Category Archives: Product review

I have new Ariat Terrain Waterproof boots! Here is what I think…






I’ve worn different iterations of Ariat lace-up boots for … ever.  I don’t think I’ve ever actually worn them through, except for one pair – but they weren’t really too worn through so I just put those in my trailer (just in case) and purchased another pair of lace ups in the same color.  And then I needed some other colors… so throughout the years, I’ve probably had 6 pair of Ariat lace-ups.

Even Hubby has Ariat lace-ups!

Then, a few years ago, I tried the newer style with the zipper on the side.  Those were great, too!  My only issue was that I wished they had more ankle support.  But as you can see, I wore them a lot… They were comfortable and light.

Just a few of my many, worn Ariat boots. Here is one pair of lace-ups on the right, my standard for many years, and then my pair of zippers.

And then… my foot got bigger.

???  What is up with that?!  How could my foot get bigger?

I have no idea why my foot got bigger… but it did.  Bigger and wider.

I decided I needed new boots – I felt like Cinderella’s sisters, trying to squeeze into my old boots – so I decided to peruse the Ariat site.

Hmmmm.  Of all the styles, I decided to try Ariat terrain boots because I love to walk along side my horse on the trails.  I figured a terrain boot might be the best option for me.  A cross between a hiking boot and a riding boot.  Oh, and it may as well be waterproof, so I got the H2O version.

So this is what I have now.  ARIAT TERRAIN WATERPROOF, SIZE 7W

Ariat Terrain Waterproof

description

MY OPINION

Pros: 

Overall, I think this is a terrific boot!  It is lightweight, supports my ankle, is not stiff and is comfortable right away.  I wore them the first day, all day, doing chores around the horses on uneven territory – and my feet were fine!  No blisters.

Also, they fit under my jeans and my riding pants.  Just the right height.  Rocks and hay doesn’t fall inside of them – yet they aren’t too tall to be uncomfortable around the ankle.

To me, all those factors make a practically perfect boot.

Sort-of Cons, but not really: 

I have not worn these for a year, so I don’t know how they will hold up (some reviews say they don’t hold up, which I questions since I’ve had no quality issues with Ariat – ever).

And… although not really a ‘con’, these boots seemed to run big.  When I was reading other reviews, most people said these boots ran true to size, but for me, it feels a half size too big.  I wish I had purchased the 6.5.  However, I needed the boots exactly when they arrived, so I said to myself, “How big can they be…?  I wear a 7. They are a 7… It should be fine, especially when my foot gets hot and expands”.  However, now I think that I should have sized down a half a size.

Other than that, I love these boots!

Here are my new boots. I’ve worn them for 2 weeks now. They are very comfortable. I recognize the toes – similar to my zip ups. So far, so good. Light, easy to wear immediately and ankle support. (Do you see my dog’s paw in the lower right corner?)

IF YOU WANT A PAIR, HERE IS A LINK FOR YOUR PERUSAL.

If you need a new pair of boots this Summer, here is how I found mine.  Click this link.

It comes in 2 colors.  I chose Copper.




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What is the best airbag vest for horse riders? I’m asking… I’ll add your comments to the follow up.






So I’m wondering about airbag vests for riding…  The kind used for eventing, jumping…

Many of the people who are on the HIP REPLACEMENT FOR HORSE PEOPLE FB page, discuss starting to ride again and wanting an airbag vest, for security.

Now, an airbag vest probably wouldn’t help your new hip… but I think the idea is that some people are less confident after a hip replacement.  These people want to ride, but they have a new device that they need to learn to balance and coordinate.  Hence, the vest idea if they fall.

I can totally understand this.  Not from the hip replacement part because mine feels like my natural hip, but from a lack of confidence part that happened when I am in a heavy Lyme cycle.  I lose my coordination and balance when I’m in a Lyme flare, and that ‘out of body’ experience is scary on a horse.

So, I’m asking… “What is the best airbag vest out there and why?”

I’ve seen this one and heard that it is the best, but I have no reference.

This is a Hit Air vest

AIR-VEST dot com.

Click to go to site.

I found this site, Air-Vest.com, and have read many reviews… but this is just one brand.  Nothing is as good as hearing first hand and comparing real-life experience.  So if you have information, please comment or email me.

Thank you!

 




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