Bitless Bridles

I just got a Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle (BB). In fact, I now have two. Actually three but the first one-not a Dr. Cooks-was a raging disappointment. If you go BB-don't be a cheapskate becasue not all of them are as designed as well and are therefore not as functional.

My percheron really does not do well with bits. He panics, is hard to tack and will really take off, even with a light hand. I finally figured out it is fear and pain. A bit does not make him "listen". It sends him into an out of control frenzy. he has really taught me a lesson about all horses and bits. There really is a better way.

I first came across the notion when I was using a rope halter during farrier visits. It worked fine and he behaved better. So, next, I tired an inexpensive BB. I did not like the design. It did not take advantage of pressure points. While at Equine Affaire, I purchased a Dr. Cooks. Carole and the staff at Dr. Cooks are very helpful. I have used the BB to lunge and do ground work with. Its great. Good enough that I bought a smaller one to accommodate my Haflingers. They do just fine with it. Of course Halfingers do just fine with about anything! The trick with them is to get them to go forward at all! So yeah... a BB is really a great option!!

My next trick is to use it with a friends horse that insists on head dropping and banging herself in the mouth with a bit.

I'll keep you posted!

Glycerin Soap

Winter days are made for tack and harness cleaning. One of the most useful things to have in ones tack room is glycerin soap. I've used everything and for the price, this is clearly the best value. Far superior to generic saddle soap, glycerin is great on old and new leathers and leaves the kind of fine luster we all strive for.

Depending on the condition of your leather, this treatment may be all you need!

Back to Tack

I've been away from this blog for awhile. Winter is here and I am back on track. Well, back on track with things that cannot be done outside! In the interim, I have created another blog about a misunderstood Percheron and his pasture mates. Actually, it is a lot about our journey and how we are using our limited resources to become better selves.

Here, I must stick to tack. I will, on occasion talk about other equipment because we are working with some different approaches to foot care and I am also in search of the best that equine products have to offer (always at the best price).

No, this is not about cheap. This is about what works and what gives us the best bang for our buck.

NEWS:


While away from the blog, I have made several purchases that are at least interesting, if not exciting.

1) A two toned Albion Dressage Saddle. Ebay. What can I say. I got the lovely , older saddle for $200.00 Not only did the two toned effect look great on my Bay Arabian but it fit him like it was made for him. so exciting. I can't say enough about the comfort. I still like my used county a little better (just a teeny little bit) as it gives me a little more freedom. I think seat on a saddle is a matter of taste. Some want to be placed in position and some of us want a little more freedom. I do prefer a deep seat though. Albion really caters to a wider, flat backed horse so that is a real advantage for me. For you thoroughbred folks...maybe not so much.

2) I got a marked down Weaver black snaffle bridle for Mick the Giant.  Again, EBAY! Weaver truly knows how to make Draft sized tack and their product is superior for the price. Really nice quality.

3) I got a bitless bridle for Mick the Giant. He does well with rope halters (the pressure points give him a necessary message) so I thought I would try bitless. Do not scrimp as I did as I am so sorry. Get a Dr. Cook. it is the only one that is engineered to handle the pressure correctly.

There are other things I want to share but...

Another day, Another blog.

Stay Warm!

Zaldi Saddles and Bridles

I was looking for a double bridle in which to school my Arabian. He is trained to fourth level dressage but has not been ridden at that degree lately. With spring coming, I wanted to get ready to do some remedial work and get him back to his old self. As I said before, I am a huge fan of Passier and County saddles. County does not make a bridle and although I like the Passier line, I really didn't want to spend a lot of money for a schooling bridle. On the other hand, I had tried the very cheap ones I had found on Ebay and regretted the decision. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. After a little research, I found the Zaldi which is a Spanish manufacturer. The price was good but not overly cheap so with tax refund in the bank, I placed an order from Equus Libris.

The bridle came very quickly from halfway across the country. Holding my breath, I unpacked it and was thrilled at what I saw. Every bit the quality of Bobby's -another mid-range manufacturer- and a wee bit less expensive. The leather was supple but sturdy. The connections are all with buckles rather than the tight studs. A great school bridle and quite possibly suitable for show. Zald also makes regular bridles and ornamental Spanish style.

Buying the New Tack-Saddles, Bridles and Accessories

I certainly recommend buying the new tack if one can afford it. Keeping in mind that I would rather buy good used tack as opposed to cheap new, the novice horse person can decide for themselves. When buying new, the novice can often rely on the expertise of the vendor to guide them through the process. There are two directions one may go with this. Purchase can be made from one of the larger , general vendors of horse and riding products such as Dover, State Line Tack, Schneider's and Dressage Extensions. The other alternative is to buy directly from the manufacturer or their designated representatives such as County or Passier.

Before any decision is made, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Check out all the options. Find out what other people in your barn or riding club do or like. Ask your breeder what works best for the specific breed.

Shopping from a general vendor gives you a broad range of products to select from. They also have helpful customer service representatives. Often, they have demos, slightly blemished or used products that can be had for very reasonable prices. I have never gone wrong with Dover.

I love the County Saddle and visit their website often. I have had Passier for over twenty five years and study their websites as well. The Duett site gave me much information toward finding a saddle for my Haflingers. They will teach you how to measure your horse, offer suggestions for your saddle fit and again, help with any questions. I have learned much from these folks.

Whatever you decide, TAKE YOUR TIME! Patience is a virtue!

Saddles On Ebay

I have bought saddles on Ebay with great success as have some of my knowledgeable friends. I do know of some people who have wasted some money. The same people may have wasted money had they bought from a reliable dealer as well. You must know what you are looking for or you will get something you might not be able to use. With that being said, I have got some GREAT BUYS from Ebay and you can as well.

I ama single parent and do not have the money to buy "brand new". With a son in Pony Club and my won horsey habits, it is important that I find great buys.

The first step that need sto be taken is to identify what you need. What style riding do you prefer? What size seat so you require and finally, find out what size saddle your horse requires. Keep in mind that different brands of saddle tend to do better on different types of horses. For example, I have Haflingers. They are a very hard horse to fit as are Fjords. The have broad, flat, backs. A poorly fitting saddle will be difficult to tighten and could be dangerous. I found that the Duett saddle is a good fit for Haflingers as it was designed with them in mind. i found this out by joining a Haflinger Yahoo group. I couldn't afford a new Duett but found a gently used saddle on Ebay that was about half the price of new. I ended up with a saddle that looked new and fit my FAT , FLAT BACKED horses!!!

I found wonderful County and Passier Saddle dirt cheap. they were old but had been loved. Quality names such as Passier, Stubben, County, and Albion wear well and will last. Look for products that have been kept oiled.

Finally, do not buy no name products. there are a lot of new things that are not quality made and will not last. they could be unsafe. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Do your homework, and you will bring home good buys!

Saddle and Bridle selection for novices

Welcome to my blog! I'm not the greatest rider but I do have thirty years experience with tacking horses -primarily English seat which I would like to share with others. A person who is new to the equestrian world can waste a lot of money on their first tack. I did. Hopefully, I can share some information, answer some questions and maybe save others thousands of dollars which they will of course share with me! Kidding! Got your attention! I have a variety of horses from a skinny Arab to a giant Percheron. There is no such thing as "one size fits all" and bad fit can upset your horse, harm them and certainly not provide a good ride!

My son is in USPC (United States Pony Club) and has been in for 5-6 years. I've noticed as new parents and children come and go, they are a litttle shy about asking tack questions and can often make costly mistakes (I did). USPC teaches an awful lot about how to tack the horse/pony but they are not in a position to opening recommend brands.

I see two common errors. those that but expensive tack that does not fit and those that buy tack that is too cheap and won't last or also doesn't fit.

I have several particular brand names I like which I will discuss in a later blog but some of this is particular to the horse you own. some tack is just better with certain breeds.

I will be posting blogs o saddle fit, saddle selection, bridle sfit and selection as well as other topics that readers might have an interest in.

For now, Haapy Trails!