Ariat Grasmere,windsmere and coniston

[Tigertass]

Hiya fellas, my first post and thread here on H&H! I've been searching around the internet for some answers to my questions about three of Ariats tall boots, but without success (I know that posts like this about Ariat boots, Dubarrys etc has been posted a dozen times, but i found nothing helpful in them).

As the topic says, the boots I've been looking at are ariat Grasmere, Windsmere and Coniston. They do all seem very comfy, no doubt, but I'm looking for a boot with a slim sole and foot. It needs to be tough and has to be able to stand against great wear, so I would prefer one without a zipper (I know the Coniston has one, but how durable is it?), and it has to be tall enough. I was looking at some pictures of the Windsmere, and it looked shorter compared to the grasmere-boot, is that the truth? Does the Windsmere has a piece of leather on the inside of the calf like the grasmere?

I would love to see the boots "In action" too, when you're riding or just around the yard. I only found a few pics like that on google, and i would love to see what they look like after some use.

Thank you!

 

[sam72431]

Welcome! I have the ariat grasmere, they are lovely and comfy but they dont have a slim sole they are chunky! They are perfect for everyday riding and for yard work, i have had mine about six years and they still look in fairly good condition, considering i often muck out in them and wade through mud, and i dont clean them very often, but they arent ideal for competing in dressage as they aren't exactly pretty or smart they are definately more of a comfy everyday boot, they didnt take any breaking in and were comfy straight away, they are really warm as well, but not hot in the summer, i absolutely love them, but when i'm competing more i will be getting some boots for best!

 

[Sanolly]

I have the ariat windermeres. I think they are fab, they come up quite high on me but then I am a short arse! They don't have the leather on the inside, just suede and it does go shiny quite quickly. I have had mine since July and I love them! they are so comfy

 

[Gluttonforpunishment]

I have the Conistons - the zip appears to be hard wearing, I've had them a year now and no problems so far (touch wood). Very comfortable and I find them tall enough - I'm 5'11" with 35" inside leg.

The sole is quite thick though - I tend to use them as yard / day boots and use my ariat heritage short boots with half chaps for riding.

Ariats are the only ladies boots I've found that are big enough & they are certainly supremely comfortable.

 

[Tigertass]

Thanks for the quick replys guys!

Sanolly, how are the soles in the windsmeres? Are they as wide as the other ones or are they a bit slimmer? *crossing fingers*

The reason I need a pair of boots with a slim sized soles are that I'm riding mostly at a race track, and the stirrups on the exercise saddles tend to be a size smaller than what most regular stirrups are. Riding with short leathers makes the wearing and tearing on a zipper harder than when riding in dressage or jumping leathers.

Do you know any other soft leather boots without a zipper? (Dubarrys is unfortunately out of the question after reading that their soles are slippery in the stirrups).

 

[Sanolly]

Hi I work in racing and have ridden in these with no problems, however I am in work tack not racing tack.

 

[sam72431]

I have ridden in the ariat grasmere on race horses and so does a friend of mine (everyday, about 5 lots) , but what about some of the boots that have zips at the side?

 

[KVH]

I would recommend the Ariat Glaciers!! (Like Grasmeres but all leather-besides that not entirely sure on the difference)
I've worn them day in day out for at least 2 years, in knee deep mud, snow, all conditions, and ride in them, and no sign of wear and tear! They are so comfy and warm in winter, with no zip so nowhere for water to sneak in.
Only downside is they're fairly chunky. Saying that, I have narrow stirrups and they fit fine with room

 

[Tigertass]

Again, thank you so much for your help! I think I'm gonna get a pair of the windsmeres or the grassmeres after reading your posts!

Does anyone have any pictures of them wearing the boots they would like to post? It doesnt matter if you cut your face out or the horse stands funny, I'm just curious what the boots look like when mounted! Since we don't have these boots where I live (I'm from Sweden) I want to be 100% sure I want these boots before ordering them!

All the best to you!