In 1990, two women with a vision founded the Ariat company. Their goal was to develop technologically savvy boots specially engineered for equestrian. Pam Parker and Beth Cross went about their business plan systematically. First, they recognized that traditional Western English boots were insufficient in terms of providing equestrian athletes with support during long hard rides.

Second, they gathered together riders and engineers to discuss how to improve these boots. They re-built the outsole, designed a unique support scaffolding for the arch, and reinvented the entire shape of the riding boot. After all this, Parker and Cross finally released their first boots to customers in 1993. Since that time, the Ariat company has grown from a small boutique outlet to a world-renowned chain featuring products in more than 4,000 outlets.

Unlike traditional stiff and heavy Western English boots, Ariat boots provide cushioning and stabilization. Thus, equestrian riders can relax into their rides and let their enhanced performance boots carry them along. Despite the company's relatively brief history, it has already sponsored more than 10,000 equestrian events and won the praises of the finest athletes in the sport.

The Ariat boots come in three styles--English, Western, and Work. Currently, Ariat is the number one retailer of technically superior English riding boots. Cowboys across the Western United States trust Ariat Western boots for durable performance in the most rigorous of conditions. Finally, workers in a range of fields count on Ariat work boots to deliver ergonomic support and relieve stress.