The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

ARIAT Cristina Lloyd explores Ariat’s apparel and footwear lines for horse riders, country walkers and those who love the great outdoors. bitefashion I nspiration can come in conventional or unconventional ways, through impulses or a need. Growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, USA, Ariat CEO and founder Beth Cross was surrounded by horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. Unsurprisingly, she was fascinated by the American champion thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes) in 1973 and whose competitive spirit motivated the brand's name. Secretariat, also known as Big Red, is still considered the most remarkable horse of the second half of the 20th century. Whilst his racing career lasted only 16 months, he came in first place 16 times, second three times and third once. His powerful stretch- ing-running ability from his second race in 1972 and subse- quent wins made him famous. Secretariat’s first high-end com- petition was the six-furlong Sanford Stakes in New York which he astonishingly won by three lengths. Adopting the terminology ‘The New Breed of Boot’ Ariat be- came the first brand to integrate athletic footwear technology into boots for equestrian athletes. Since then, they have de- signed innovative and award-winning performance accessories for outdoor and work environments. They partner with world- class bio-mechanical research groups and testing laboratories to improve product performance, comfort and durability whilst