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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 16, 2014 18:05:40 GMT -5
I like hearing about other people's equipment and their experiences with tack. This is also a great place to post photos of your favorite equipment. It's okay if some horse models sneak into the pictures too!
Kirk
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Post by cyndi on Feb 17, 2014 10:34:43 GMT -5
Great idea for a thread!! I like to know what other people are using for tack as well My mare, Fanny, has always been very hard to fit. Because of her fluctuating weight, I decided to go with a treeless saddle, so that saddle fit would be less of an issue. It sounded good, anyway When the breeder was training Fanny, she used a flat-seated English saddle. I rode on it once, and that was when Fanny had had less than 10 rides on her. Having never ridden in an English saddle before, I obviously felt insecure and shut English saddles out of my mind. Most of the treeless saddles I've owned or tried have been more of an endurance type, with no horn, and yet (in my mind), more secure than an English saddle. Our first saddle was a Barefoot Cheyenne. I tried hard to make this saddle work, but being new to having my own horse, and saddling a horse for that matter, and being new to treeless saddles, it didn't work out. Our biggest issue was lateral slippage. I would tighten this saddle so much, it would buckle in the girth area, yet it would still slip on her round low-withered body. I sold the Cheyenne and purchased a Rebecca Softrider, because I was assured it would fit perfectly on Fanny's conformation. It didn't I REALLY wanted it to, though. It was fairly secure for me, but it still slipped something fierce. The manufacturer just kept telling me to place it further and further forward, and to make sure I was using the faux felt pad that came with the saddle. At that time we both had a cranial/sacral therapist who worked with us, and she did a fit assessment (she is not a saddle fitter but she knows when the saddle is blocking movement, etc.), and she said that the saddle was hindering Fanny's movement. I heard good things about the Sensation Saddles, made by Nickers, here in Canada, and had an opportunity to try one out from someone about 1.5 hours away, so I gave it a whirl. Our cranial/sacral therapist did a quick assessment of it and found it to be better than the Rebecca, fit-wise, for Fanny. I liked it, but there was still quite a bit of adjusting to do to get the 'perfect' fit (and there was still a bit of slippage). It was also about double what I was able to spend on a new saddle...but at least I knew how it fit for both of us. I've reached my limit for photos for this post, so I'll continue in another one...
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Post by cyndi on Feb 17, 2014 10:48:23 GMT -5
The next saddle I owned, also came highly recommended for Fanny's shape. It is a Gaucho saddle that I ordered right from Argentina, because it was cheaper than buying it from the US dealer who bought them from the same guy Argentina. At first, the saddle slipped badly. I've changed to a neoprene cinch, and I use a pad that has neoprene on the underside of it. If I had used this combination of pad and cinch in the past, perhaps the other saddles I've had would've slipped less. I am still using the Gaucho saddle, as it is starting to conform to Fanny's body (it has wool-filled "gums"/panels). When I fell off Fanny a week ago, the saddle hardly moved. Another saddle I heard good things about, for round horses, was the EZ Fit saddle. A demo came up for sale, so I snatched it up. It slipped, too, and the twist was not narrow enough for me, so my hips hurt. I offered it for sale and the person who bought my Rebecca saddle (which she loves) came out and bought my EZ Fit. I sent her photos of the saddle, she she felt that the saddle was the perfect fit for Fanny. I was confused, as my barn owner was telling me it was not the right fit for Fanny. But because it bothered my hips, I sold it. My barn owner at the time was trying to help me find a saddle for Fanny, and even she was perplexed as to what kind of saddle would fit Fanny best. She'd never seen a horse that was so difficult to fit. We tried a variety of English saddles on her at the barn, and that's when I found out that there are some nice deep-seated English saddles out there!! Suddenly, I wasn't so opposed to English saddles anymore An opportunity came up for me to try a treeless English saddle from Europe, so I took it. It fit pretty well, but I still wasn't sure about my security in it. It was comfy, though, that's for sure! I had my Gaucho saddle for sale at this point, but there was little interest in it, so I couldn't buy this English saddle anyway, but at least I was able to try it. It is a Heather Moffat Fhoenix saddle with a cork-filled 'pad' that was attached to the saddle. At this point I am still using the Gaucho saddle, but now I have doubts in my mind as to the security of it. My new barn owner tried it out on Fanny and she said she didn't feel at all secure in it, but she's used to a Western saddle. However, after falling off Fanny in this saddle last week, I'm beginning to wonder about getting a nice secure Western saddle. I was going to try a Haggis trooper saddle, but they aren't terribly secure. If money was no object, I would like an Evolutionary saddle, the Caliente model, or whichever one they'd recommend. www.hillviewfarms.com/A-f%20Easy%20Slide%20Saddles.htm#THE CLASSIC CALIENTE
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 17, 2014 11:48:59 GMT -5
I like the looks of the Caliente, it looks a lot like a Tucker.
I've always ridden in western saddles. Have owned a lot of them, and my horses have never been hard to fit and neither have I. I did find the leather on some saddle fenders too be too stiff which caused my knees to hurt after a long ride so I attached the ez knees and fixed that problem. Wetting them and twisting them doesn't give enough rotation.
My favorite brands are.. Tucker Colorado Circle Y Billy Cook Texas
If I were going to buy something I didn't already have it would probably be a Circle Y.
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 17, 2014 12:50:32 GMT -5
Since I'm a Martin, I've always been curious how the Martin Western saddles are? Anyone ever tried one? I've seen there are roping saddles, cutting saddles, reining saddles, and barrel racing saddles. Which is best for trail riding? I'm guessing the roping saddles are the heaviest?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 16:44:16 GMT -5
I confess...I've owned lots of saddles. I don't own many any more, but I used to have a problem. LOL. I started riding in a Collegiate Senior even saddle. When I switched to western, I bought a Billy Cook. We actually bought two of them. My daughter sold hers several years ago, and I sold mine a year and a half ago. I LOVED that saddle, but it was a 16" seat, and I lost some weight and it was way too big for me. I would have purchased the same thing in a smaller seat size, but they didn't make it. Here it is: I was on the hunt for a 14" seat saddle with a little silver just in case I ever wanted to show again. Plus, I really like a pleasure saddle that puts me in a good "position". I looked and looked and tried many different saddles. I tried Herefords, Circle Y's, etc. I was just about to give up when friend offered me her daughter's old show saddle. I rode in it and knew it was perfect for me. It's a 14" Alamo Youth saddle. I have never liked that brand, but did some research, and a lot of people buy these saddles for their kids to show in breed shows. They find them to be good quality. So...I bought it and I LOVE it! This isn't the best picture, but you get the idea. I switched these two saddle pictures. The first one is the one I use now. I also really feel that the saddle pad is as important as the saddle. I used to ride in five star pads, but was recently introduced to Csi saddle pads. I just LOVE them. I'll never ride in anything else. LOL...until something better comes along. I'm also really loving the new painted headstalls. Here is a picture of Angel's. The hearts are sparkly. LOL.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 17:00:34 GMT -5
I should add....we actually have 5 saddles right now. I only ride in one. I also have a borrowed pony saddle for my granddaughter that sometimes I put on a horse for her. Other times, she just rides in mine. I should really get rid of a couple of the unused saddles. Here is a picture of Gracie's new head stall. I haven't been able to try it on her yet due to weather. Also...if I could have any saddle I wanted, I'd buy this one. It's a Circle Y Flex tree that Julie Goodnight rides in. I have no desire to ever show again, so silver is not needed. Attachments:
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 17, 2014 21:37:26 GMT -5
I know some people laugh at safety equipment (helmets especially) but safety stirrups already saved me once. On a trailride, my horse side-swiped a 6"x6" post that snagged my foot and stirrup. The horse kept going and dragged my whole leg backwards before the safety strap released. I'm convinced that I would have gotten fully dragged off the hind end of the horse and hit the dirt without the peacock safety irons. Too bad most manufacturers no longer make a 5" iron but they can still be found with some hunting.
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Post by horsespoiler on Feb 17, 2014 22:13:58 GMT -5
Kirk, saftey is a big concern for us. My DH and I both wear helmets every time we ride, even in the pasture. We also bought 2 eventing vests we always wear. They won't prevent every injury but hopefully it'll be bruises and not breaks. Plus we trail ride mostly and there are some tree branches that want to poke you. There are lots of rocks and down trees that I don't want to land on. A friend fell riding his bicycle and ended up with broken ribs and a punctured lung, needing surgery. I don't want that to happen to me out in the woods.
To be honest we have a multitude of saddles, not all being used currently. 16" Tex-Tan Hereford Roper (DH's) 17" unknown name Roper (mine) 15" Tex-tan Hereford vintage from a yard sale cheap 14" Tex-Tan Hereford our great-niece used it when she was about 10-11, the fenders have since dry-rotted but the rest is good,yard sale 17" Weaver synthetic 2 16" weaver synthetics These were our first saddles when DD lived with us 19" no name Aussie 17" Silver Fox English it's a cheap starter set, I want to try English but couldn't spend a lot to try it out. Nothing cost over $400, and the best saddles are used ones. It can be a struggle to find a good saddle you can afford, used works good for us. The only problem with the ropers is they weigh about 50lbs. The horse seems to get taller when you try to heave that up there.
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 18, 2014 0:59:04 GMT -5
I gave my hereford to my dad one day when he was visiting. He asked if I had a saddle he could decorate his den with.
When we first got the horses we bought 4 or 5 Western Star saddles, they are varied in styles, some padded, some suede etc. They were built well for an inexpensive saddle as well. Ended up selling the last one when we bought Matt's Abetta set.
Dakota's are nice saddles too, not as nice as the Tucker or Circle Y but nicer then the Western Star or the Big Horns. IMO Most cost 1/2 of what a Tucker does and twice what a Western Star does.
Hate the Wintec synthetic, Love the Abetta and the Weaver was also nice.
Bits I've used or owned are Curb, Tom Thumb, Mylar kimberwhick, a few different snaffles including my fav the Full Cheek, a couple different types of Mechanical hackamores, an indian bitless bridle. My favorite is the Full Cheek, it just seems to get more out of the horse and the one I'd never use again is the Tom Thumb. I wouldn't even sell it, threw it in the trash. Oh and that antique thing that was made in the 1800's.
Safety equipment...Prayer! say one every time I mount. Then I have a riding helmet which I don't hardly ever use now. I only use it if I haven't ridden in awhile and it's windy and Buddy's acting like a fruit cake...Hasn't been in a couple years. Or I used to always ride in one when I was working on the new horses.
Other equipment I use is the theraputic wool seat cover, the ez knees. Also have a couple of gadgets for mounting on the trail. Neither one worked.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2014 10:59:32 GMT -5
I'm the helmet police! LOL!!! I never ride without a helmet. I have a couple of pictures of me at horse shows wearing a western hat, but I won't even show without a helmet any more. ( I don't plan to show anymore anyway) My daughter had a riding accident that would have killed her if she had not been wearing a helmet. She argued with me about wearing it before she mounted that day, too. She was 18, so she figured she didn't have to listen to me. I stood my ground and wouldn't let her mount without it, and five minutes later she was in the middle of a wreck. It wasn't even a horse behavior thing. Her horse FELL DOWN at the canter, and she flew over her head, then the horse caught her feet and flipped her over after her face had already slammed on the ground. My daughter is an advanced rider, but nothing could have stopped what happened. Every doctor/specialist/surgeon said she would have been dead without her helmet. One specialist even used her story in a article he published for the medical world. He also went around teaching and training other doctors and used her story. So...yes. I use a helmet. Mine is getting kind of old, and although it hasn't had any hard impacts, I'm thinking of replacing it just to be safe. I currently ride in a Troxel Siera. I think it's ugly, but is more comfy than others I have used. I am thinking of trying out some different brands if I switch out to a newer one. Just in case. Attachments:
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 18, 2014 13:32:16 GMT -5
When I first started riding Paso Finos, my friend was adamant that I wear a helmet, have boots with heels and use safety stirrups. I found out later that the neighbor across the street lost her husband when her husband's foot went through a stirrup and the horse both dragged and stepped on him. After my close call and hearing about this tragedy, I'm a believer! Nana, you are so fortunate you stood your ground. Thank you for sharing as it's something we all need to hear frequently as a reminder. I'm so glad your daughter chose to wear her helmet!
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 18, 2014 15:01:20 GMT -5
I never mount a horse without wearing western boots. I ride in ariats with the heel. I've gone through some tough terrain and been squeezed into some trees and posts etc. A couple times my foot's been shoved pretty hard into the stirrup I know what could happen without boots. My kids don't ride without boots either, the exception is only if they're riding bareback. Matt used to ride bareback a lot and without stirrups I did allow him to ride in shoes.
I've never forced him to wear a helmet. It's a personal choice one we discussed and dismissed. Matt has always been athletic and took to riding like he'd done it all his life. And when we weighed the horse he was riding the terrain we rode in and his ability we didn't see a need. In the prairie there's sand and sage brush.
My niece is a different story. She is not athletic she is not a skilled rider (may never be) she's got short legs and she's not balanced. She's not a confident rider. She doesn't go near Boomer without boots and helmet. I bought her a Troxel as well. She's been told if she forgets her helmet when we go somewhere then she'll have to sit in the truck till we return. She's never forgotten her helmet.
Cyndi, when Buddy spooked today I thought of you. I would have come off if I hadn't had the western pommel to grab with my thigh. If I'd been riding in an english or bareback saddle I'd have hit the road.
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Post by cyndi on Feb 18, 2014 16:23:21 GMT -5
I wear a helmet. Shortly after getting Fanny, I came off her on asphalt and cracked the helmet. Sure am thankful I was wearing one.
I wear a Tipperary Sportage, mostly because I have a small head and it's the most comfy helmet I've tried on. I'm not sure if I wear an adult small, or if it's a youth helmet.
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wjminwi
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"Begin to know Him now and never finish."
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Post by wjminwi on Feb 18, 2014 16:24:36 GMT -5
Hi gang! I haven't been in for awhile. Thought about posting on the thread about budgets, but just thinking about it makes my head hurt! Decided it would be easier to chat about tack :-) Right now I have a basic Wintec dressage saddle. LOVE it and Scout seems to like it too. So light and easy to use. I also have a wooly English saddle pad, wooly girth and a matching breast collar that I always use. And my bridle is a black leather, plain western one. I wear a Tipperary Sportage helmet. My look is kind of "mutt", but I like it. I'm not western or English, never show, just have fun with my horse on trails, so other than things kind of matching, I don't care about tack too much. I have black Ariat Terrain boots too, but soon will need some new ones. I've had a western saddle and an endurance saddle in the past, and liked them both fine -- never, ever thought I'd end up with a dressage saddle, but here I am.
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