In 1990, Ariat International co-founders Beth Cross and Pam Parker set out to create a new company and a new way of thinking about footwear for riders. Both riders with backgrounds in the athletic shoe industry, they realized the unique needs of equestrians both in the saddle and on the ground and the performance-enhancing benefits that could be brought to riding boots to give these athletes an edge. So they assembled a group of top footwear engineers and designers, and set them on the task of creating the world's most technically innovative performance riding boots. They started by re-designing the outsole, rethinking the arch support system and finally taking a hard look at the suitability of traditional last shape and fit. While they were establishing the technology platform for Ariat boots, they were also talking to hundreds of top riders who helped in the design and development of the final product. In 1993, Ariat shipped their first pair of boots, and today Ariat is the world leader in performance equestrian footwear, offering a full range of English and Western riding boots, work boots and casual footwear plus new lines of performance apparel and accessories to fully outfit today s equine athletes and equestrian-inspired lifestyle enthusiasts.