Horse Stuff for my Sweet 16?

[HuntressHeather]

I really only want gift cards to my local tack shop, but my family/friends like giving me stuff. I drool over the Ariat Volants bc I currently have paddocks and half chaps but I think thats too expensive. How much is too much? And does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks so much!

[Beau]

Think about it this way, would you need something quite as expensive as the Ariats? They're basically normal tall boots with a weird, hi-tech looking design. I'm sure if you look at something cheaper your family could put money towards the boots and you will have one gift that you love, rather than a few that you don't really need.
To be honest, I wouldn't ask for a gift worth more than £30-£40. I hate people spending money on me and I would rather ask for small things that I need so I can save my own money to pay for bigger things.

Another idea is just asking for gift cards for a website such as Amazon where you can put multiple cards on your account to pay for one item.

[missy b]

I guess it depends on your family's financial situation. When I was 16 we couldn't have afforded something like that.

Talk to your family. Ask them how they feel.

[Gracie]

You could ask for other kinds of riding boots. I always like those little accessories like rein stops, hair nets, etc. for my birthday. Ask for a new halter or cheaper type of tack that is nice. Think what do you need for your upcoming year as an equestrian

[Gracie]

How much is too much is a very personal question. I have known girls who could barely afford to pay $50 for their first pair of tall boots, and others who have shelled out $1,500 plus shipping fees to have them custom made in Italy. For most people though $400 to $500 tends to be a comfortable range if you're showing regularly, and $300 or so if you're not.

Another thing to consider is how much you show, and what you show in. If you show in something like the hunters or equitation, I would avoid the Volants (at least the ones with color) at all all costs. They're just too unconventional for those rings. If you're an eventer or show jumper (and ONLY plan to stay in the jumper ring) then they may be more feasible. Keep in mind though that the ones with the laces up the sides would NOT be legal for dressage showing.

If you're only showing in a couple of shows a summer, or mainly at smaller shows, then it may not be logical to spend that much on a pair of tall boots. If you're showing every weekend, or going to highly rated shows (that normally last several days), then you may find that you'll want a pair of boots that are made with the rider's comfort in mind, as Ariats are.

And of course, consider your climate. If you're riding or showing in a very hot and humid climate, then the Vented Volants may actually be a good choice, especially if you're prone to getting very hot feet while riding.

Ultimately only you can decide what your limit is on the price of tall boots, based upon your (or your family's) financial situation, your riding style, and your competitiveness. I really don't have a problem with people paying $50 for a pair of tall boots, as long as they look nice on them in the ring. I also don't have a problem with people paying $1,500 for a pair. If they can afford it, and that's what they want, then it's none of my concern.

Whatever boots you choose to buy, make absolutely sure that you keep the leather in good condition, so that you don't have to replace them too soon. I literally have boots that are 10 or more years old, that I've only stopped using because all of the traction has rubbed off from the sole, or because my leg has changed so they no longer fit properly. I like to keep them around for emergencies though, or in case any of my friends need to borrow them.

I would highly recommend looking at sales and second-hand items. There are tons of pages on Facebook that deal in selling lightly used tack or apparel, so I'd check out there. Also keep an eye out for open box sales or sales at your local tack shop. I recently bought a pair of boots that retail for around $1,200 for less than the price of the Volants, in perfect new condition, because they had been at my local tack store for too long. They fit me absolutely perfectly, and I'm the only one who knows what I paid for them. Along that same line, I like Ariats (though I've never tried the Volants and am not insane about the Monacos since I've heard some not so great reviews on them) but if you can find a top quality pair of semi-custom boots for about the same price, that fit you well, you may choose those instead. A lot of times the semi-custom brands have a nicer look to them, and are made of super quality leather.