Please help a confused non-rider find riding boots for a Christmas present

[andy-561]

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a really nice pair of riding boots for my girlfriend this Christmas. I'm not a horse person myself and don't know much at all, but I've done my research and I'm after something quite versatile that she can wear around the yard and out on walks etc as well as for riding. I quite like the look of the following, and wondered if anyone had any experience with any of these or any general thoughts on the brands etc, any help is much appreciated!

Ariat Coniston Pro GTX
Ariat Grasmere Pro GTX
Ariat Wythburn H2O
Mountain Horse Snowy River

Thanks in advance

 

[Equi]

Riding boots don't do well multitasking..or rather horse riders don't want their precious boots having to multitask The boots in your list are more for looks and a bit of a walk about the park but i would not want to be having any of them as my standard go to everyday riding boot.

Edit to add: how about a voucher for a pair of boots..as the fit of them really depends on the leg and how they feel on so one boot may not suit but another is like wearing a golden slipper.

 

[HannahB]

I've always liked ariat. I use wellies on yard as don't like the boots getting wrecked If to be used on yard then consider something pretty waterproof and easy to polish/clean

 

[dogatemysalad]

Ariats are the most comfortable, functional and hard wearing boots out there. I've had a couple of pairs of Grasmeres which both refused to die, despite being ridden in daily and dog walking for miles on muddy tracks.
If your partner wants to use them for riding, probably avoid the Wythburns as they are shorter in the leg and may catch on the saddle flaps.
TBF, Mountain Horse also make great boots, but my personal preference is always Ariat.

 

[Pmf27]

I'll buck the trend here and say - I love a pair of boots that do it all.

Out of your list, the only brand I've had are Mountain Horse and have had mine well over 10 years and they're still going strong.

I've found them to be really hardwearing, so perfect for a multitasking boot. The one's you've chosen there look fab too!

 

[EllenJay]

I love Ariat boots - out of your list either the Coniston or the Grasmere. They will both do the jobs you want them to do

 

[andy-561]

Riding boots don't do well multitasking..or rather horse riders don't want their precious boots having to multitask The boots in your list are more for looks and a bit of a walk about the park but i would not want to be having any of them as my standard go to everyday riding boot.

Edit to add: how about a voucher for a pair of boots..as the fit of them really depends on the leg and how they feel on so one boot may not suit but another is like wearing a golden slipper.

That's....unfortunate news haha. Sensible idea about a voucher though, shame to not have something to give her but might be the way to go

I've always liked ariat. I use wellies on yard as don't like the boots getting wrecked If to be used on yard then consider something pretty waterproof and easy to polish/clean

That's good to know, a couple of them look like they'd be hard to keep nice with all the lacing so maybe they're best kept for nicer conditions

Ariats are the most comfortable, functional and hard wearing boots out there. I've had a couple of pairs of Grasmeres which both refused to die, despite being ridden in daily and dog walking for miles on muddy tracks.
If your partner wants to use them for riding, probably avoid the Wythburns as they are shorter in the leg and may catch on the saddle flaps.
TBF, Mountain Horse also make great boots, but my personal preference is always Ariat.

Seems there's a real mixed bag of opinions in here but that's very helpful, particularly about writing off the Wythburns, thank you

I'll buck the trend here and say - I love a pair of boots that do it all.

Out of your list, the only brand I've had are Mountain Horse and have had mine well over 10 years and they're still going strong.

I've found them to be really hardwearing, so perfect for a multitasking boot. The one's you've chosen there look fab too!

That's very encouraging to hear! Ideally one pair she can use all the time would be great, thanks for the input

 

[exracehorse]

My Spanish riding boots with tassels on the zip are great to ride and around the yard. But wellies for going through mud.

 

[jkitten]

Honestly she really needs to try them on. Grasmeres for example are an objectively great boot, but they didn't work for my leg shape at all and cut into the back of my knee.

(I'm also in favour of the 'one boot to rule them all' approach, mainly out of laziness and convenience. A lot will depend on your girlfriend's style but also on her practical routine and what she actually needs to deal with day to day.)

 

[smolmaus]

If you're buying from a brick and mortar store you can ask for a gift receipt and make sure she knows you won't take offense if she needs to change them!

If you're not buying from a brick and mortar, or a website that has a local store, consider doing so. Be such a head melt to have to return online and dragging you round the saddlery on the exchange trip could count as a bonus present ?

I would be over the moon with a pair of Ariats from the OH but easily half the boots I buy online need exchanged!

 

[TPO]

I love ariat grasmeres and have ridden solely in them for years.

I don't know I'd they stock the boots that you've mentioned but I've just bought a pair of boots from Equiflair and if you use the code equi10 theres a further 10% off.

They are also offering 30days return or exchange

 

[criso]

I had a pair of Ariat Grasmeres which have just died after 6 years and I used them for everything except very deep mud. I didn't take especially good care but if I did walk through deep mud, I did wash it off rather than leave it which probably helped them last. I find them true to size and the calves quite generous.

My personal preference is laces as every boot with zips I've had, the zips have gone or the stitching attaching the zip long before the boots have died and it's not very cheap to replace.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'll buck the trend here and say - I love a pair of boots that do it all.

Out of your list, the only brand I've had are Mountain Horse and have had mine well over 10 years and they're still going strong.

I've found them to be really hardwearing, so perfect for a multitasking boot. The one's you've chosen there look fab too!

You know what, I do too. Especially in winter when pushed for time.
lovely idea and if my OH had joined HHO to ask this question if marry him ?

 

[Gloi]

Go with her to buy the boots even if it means giving her a card at Xmas saying pair of new boots. The fit is so important so if she doesn't currently have a type she loves she really needs to try them on. Disappointing getting a present that doesn't fit right.

 

[Pmf27]

If you're buying from a brick and mortar store you can ask for a gift receipt and make sure she knows you won't take offense if she needs to change them!

If you're not buying from a brick and mortar, or a website that has a local store, consider doing so. Be such a head melt to have to return online and dragging you round the saddlery on the exchange trip could count as a bonus present ?

I would be over the moon with a pair of Ariats from the OH but easily half the boots I buy online need exchanged!

Love this idea! I think this would be the way to go, as you'd have something to give her and the bonus present of going to a tack shop will surely be popular.

My parents often buy me shoes/boots and many times they haven't fitted, but I've been able to go back to the store and buy the same style in a different size - so I've still kept the boots they chose for me.

 

[Jellymoon]

Oh, I wish you were my OH, I’d love a pair of Ariats, I’d be delighted and I probably would marry you. Haha! Of course, practically she needs to try them on, but a voucher is not very romantic guys, is it? Let the poor girl have the lovely surprise on Xmas day. She can always take them exchange them.
She might decide to do everything in them, she might save them for best, who cares. Go for it. Def Ariats. Good brand that any horse girl would be happy with.

 

[andy-561]

Wow thank you all so much for the replies, this is all absolute gold - really helpful! I think I'll go for the Ariats (leaning towards Grasmere's given the good reviews in this thread) from somewhere they can be easily exchanged if the fit isn't quite right so she at least has something to unwrap on the day. Thanks again everyone

 

[DabDab]

Another vote for Ariats here. I have Bromonts (two pairs, one black one brown), one pair has been going 10 years, the other 6 and both still in great condition.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

What a great present! I asked my oh for new riding boots for Christmas and I wrote the size down for him and as I have a similar pair already they should fit.

I specifically wanted the mountain horse Aurora boots as I just ride in mine I have country boots to do chores and dog walk in, the grassmere boots are fine for doing everything in I know a few people that ride in them.

 

[huskydamage]

Voucher is the way to go. I always ask my OH for the same thing each year a voucher for a big tack store near me. It means I get a day out to wander around there (dragging OH obv ?) and spend not only the voucher but tons more of my own dough on endless stuff ? perfect I am overjoyed with that

 

[Equi]

We of course will need an update about it all after xmas, and then maybe a few more updates about what the life of you as a non-horsey bf is and then the eventual update about when you get interested and start to ride and then need a horse of your own....

Really you don't know what can of worms you have opened yourself to here.

 

[PurBee]

Whatever route you decide to surprise her with boots, let her know she can absolutely change them for another style/fit if she prefers and you wont be offended.
I’m really fussy about footwear fit and if theyre a gift from a beaming-boyfriend, i’d be mortified to have to say ‘theyre not my thing /really uncomfortable’ ....but i would say it ‘cos im brutally honest ? ...but other women might not to avoid offending the gift bearing adorable boyfriend!
It’s a lovely idea and im sure she’ll be very touched by your consideration of her horse interest?

 

[Squeak]

Another vote for buying the boots from somewhere she can exchange them if needed so that she can have the surprise of opening them on christmas day.

Also gree with others who say to go for the Ariats. Any horse girl will be happy with Ariats as a present.

I had a pair of Grassmere's and they managed to do it all so I agree with that advice too

 

[TPO]

What a great present! I asked my oh for new riding boots for Christmas and I wrote the size down for him and as I have a similar pair already they should fit.

I specifically wanted the mountain horse Aurora boots as I just ride in mine I have country boots to do chores and dog walk in, the grassmere boots are fine for doing everything in I know a few people that ride in them.

I've just bought these from Equiflair. They have them reduced and then I got a further 10% off using equi10...just a heads up ?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I've just bought these from Equiflair. They have them reduced and then I got a further 10% off using equi10...just a heads up ?

Ooh thanks I got your pm and have replied let me know when you get yours.

 

[MyBoyChe]

I love my Ariats. I ride in them and wear them around the yard and with a bit of elbow grease they come up as good as new and are comfy, warm and practical. They are not competition boots but for everyday hacking or schooling they are fine. What a lovely present

 

[Coblette]

I have the Ariat Conistons and love them! Great for hacking and around the yard but I try not to wear them in too much mud to keep them nice! But really warm and comfortable ??

 

[Red-1]

I have always wanted some Ariat Grasmeres, but for everyday I use short boots and chaps, for smart I have Ariat Bromonts. If someone had bought me Grasmeres I would have been ecstatic as they are special and I won't pay the price myself to look fabulous every day!

I do agree with getting them from a tack shop though, and saying she is free to exchange if she doesn't like them of if they don't fit.

 

[Northern Hare]

I’d recommend getting a pair of the Ariat Grassmere boots, and get a gift receipt so your (very lucky imho!) GF can exchange them if necessary. The Grassmere’s offer a lot of adjustment in the calf, so you’ll stand a better chance of the boots fitting ok, and not needing to be returned after Christmas!! If you can find them in stock, it will be a wonderful present! ??

 

[Quigleyandme]

I think a trip to the shop to buy the boots of her choice followed by a nice lunch or afternoon tea would be ace. You could still give them to her on Christmas day.