been a huntseat rider, and always will be a huntseat rider. I like my tall field boots and my lace-up paddock boots. A year and a half ago, my mom bought me a pair of Ariat Heritage paddock my boots, my first Ariats ever. You just can’t compare anything else to an Ariat. They’re the Cadillac of equestrian footwear.
But with all of the stress my good riding boots were getting from volunteering at Pegasus and doing other barn work regularly, I knew I needed a different pair of boots. Comfortable, with trademark Ariat support, and easy to pull on and off.
So, for my birthday I requested a pair of Ariat frog clogs, which looked like a great option. Easy to slip in and out of, relatively normal looking, and made for the mud, wet, and wear-and-tear of barn work. So my hubby ordered them for me. And they never came and never came. I finally called and found out that they were out of stock. So I got my refund and went looking for a substitute.
And I found the Ariat Fatbaby Western Boot in russet brown for a good price at Tractor Supply (a good price for Ariats anyway). They were perfect. They had the support and durability I wanted and they were easy to pull on and off. Plus, they’re super cute!
So, I am the proud wearer of western-style barn boots, despite being a staunch English rider. What am I going to do with me?
They’re almost too good looking to go tromping in the mud and manure. But I suppose that’s what I got them for, so I don’t really mind. Besides, leather is pretty easy to clean up if I ever really wanted to.
I’ll be breaking in my new digs bright and early tomorrow morning while I care for the cats, dogs, and horses at Dave and Tracie’s again. It will be even more interesting than a few weeks ago when I did it … my herd has increased to five!
I think your boots look great and very comfortable, and I’m sure you look just as cute as the dickens in them. I’m going to go look them up now and see about getting a pair for the barn work too, and they will go great with the western cowboy hat that I bought from the Back in the Saddle catalog last year to protect my wrinkles from the sun.
I confess to a tendency to drool over Ariats whenever a catalog comes in the mail. I have one pair that are extremely comfortable and sturdy. I also bought some Justins years ago and can’t wear them for more than an hour without the rubbing causing pain. They still look new because I avoid them.
Great looking *Western* boots! Ariats in any design are terrific!
Those look mighty comfy!
So glad I’m finally back and checking things out at your place.
I can see I’ve missed out on alot !! Look forward to catching up!
Great boots! Ariats are great!
I love the boots. I may not be a “horse” person with lots of riding experience, but I do have lots of love for shoes, especially anything in the boot family! Great look and there’s nothing like a well made pair of boots. They feel good and they last forever.
Ariats were great when they were made in the US!!!!
these boots are not riding boots, as they do not have a heel, and fatbabys can/are dangerous to ride in. otherwise, this is a great, stylish ariat!
I just purchased a pair of my own fatbabys. I need something to kick around the henhouse litter in! Plus I need to be able to get in and out of them quickly since I usually have my hands full with my 19 month old little girl! My husband has Justins and they sorta match. Much love from the MidWest!