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I think I am a FORMER Ariat customer....vent and a question

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  • #61
    i only bought two of their products

    and it was for my sister, few years ago.
    i refuse to pay their exorbitant prices for items made in china.
    http://www.eponashoe.com/
    TQ(Trail Queen) \"Learn How to Ride or Move Over!!\" Clique

    Comment


    • #62
      Originally posted by chai
      Why don't you pack up your gloves and send them via registered, insured mail directly to the Ariat headquarters? If they can see for themselves that brand new gloves split, instead of having someone describing it in an email or phone call, maybe you'll get some results.
      For a $40 pair of gloves? It seems to me that taking customer feedback seriously means giving the unhappy customer a UPS shipping number and ASKING to see the problem gloves.

      Ariat used to take feedback very seriously. And at least two years ago marketing people monitored COTH messages very regularly and knew the content of discussions enough to have discussions with the production people about who was saying what. People move on to new jobs, new companies, folks replacing them have their own ways of doing things ...
      *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=

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      • #63
        One of the disappointing things to me is that I see a lot of comment about poor quality, but the shelves and racks of tack stores are being increasingly filled with Ariat products. A friend of mine who works at a tack store said Ariat is even pushing out older companies (Why did Effingham go belly up?) ...
        That's so true- a lot of stores carry only Ariat and one (usually cheaper) alternative. It's difficult to find product priced similar to Ariat's. I always consider them the "moderate" quality - with cheaper paddocks available and higher end, like Grand Prix. There used to be all sorts of great paddocks in the $80-$100 range.

        Also, their boot sizing irks me. They make a pretty wide range of half chaps, yet their tall boots are not available for calf sizes over 16". Though I guess given the quality, perhaps that is a blessing, nota curse.

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        • #64
          Quality slipping

          I think like many companies today, in order to keep prices down, Ariat has reduced the quality of its workmanship and leather. I have an old pair of Ariat paddocks that I bought so many years ago I can't even remember how old they are (maybe 15 years). I bought a new pair and they were in worse shape after one year than the old pair. I am glad I didn't throw out my 15 year old pair. The leather on the new pair is cheaper, scuffs, and is dried out. I also have a friend who bought one of the newer models and her zippers wouldn't stay closed on the boots. She threw them out.

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          • #65
            I know one tack store that doesnt carry anything from Ariat but has TONS of really nice stuff to fill the shelves without having to sell Ariats....hint hint
            http://www.theloft-tackshop.com/

            http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MD247.html

            Comment


            • #66
              Originally posted by VersatileASB
              The only Ariats I have now are the "Frost Biter" boots for winter. They are fine, but I will never buy another pair of their riding boots. Not really due to any quality issues per se, I just hate their thick soles and heels - I feel like when I used to wear them I didn't have a good feel of my stirrup. But that is just my preference.
              The Mountain Horse with stirrup control system really helps in the winter muck to keep the stirrups. My Ariat Tundra with the least bit of damp will slip out of my irons, but the Mtn Horse stay steady even when covered in a thin layer of icy muck.

              Love my Mtn Horse winter boot... It's an addiction, now I need a stiff Dressage boot for summer!

              Steph

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              • #67
                I feel like I'm always saying, "Buy Mountain Horse!" but... I am. Haha.

                As difficult as it is to break in some of the MH footwear (takes a wickedly uncomfortable week or so, particularly at the back of the ankle), they are wonderfully comfortable when they soften. In my experience, they have a very long life, too. I wore one pair of riding sneakers for seven years before I retired them. They were still functional but had passed beyond the simple definition of "ugly". You could tell they'd been to hell and back; I abuse my footwear. I have some protective riders that are beginning to show some wear and tear after three years of heavy use and being danced upon (repeatedly) by my young horses. In sum, I'm a fan and recommend them. FTR, I have not tried the other brands (Blunnies, Dansko, etc.), so I can't offer any comment on them. But I do absolutely HATE Ariat, and it frustrates me that our few area tack stores offer practically no selection outside that one overrated brand.
                "I did know once, only I've sort of forgotten." - Winnie the Pooh

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                • #68
                  I have a pair of Ariat Cascades that I have worn every day for the past 6 years. The things just wont die. Paid $130.00 for them.

                  Becasue of this I purchased a pair of Ariat dress paddock boots for $165.00. Within two months the sole was coming apart from the boot at the toe. I only wore these to ride so they were not abused in any way. Very disapointed.

                  No more Ariat for me.

                  Comment


                  • #69
                    i'm with aggie4bar

                    on the mountain horse products. i first got their tall winter boots and i got hooked. i now own a pair of their riding sneakers (perfect for those long distance rides). the only problem that i have w/ mountain horse is that many of their products are not carried here in teh states. for example their half chaps. they're all over the european catalogs but i can't find them here. maybe they'll catch on.

                    and i also noticed that ariat is being pushed at tack stores. the new rick's saddle shop in cream ridge, nj, offers more ariat products than anything else, they're also prominently displayed.
                    http://www.eponashoe.com/
                    TQ(Trail Queen) \"Learn How to Ride or Move Over!!\" Clique

                    Comment


                    • #70
                      Originally posted by Andalucian
                      I had the same situation with several pairs of Ariat breeches I bought a couple of years ago. At first, I loved them. Then something about the "V" panel on the back caused a very unnattractive bagging in the fanny region, as though I'd felt compelled to drop a golf ball down the back of my pants before zipping.
                      Same thing happened to my first two pair of Ariat breeches. The local tack store I purchased them at replaced both pair at no charge through Ariat. I wear the "bunchy butts" for schooling shows or in case of bad weather. The newer ones have been fine so far.

                      I also have tall/slim Ariat Crowne field boots and I LOFF them. They fit me like a glove (bad choice of words in this particular thread ) and I don't take the best care of them. I've had them for three seasons now and they are fantastic. Knock on wood they don't spontaneously combust anytime soon! My paddock boots are Ariat (don't remember the style name) zip fronts that I've had for about five years and nary a problem with those either. They are the most comfortable boots on earth, IMO, and I think I would cry if they were to fall apart!

                      Comment


                      • #71
                        I have the Cobalt boots from 5+ years ago and I LOVE THEM. They've held up great. I have had to replace the laces twice, but I wear them everyday, so I'm not surprised. They are super comfortable, too... like slippers.

                        IIRC, they were $175+. Maybe they're better because they are the more expensive ones?

                        Comment


                        • #72
                          Originally posted by carp
                          Do I care for boots differently than other people do? I've used my Ariat paddock boots for about two years now without problems, though they do get time off in winter when I switch to insulated boots.
                          I really like their products. I've worn Ariat paddock boots, tall boots, half chaps, breeches, etc. for years without one problem. My current paddock boots are six years old and they're still in great shape. I wear them daily and ride multiple horses. I used to clean stalls in them every day too. I guess it's just luck.

                          Comment


                          • #73
                            Another vote for Mountain Horse.
                            www.specialhorses.org
                            a 501(c)3 organization helping 501(c)3 equine rescues

                            Comment


                            • #74
                              Originally posted by BornToRide
                              Interesting developments - I bought a pair of Ariat Glacier boots, because I tend to suffer from cold toes in the winter. I do not mind spending more if it really works, so I optend for the more expensive winter boot version. The first pair I had to replace because the lining in one of the boots was faulty. Now the second pair I noticed that the sole is coming lose on the sides of the boots, where it is glued to the boot, right in the area where the crease is from walking and bending the foot. I though it was a bit premature for it to happen, especially in expensive boots like this.

                              So I e-mailed Ariat, describing the problem, hoping theyr would say, thank you we will pass it on to R&D and look into it. Instead I got a lot of blah, blah, stand behind our product, blah, blah.......sure - it will probably happen to the next pair again in six months because the manufacturing process is lousy somewhere along the line....never mind perhaps checking inot that maybe......
                              Oh my --have the same problem with the Glaciers I purchased to replace my dying Expeditions--which lasted more than 5 years of riding 2-3x a week and stall cleaning every weekend in the cold months. Waiting for a response from Tack of the Day as the Glaciers I have only worn maybe a dozen times, with no stall cleaning. For a $169 boot you'd think they'd last longer.

                              Where do you find Grand Prix paddock boots? Used to love them, but can not find them? Shops around here only carry Ariat.
                              Tater-my Western Sport Horse
                              http://www.clipshack.com/5539

                              Comment


                              • #75
                                Originally posted by chawley
                                I really like their products. I've worn Ariat paddock boots, tall boots, half chaps, breeches, etc. for years without one problem. My current paddock boots are six years old and they're still in great shape. I wear them daily and ride multiple horses. I used to clean stalls in them every day too. I guess it's just luck.
                                It seems like the older ones were really good quality, but not their newer products. I still have my older pair, and I used to do barn chores in them and ride several days a week. Sounds like it's the newer ones that are lesser quality.
                                Future Re-Rider
                                "Take care of your memories, for you cannot relive them." [Bob Dylan]

                                Comment


                                • #76
                                  two thumbs down on ariat. Riding sneakers fell into pieces after three months of wear. Two pairs of paddock boots disintegrated after less than five months of wear each. Friend's pair of paddock boots the zipper split on the very first day of wear. The tack store tried to get Ariat to replace/refund for us and got nowhere. They now stock a lot of Mountain Horse and Tuffrider products and very little ariat.

                                  Comment


                                  • #77
                                    It sounds like attempting to get Ariat to stand by their products is a losoing proposition. BUT, like the previous poster said, if we make the TACK STORES aware of how unhappy their (perhaps EX-customers) are, then it's a GOOD BET that we can get ALTERNATIVES stocked on their tack store shelves.

                                    Comment


                                    • #78
                                      I'll cast another vote for Mountain Horse. I have a pair of their stable loafers. They're the most comfy barn shoes I've owned next to sneakers and I've had them going on 4 years now. Might need to replace them in another year or so because believe me, these shoes have taken a beating but so far they've held together pretty darn good.

                                      Comment


                                      • #79
                                        As I agree with many of you about the newer Ariat products, I don't think that Mountain Horse is much better. The soles of their Rimfrost boots come apart, the zippers on their jackets break.....I think it's more of a quality issue. Many of you have commented on the attempt to bring down costs, and consequently, bringing down the quality of a product. I think that since many companies are manufacturing their products in Asia, the quality is just no longer there. I have some Ariat paddock boots that I bought lightly used in '97. I still wear them a few times a week now and did wear them almost everyday at one point. They are in fabulous shape - but they were also made about 10 years ago. Things just aren't made like they used to be *sigh*

                                        To the OP - My friend works at the head office of a large American chain of tack stores. You certainly aren't the only one who has had problems with Ariat. Your tack store should try to help you out, receipt or not, because they can receive a credit from Ariat if they were to give you a new pair of gloves and send the original ones back. Get the manager involved.

                                        Comment


                                        • #80
                                          AllWeatherGal,
                                          Yes, even for a $40 pair of gloves. What's the alternative if they won't just take your word for it or send you a UPS return label? Isn't it better to try to get your money back instead of getting mad every time you see those cheezy gloves? For the sake of a couple of dollars, at least you will be on the way to getting satisfaction.
                                          I think some companies think that if they make it difficult enough, you'll just give up and go away. When I worked in advertising, I remember the salesman who was a rep for a company that specialized in rebate promotions telling me, "The great thing is, most people won't bother to read the directions or even send it in!" I just went through a nightmare, trying to get my phone rebate on a Razr from Cingular. But the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so if you want your money back, keep at them and don't give up. And if that means spending a couple of dollars to actually send them the gloves, it will be worth it.

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