My Horsey Christmas Presents That You Need Too
Being the only one of three daughters to stick with the horse thing means that my also-horsey mom has a lot of fun with me at Christmas (and throughout the year). She has a tendency to spoil me a little bit. And I’m sure she would have had a blast picking out all kinds of fun horsey things for me and Ace, if I hadn’t put in a special request:
These are my Ariat Heritage II zip field boots that were wrapped under the tree this year from my parents. To my great pleasure, I finally outgrew the field boots I bought when I was 14 years old (it means I finally grew a little bit of calf!). They were also over a decade old and showing their wear and tear. And now that I have my very own horse and can get back to showing, it was time for some new boots. I swear by Ariat when it comes to riding boots (I now have three pairs) so I did my research, did some measuring, and sent my letter to Santa.
Mom knew that I would know exactly what she had gotten me if she wrapped the boots and put them under the tree. That long, flat box would be unmistakable. So, instead she wrapped up the Ariat blanket that came free with the boots … and saved it for very last. I will admit, she had me a little worried. The big, square, light box definitely wasn’t boots, but inside was a note that I got them after all. Dad handed me the key to the car and I bolted outside to retrieve the new boots.
While Ariats tend to be very costly, the Heritage II field boots were much more moderately priced. They are billed as good boots for the novice, but they are beautiful, well-made, and comfortable and I would recommend them for anyone. The sizing chart Ariat provided for calf size and height was very accurate, and since I already knew my Ariat foot size, my new boots were just right.
And I also have to say that tall boots with zippers are the best invention ever! They are very easy to get on and off, the zipper is sturdy, and it is not noticeable at all either as the wearer or as an observer.
I would strongly recommend these boots to anyone in the market for field boots. You won’t be disappointed.
Since you’ll need something to wear under those tall boots, I also want to recommend Saddle Bums riding tights. I’d never heard of them until a few weeks ago when Dave (my horsey friend and barn owner where I board Ace) recommended them. I went and checked out the Saddle Bums website and decided to give their polarfleece winter breeches a try as a Christmas present to myself. They came just three days later, I put them on, and was immediately sold.
My Saddle Bums are by the far the most well-fitted, comfortable schooling breeches I have ever worn. The don’t have a seam on the inside of the leg, which is nice. The material is soft and very very warm. I also like that they come in multiple lengths and the Saddle Bums site tells you which length is best for your height, so it was very easy to get the right size. I’m probably going to have to stock up on some cotton ones for the summer months.They also make tights specifically for endurance riding with padded rears and knees and a moisture-wicking material. They come in endurance, knee-patch, and full-seat styles.
The Saddle Bums come in different colors, so you can mix and match the tight color and the knee patch color to customize your very own. They don’t come in show colors, so they are really only good for schooling.
You should definitely get yourself some Saddle Bums the next time you are in the market for breeches; they are worth every Penny!
And you won’t want to ride in those breeches and tall boots without some socks. Here are some super-cute horsey ones I got this year from a close family friend and horse woman:
My hubby is a bit appalled that I put my boots and breeches on in front of my parents, grandparents, and brother-in-laws, and even wear them around at home. But hey, I need to try them out and break them in! I have a feeling he’ll get used to it. Although, I did promise that I wouldn’t go into our local grocery store in them, which I’m already beginning to regret…
What a lucky girl you were this year! i like those boots very much, the zipper up the back is great for easy on & offs. My boots are pretty old too, so I might have to invest in a new pair when I start riding again, I’ll keep these in mind. I’ll check out the Saddle Bums too.
Your husband shouldn’t be shocked about you wearing riding breeches everywhere, we do it too.
I used to go RUNNING in my tall boots when I first got them trying to break them in…granted I only had a week after I got them to use them in the show ring and I didn’t want rubs…but still. I think it is totally normal to throw the horse gear on when you get it…I had my new barn coat on and it wasn’t until I literally started to sweat that my family made me remove it! What a great present!! And my ribbon whore self LOVES those socks! And you are making me want a pair of saddle bums…but my Dressage Queen self only likes full seats now (I know, I know…I am a SNOB). I am glad you had a great X-mas and tell you hubby that it isn’t fair to hold you to the no breeches in the store rule. I have no issue with doing it and I am a BIG girl…if I can pull it off you should be allowed to too!
Great score on the loot! Tell your husband to be grateful that you don’t take Ace with you to the grocery store. Suddenly boots and breeches won’t seem so bad… lol
GreyHorseMatters – I’m hoping that once he sees me in them enough, he’ll get over it. He doesn’t care that I wear it to the barn, he just thinks it’s weird to be seen in other public places. Of course, he won’t wear sweatpants to the little store across the street, so I shouldn’t be surprised.
OnTheBit – I knew you’d love those socks! I thought of you immediately when I opened them. I’m getting the biggest kick out of them. And the Saddlebums DO come in fullseat. More tempting now?
Deanna – Now there’s an idea. And a very funny picture. I wonder what Ace would think of that?
Santa was very good to someone this year.
I like those tall boots. Custom size, you say? Hmmm. Because, even when I’m slender, I have pronounced calves. Hmmm … 
As for the wearing of riding attire out, I think this is another one of those fashion season in which equestrian attire is “in” again. Just think — you’re wearing the look that Ralph Lauren is copying all the time.
Breeches are REAL clothes….not lingerie or lounge wear, they are appropriate for places like stores. Geez!LOL
I need some new boots because I grew some more calf too. I’ve been looking at the Ariats. Will have to see if I actually have a hunter horse to show this year.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
I don’t have a horse, but I’m still thinking about those boots, just to wear with long skirts or leggings.Or maybe a long jacket or tunic top. Y’all think I’m kidding, I know. But there are enough “fashion” boots out there that look like them. And they’ll stay dressy-looking if kept up.
Of course, that means I’ll have to buy some skirts … .
BeeeeYOUteeful!
Congratulations on your new field boots!
I’ve always had to cough it up for customs since I”m short and fat, and now I have to unload those customs (field and dress). Anybody need some in a size 7?
This is my first time in your blog and I love it!
RhondaL – they aren’t really custom, it’s just that Ariat’s come in multiple calf sizes and heights so you can mix and match. Almost like custom tho without paying the price.
RisingRainbow – you just need to get back in the saddle soon … western or hunter! Not that I need to tell you that.
The more I wear my Ariats, the more highly I recommend them. And definitely at least go for something with a zipper; they are so ridiculously easy to get on and off. No more sitting on the floor holding on to table legs while someone pulls them off for me.
Kim – Thanks! Glad you like the blog. It’s always fun to meet new people through it.
Hi, I was looking reviews up on google and I’m glad to have found this one! The Heritage boots seem to have no reviews whatsoever. What is your take on them now?
Also, are they true to size (foot)? These boots are on a closeout and have low prices so I would like to get the proper size before they run out. Ariat is a wonderful brand from what I’ve heard and if I decided to get these, they will be my first pair of tall boots! So excited
Thanks,
Haleigh