Ariat is a renowned American manufacturer of equestrian apparel, footwear, and accessories, founded in 1993 by Beth Cross and Pam Parker. The brand initially gained recognition for its innovative riding boots, which combined style and technology. Over time, Ariat expanded its offerings to include clothing and became a global leader in the equestrian market. Today, Ariat's products are sold in 14 countries, including the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, and the company is an official partner of the US Equestrian Federation, as well as a supplier to professional rodeos.

Ariat’s name is a blend of two words, "air" and "active," reflecting the brand’s mission to create footwear that offers the comfort and freedom of walking on air, while also supporting active lifestyles. The company's early success was built on its groundbreaking Catalyst work boots, which featured Duratread technology for superior durability and traction. As the brand grew, it garnered a loyal following among equestrian enthusiasts and those seeking high-performance footwear for everyday life.

Logo History and Evolution

Ariat's visual identity has evolved over time, with its logo remaining a strong symbol of the brand's heritage and values. The original logo, designed in 1993 by Jay Vigon, featured a classic triangular crest, with a brown and black color palette. The central design element was a black symbol composed of three intertwined horseshoes, a nod to the equestrian world. The logo was framed by a bold, uppercase sans-serif wordmark, with the name "Ariat" prominently displayed.

In 2005, the logo was refined to give it a more modern and polished look. The crest retained its triangular shape, but the brown background was replaced with a gradient gold finish. The horseshoes in the center remained unchanged, but the crest itself was slightly smaller and positioned to the left of the wordmark. The font for "Ariat" was also updated to a bold, geometric sans-serif style, giving the logo a cleaner and more contemporary appearance.

The most recent redesign occurred in 2015, when the logo underwent a simplification process. The three-dimensional golden crest was flattened and set against a white background, with the emblem now rendered in solid black. The wordmark remained consistent, retaining its bold and distinctive appearance, but the overall design became more streamlined and minimalistic.

Font and Color Palette

The Ariat logo uses a bold, modern sans-serif font, with uppercase letters that evoke strength and stability. The closest fonts to the one used in the logo are Organetto Extra Bold Semi Ext or ITC Blair Pro Bold, with slight modifications to fit the brand's aesthetic. The color palette is simple and timeless, with black and white being the primary colors. This minimalistic combination conveys a sense of elegance, professionalism, and modernity, aligning with the brand’s image as a leader in performance and style.

The evolution of the Ariat logo reflects the brand’s journey from a niche equestrian footwear manufacturer to a global player in the lifestyle and performance apparel market. The sleek, bold design of the current logo captures the essence of Ariat's commitment to innovation, quality, and active living.