On the lighting theme - I like this so much better than a head lamp: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2954924-LED-Neck-Light/5001523461?store=688&cm_mmc=shp--c--prd--hdw--ggl--CRP_SHP_LIA_HDW_Online_E-F--5001523461--local--0-_-0&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwW8CptUFoMucIY43a9aP-cx_kKpZp7pSwemtzRMOSQ4UW-qY8ypsEMaAlboEALw_wcB
It gets the light where I need it to trim feet, and isn’t in the way if I want to don a hat or helmet.
This gadget is BRILLIANT (pun intended😀). I’m buying this. Thank you!
Yes. I have one of these (different brand but same setup). So much easier to adjust the lamp without having to move your head. Mine has high beams too.
I was so ready to plug for the Conistons as well. OP they aren’t a “riding boot” per se, more like a winter country boot that you can (and I do) ride in. IMO they fit better than any riding specific winter boot I’ve had and are warmer too. The laces make the fit very forgiving/ versatile. The toe warmer version of hot hands + these boots are life changing in the winter (I have Raynauds FWIW) both for riding and chores (standing for hours on cold concrete/ dirt). The toe warmers work best on top of my socks.
ETA - The Conistons are expensive so I got mine gently used on EBay for less than half of new price. They are still in very good shape 4-5 years later (only used in winter).
Another vote for the lighting upgrade - you will soon wonder how you existed in the dark/dim previously.
In terms of winter boots, I think I tried everything imaginable (tall boots, paddock boots, boots meant for hunters, etc) and still had frozen toes by the end of my rides. Toe warmers were ok, but sometimes they ran out of heat before I was done and they can feel weird to walk around on doing chores.
The game changer for me was heated socks! I ride in winter knockoff-muck boots and full chaps over my tights this time of year, so the battery packs on the socks were not a problem (not sure they would fit under a tall boot). The socks have 3 different heating levels, so I could adjust them according to conditions. The batteries last for many many hours and recharge overnight. This type is also machine washable (not all are, so pay attention to that if you shop for some).
I don’t know if they still make the Ariat Bromonts, but they are a good, supportive proper tall riding boot with insulation. (Mine are tucked away in storage down in the basement in case I ever have to ride outdoors in the winter again!)
I think I saw those poking around on the Ariat site. I had no idea they had such a large line of boots!
Added to cart… Now trying to decide whether to explore the rest of the site or just check out 
Sigh… I always expect to pay shipping but… it’s coming up as $122 shipping to Canada. I may still consider shipping to my sister in the states instead but the logistics of that are trickier for me.
Alpaca insoles
The bomb
For lights, those X bulbs that look like helicopters propellers, with lights on each arm, super bright, and I think 2 for $20. Put them in our basement and damn what an improvement!
These
This is such a mundane and small thing but Bombas socks. I was given five pairs and my SO actively tries to lift them from the laundry basket. 
They are the only sock that makes those PITA Dublins easy to take off. I used to dread wearing my Dublins for chores because of how difficult they are to remove (liner separates from backing) but something about how the Bombas are stitched around the heel is nothing short of magical.
You can get yourself multiple treaties. Lights, boots, and socks. 
(After years of saving but denying myself treaties this year for BF/CM I bought myself the following: a litter robot, a laptop, and an iPad. Lol! I’m all for treats that make your lives easier. )
My bombas got holes in the heels pretty darn fast.
My Darn Tough ones are much more sturdy and warm and last.
My barn aisle was pretty dark with just a strip of lights down the center. It was not enjoyable to groom or do other horsey things in the winter, especially with the sliding doors closed. After 8 years I treated myself to two more ligh strips. Now itis enjoyable to be there. An unexpected plus has been that my farrier will come out at the end of the day when it is dark outside, or even come by after dark to replace a missing shoe.
So obviously I support the added lighting recommendations. Then get an electric kettle or coffee maker so you can sip tea or coffee while you are in the barn.
I actually had those and they quit working very quickly. From Amazon. Plus they were almost too bright!
Mine are stubbornly durable. I badly want to order some custom, sheepskin lined dressage boots, but the Bromonts are about 10 years old and show no signs of giving up so I can’t justify it.
I got mine from costco (4 arm light) and they are still going strong almost 2 years later… and if I remember correctly, the lights and light bulbs go on sale in January!
Well I just spent an obscene amount of money on boots… hoof boots. So I’ll try the toe warmers until I can’t stand it anymore and my “me” treat will have to be lights, lol. Maybe some other organizational trappings to make chores easier.
Assuming you have a wash stall, infrared heat fixtures overhead would be a nice treat.
And so would a horse vacuum.
Oh I would looovvvee that. Unfortunately my wee barn is very wee and couldn’t accommodate a luxury like that. I haul water by the bucket 
But someday!
This fall I bought new lights for my pole barn. I got hyperlite ufo leds high bays. They weren’t expensive (IMO) and I LOVE them. I was impressed. They were reccomended by my hay guy.
Boots save feet too though.
I say both!
I think these are the ones I found on Amazon - they plug in? Rather then screwing in to a socket? They look great.
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