Ariat is an American manufacturer of riding boots and other equipment and apparel intended for equestrians. Founded by Beth Cross and Pam Parker, Ariat International, Inc. sought to provide engineered western style boots for riding, work, and casual wear. Footwear engineers designed were hired by Beth and Pam to reexamine riding boot requirements, as classic English and Western riding boots were built in traditional ways using stacked leather which wears well but provides little cushioning. Shipping the first production boots in 1993, Ariat boots often take advantage of rubber pads and heels. Since its inception, Ariat has become a popular English riding boot brand, and the company has sponsored many equestrian events. The private equity firms LNK Partners and Brentwood Associates invested in Ariat in 2006. In 2012, the company was acquired by management and the Fisher family.