Ariat Winter Riding Boots

The letters describe calf width and leg height. The first letter stands for the width (Slim, Regular, Full), the second for the height (Short, Medium, Tall). FM is therefore Full Medium, RM Regular Medium and RT Regular Tall.

Ariat offers the Heritage Contour II winter boot in eleven such combinations, from Slim Short to Full Tall. This means the leg also fits a fuller or very slim calf.

Ariat riding boots use UK sizes. According to Ariat, UK 3 corresponds to EU 36. For the leg, measure the calf circumference at the widest point and the leg length from the floor to the back of the knee.

Ariat recommends allowing about 1.5 to 2 cm of extra room. With these measurements you can use the size chart to choose the right combination of width and height. With lined winter riding boots it is worth trying them on with thick socks and winter riding breeches.

In the product names, H2O stands for waterproof and Insulated for insulated. The Heritage Contour II has a waterproof, breathable DRYShield construction and 200 g 3M Thinsulate, which keeps you warm without bulk.

The Heritage IV Zip paddock boot uses the same 200 g Thinsulate and DRYShield, and its upper material is full-grain leather. Both have the Duratread sole with tread for good grip in the stirrup.

The Bromont Pro is made from waterproof full-grain leather with suede on the inside of the leg for close contact with the horse. Inside it has a check lining over an insulation layer, a thermal insole and leather tabs with press stud at the zip.

The Heritage Contour II has a contoured cut at the ankle and a Spanish topline. It uses 200 g Thinsulate, 4LR technology for stability and a removable All Day Cushioning insole.

Wipe the boots with a damp cloth after riding and use a specialised leather cleaner instead of household products. Ariat then recommends conditioner and polish for the leather and a waterproofing spray, which should be left to dry for about 12 hours.

Never put wet boots next to a radiator, otherwise the leather can crack. Take out the insole, soak up the water with newspaper and let the boots air dry.