Ariat challenge or Mountain horse field boot

[hearthorse]

After 5 years in my current boots they are worn out and am looking to get a new pair for Christmas. I currently own the ariats and have loved them but Im wondering if the Mountain horse are more comfortable for everyday wear. I wear my tall boots for everyday and show. My local tack shop doesn't carry the mountain horse tall boots so I don't have access to try them on. Just wanted to find out others experiences. Thanks!

[n2dressage]

I don't have the Mountain Horse field boots but I have 3 other pairs of their boots! I have the clunky every day ones, the older dress boots, and the brand new high caliber dress boots and they are FABULOUS! Very comfy.... I've never cared for any of the Ariat boots i've ever owned. The footbeds in the mtn horse are much more comfortable and they seem to fit, in my opinion, much better than Ariat (and are more cost effective!).

[flypony74]

Mountain Horse, definitely.

I have a pair of Ariat Crowne Pro zips, and a pair of Mountain Horse Sportive High Riders. The Ariats are nice, but I'd never spend that kind of $$ on a pair of Ariats again....they are waaaaaay overpriced for the quality. The MH are reasonably priced, and the quality is right on par for what I'd expect from a boot in that price range. Two friends have the field boots and think a lot of them.

A warm, fuzzy story about MH. I was wearing my first pair of MH when I came off my horse and mangled my ankle. Despite the zippers, the paramedics still had to cut my boots off, and cut well into the foot part. Upon recovery, after seeing my poor, cut up boots sit in the mud room for months, I emailed MH, explaining the situation, and asked if there was any way to repair the boots. They emailed me back (from Switzerland, I believe), asking me what size boot I wore, so that they could send me a new pair for free. I was floored. I didn't expect that kind of response, but was incredibly appreciative because they certainly didn't have to do that. Anyway, that is the kind of company MH is, and I really like a lot of their products, so I am inclined to use and recommend them.

[evntr06]

I have Mountain Horse high rider field boot, and I think its pretty comfortable boot. Comfortable enough to spend all day in, and ride every day. I never had Ariats, b/c I could never afford them or fit into them, due to small size foot and short/wide calf. I think the leather and the quality is good.

One thing to note, the elastic is not quite as stretchy as I thought it would be, and they don't drop with use as much as regular no zipper boots (not sure about other with zippers). I got mine during summer, and they felt somewhat snug but not tight with thin summer britches, but if I wear several layers and thick winter britches, they are almost impossible to put on! When I bought them I was hoping of riding in them year round, but unfortunately have to use my paddocks/chaps during winter instead.

[caevent]

I personally think the Ariats have a more comfortable footbed, BUT the MH are by far the most durable. I ride between 5-8 horses a day, and the Ariats could not keep up with me. The MH High Caliber are strong, comfy, and still clean up nicely for showing. Definitely a permanent fan!

[JER]

I love the MH boots. I can't even get my foot in the Ariats.

I have a wide forefoot and a very high instep -- this is now politely referred to as a 'high-volume' foot -- which makes it quite difficult to find non-custom boots. The MHs have been something of a godsend as they're very reasonably priced too.

[kookicat]

I don't have the Mountain Horse field boots but I have 3 other pairs of their boots! I have the clunky every day ones, the older dress boots, and the brand new high caliber dress boots and they are FABULOUS! Very comfy.... I've never cared for any of the Ariat boots i've ever owned. The footbeds in the mtn horse are much more comfortable and they seem to fit, in my opinion, much better than Ariat (and are more cost effective!).

Agree. The MH boots work better for me because I have wide feet. Ariat seem to run too narrow for me.

[hearthorse]

Do they tend to run true to size? I wear a 7.5 in boots. They don't have half sizes so Im trying to decide if I need to go to a 8 or stick with a 7.

[n2dressage]

I wear an 8 or so in Ariat and a women's 7 in Mountain Horse if that helps any.

[Sudi's Girl]

Ok - I'll be the odd one out. I love my Ariat Crown Pro's (although being a complete Smurf, I only use them for shows - I use my heritage II's for every day riding stuff). The first time I wore them was at a show, and they broke in beautifully!

I do, however, have a pair of MH paddock boots (with back zip), and I really like them - albeit they are a bit clunky and hard to drive in! ;) hehe

At any rate, the MH field boots were not tall enough for me. In fact - the only ones that would fit me after dropping were the Crown Pro's - lucky me :(

[MaryKay]

I also will be the odd man out. I don't have MH field boot but I bought a pair of their lace up winter riding boots and hate them. They are so difficult to get your foot into-and that has not changed over time. I have to completely loosen up the laces all the way down, just to get my foot into them-they are PIA. Will go back to the Ariat paddock boot with zipper. I would strongly recommend you try them on before purchasing.

[cllane1]

Adore the MH boots! I have the Richmond field boots, and when I bought them, I actually tried on both the MH and the Ariat Challenges and liked the MH better, in terms of fit, look, and feel!

[hearthorse]

Ive called all the tack shops near me, and they all say "we are a dealer, but dont stock them." Well if Im going to have to order them anyways I am just going to order them myself and get a better price. Tack shops wonder why they aren't doing well. Whats the point in being a dealer if you don't actually have the products to see and try on? I hate my local tack shops!

[Coppers mom]

I'm going to second the Ariat's not being worth the money. I've had to replace the zipper several times, and the top (around the gusset) is wearing badly. I've only had them a year! Granted, I'll ride several horses a day, but they should have lasted way longer for what I spent on them.

[two sticks]

Love love love my MH's - went through 3 pairs of ariats in a year.... 1st pair of MH's held up to 4 years of daily, multiple horse riding. Second pair going strong.

I've found they run a little on the bigger side, so if you are in between sizes I would go with the smaller size.

[SaddleUp158]

I too am considering purchasing a pair of the MH boots for this winter. I have a 7.5 in ariats right now, but could probably go down to a 7 when not wearing thick socks. I am wondering what size I should order in the MH winter paddock boots, typically, depending on the shoe, I am between a 7 & 8.

[foxhavenfarm]

Definitely go down a size. They do run a bit large in the foot.

[Dawnd]

Another Mountain Horse fan here.

I have the Richmond field boots. Very comfortable. I went a 1/2 size up when I bought mine to make sure that I had enough room in the calf and they're perfect now (though a bit tight at first). I can wear them all day with an average amount of walking in them (I could walk a course once but probably not twice in them).

Cons - the leather can't quite get as shiny with polishing as my old effinghams. The pair that I own doesn't have a spur rest which I didn't like at first. Cleaning the field boots underneath the lacing is impossible.
Pro - better quality zipper than the Ariats. very comfortable footbed and good ankle support. Sensible pricing.

[RolyPolyPony]

I have the MH Richmonds, and they are fantastic! I got them mainly because they were the only ones I could get in my huge foot size w/ a skinny enough calf that I could afford, and I am SO happy they were the only ones I found because I adore them!

(I can't really speak to sizes, as I actually got men's - I have a big enough foot that I can wear the smaller men's size, which usually has more height and a skinnier calf than my size in women's!)

[soon2bdvm]

MH for sure. I love my winter pair. LOVE, and I am saving up to get a pair of tall boots. I have a pair of ariats and I just dont feel like the leather ever actually broke in and lets face it I will NEVER be able to afford the Monoco (sp?) which are beautiful, but Im not sure how durable even they are.

[pattnic]

Ariats are a little more "polished" looking than the MH, so if I were looking for a "show only" boot, I would go with Ariat, but if I were choosing a boot to use everyday, I would absolutely choose Mountain Horse over Ariat.

[ake987]

WOW am I regretting buying the Ariat Challenge II!!!! I got them on ebay NWT for $180 in my size (I need a 7 short, so this was an astounding find for me!) I have to say they broke in very quickly and are SUPER comfy. I did replace the zippers fully, and that cost me $90. My next pair of boots might just be MH.