http://forum.horsetopia.com Post any comments or questions about tack, riding apparel and equipment here. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:33:05 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.horsetopia.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://forum.horsetopia.com http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118734-cart-sulky-owners-help.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:21:59 GMT I'm trying to find a cart/sulky for my horse to help him build his shoulders and hips up, plus it'd be nice to just hook up and run down to the store with mom :). I need some help with what to look for when I look at them, I'm going out tonight and checking one out, an old racing sulky that the guy said has a flat tire apparently. It's all wood, and I don't know what would be a good offer for it, he paid 100 and he wants to get that or best offer...I'm so lost!!! Help! ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment evelynwolfe http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118734-cart-sulky-owners-help.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118727-show-halter-construction.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:33 GMT Howdy, Does anyone have any advice on making Arabian show halters, either the braided one or the cable ones? Also, where would one purchase the... Howdy,

Does anyone have any advice on making Arabian show halters, either the braided one or the cable ones? Also, where would one purchase the necessary materials? thanks ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment txgirl http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118727-show-halter-construction.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118696-going-houston-need-tack-shop-help.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:01 GMT I tried to post this in the Texas regional forum but, I don't have sufficient privilege to do so.

I'm an English rider who will be making a weekend trip to Houston in December and I will have a bit of free time on the Saturday.

The reason I'm posting this is because I plan to go tack shopping but, don't really know where to go.

I have searched the internet and Charlotte's Saddlery comes up and it is close-ish to the hotel we're staying in.

Would you Houstonians (is that right?) recommend this tack store?

Is there another that I might love better? I really need to get the best bang for my buck as I'll likely only have time to hit up one store.

Thanks for your help on this!!! ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment chalsall http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118696-going-houston-need-tack-shop-help.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118681-reiners-reining-saddle-s-bob-loomis-saddle.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:32:27 GMT I hope to get some information:confused: as I am looking at buying a new saddle to show open shows in western pleasure horsemanship and trail. Have... I hope to get some information:confused: as I am looking at buying a new saddle to show open shows in western pleasure horsemanship and trail. Have heard good things about the reining saddles/trees/fit/ride friend owns a dale martin reiner and loves it. Can someone tell me the difference between the ride in a reiner compared to a equatation seat in my circle Y I also had a circle Y richard shrake resistance free saddle. I need a close contact as I have a hip problem. Looking at some Bob Loomis reiners made by saddlesmith of Tx ( they are on sale till 12-1 at several online sites) didn't see any for less than a grand but none over 1400 They have Aromr-tex tree what is that?? and how is that differnt than the ones in circle Y are they flex trees? What is the leather quality as I've never seen or touched a saddlesmith saddle I know about circle Y and billy cooks and tex tan just nervous about spending that much sight unseen Also the cinch system is differnt than mine with the 3 holes in the leather and no metal rings so it is somewhat close contact but not like the saddles with the cut out area under your upper leg any help is appreciated P.S. can't afford a new dale martin and this is close to what I can go $$ wise. THANKS ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment Joker http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118681-reiners-reining-saddle-s-bob-loomis-saddle.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118605-winter-blanket.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:50:16 GMT I've been told its a bad time of year to shop for a winter blanket seeing as they go on sale for way cheaper during the "off months". But what can I do, I only got her back in September. So I've been looking at blankets at Greenhawk which is just down the road from me and the only tack store I know in the area. I however have no idea what I'm doing. What blankets are good, what are bad etc. Though I'd probably have to first be able to actually touch the hony to measure her before actually buying one. I'm hoping the process will come along better when I move her closer.

I was looking at this one, is it any good? ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment AdoreDrafts http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118605-winter-blanket.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118570-talk-me-about-stirrups.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:17:30 GMT The stirrups on my current saddle are endurance type, which I like, but I'm guessing the weight at least 2.5 pounds each which makes hefting an already heavy saddle all that more challenging.

I was on a barrel saddle website and noticed that someone was selling special stirrups that were angled. That got me thinking about what the different styles of stirrups and what theory might be behind them.

So, tell me what you know/think about stirrups! ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment green.willow http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118570-talk-me-about-stirrups.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118566-english-leathers-western-saddle.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:11:43 GMT just out of curiosity can one put english stirups onto a westerna saddle? i would really like a western saddle but my knees cant handle the fenders. just out of curiosity can one put english stirups onto a westerna saddle? i would really like a western saddle but my knees cant handle the fenders. ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment petesmum http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118566-english-leathers-western-saddle.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118556-western-saddle-help.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:52:42 GMT The saddle I currently have I have had for over 5 years. It's a 16 inch barrel saddle and has sufficiently allowed me to ride my horse Daisy, I have noticed in the past 6 months or so pressure points from the saddle. After seeing it, I wanted to see what part of the saddle was causing her the most pain so I put it on her back naked - no pads or blankets and lo and behold there were two white spots, which is now making me realize that I must start looking for a new saddle. I hate doing this, there are so many and I honestly do not know what kind of bars to get for my horse and don't know how to properly measure her and there are no custom saddle fitters anywhere near this area, so I am basically in a hole with no way out.

So, I have been just browsing on Ebay and it makes my head spin just looking at them all! With all the saddles out there, what is the best kind of TREE to have? I looked at one I really really liked but it was fiberglass tree and reinforced fiberglass tree - it was a training saddle, which my girl is seasoned enough to not need one, but is fiberglass trees not recommended or are they just cheaply made? Or is a cheap material?? I won't be able to afford a top name brand, but my instructor said some of the more older solid made saddle, like the original Circle Y and if I'm lucky to find someone who wants to part with their Hereford's, this is just an example of what was suggested, but if anyone can offer some help it'd be appreciated.

My riding style is western and I ride mostly for pleasure, do lessons and maybe try to tackle some trail riding, but nothing strenuous for the horse. The horse is never pushed hard and I do mostly just walk and trot.

Can anyone offer some advice?? Thank you!

PS - none of the pressure spots are on the shoulders/withers or where the horn is. I'll get pics later, weather permitting. ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment Anzaah http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118556-western-saddle-help.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118553-help-can-anyone-identify-old-saddle.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:54:55 GMT Can anyone identify this old saddle. Just wanting to maybe know how old it might... Can anyone identify this old saddle. Just wanting to maybe know how old it might be...Thanks

http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/i...echicken_2008/ ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment martiekatie http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118553-help-can-anyone-identify-old-saddle.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118545-brown-black-english-saddle-how-bout-one.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:54:58 GMT I told hubby I wanted a new english saddle for xmas. I cant decide if I want a black one or a brown one. I normally ride western but I love to ride... I told hubby I wanted a new english saddle for xmas. I cant decide if I want a black one or a brown one. I normally ride western but I love to ride english as well. Which one would you get?

this is the horse that has to wear it:p


This is the english set I want. http://www.horse.com/English-Starter-Set-EKA30.html

What do you think? ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment HeatherSarah3 http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118545-brown-black-english-saddle-how-bout-one.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118544-brown-black-english-saddle.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:54:00 GMT I told hubby I wanted a new english saddle for xmas. I cant decide if I want a black one or a brown one. I normally ride western but I love to... I told hubby I wanted a new english saddle for xmas. I cant decide if I want a black one or a brown one. I normally ride western but I love to ride english as well. Which one would you get?

this is the horse that has to wear it:p


This is the english set I want. http://www.horse.com/English-Starter-Set-EKA30.html

What do you think? ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment HeatherSarah3 http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118544-brown-black-english-saddle.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118503-truck-trailer-advice-upgrade.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:51:22 GMT When I got back into horses five years ago, I shareboarded for a while then made up my mind to buy a horse, so I started with buying a truck, then a... When I got back into horses five years ago, I shareboarded for a while then made up my mind to buy a horse, so I started with buying a truck, then a trailer, then the horse. I think my plan went pretty well except for the fact that I got a trailer which is a little oversized for my truck. At least I kind of think so.

Truck: 2002 F150 5.4 Liter V8 "Triton" engine with factory tow package. 4x4. Should be able to haul 7000lbs (maybe it was 6500??). Had about $1200 worth of equipment installed to pull this trailer, including electric brake controller, hidden gooseneck hitch, and airbags to make the thing level while hauling.

Trailer: The only number I remember off the top of my head is on a sticker inside the trailer saying 3500lbs empty trailer weight. I don't know the details of GVWR or GAWR or GCWR.

Loaded Weight of trailer: I figure around 6000lbs. The horse weighs 1650lbs. I try to limit what else I carry, do not have it too loaded down ... one tack box, 2 bales of hay, a bale of shavings, a saddle, and some halters\bridles.

I do not take this out too often. I wanted to do local day-trips for trail riding and some overnight camping trips. Never materialized, and probably won't anytime soon. So the majority of my driving has been moving from one barn to another or recent trips to a Veterinary hospital.

I knew for sure the day I bought the trailer that I would never be headed out for mountains with it, but my trailer repair shop just advised me to limit the air conditioner use, keep an eye on the heat guage, and have fun. But in my recent trips I have noticed that for even slight (but long) inclines, I might drop from 55mph down to 45mph very easily, and the engine has to work very hard to keep up with traffic. I have also noticed that in high crosswinds, I can feel like the trailer is steering the truck. In addition, I have this constant worry that if I ever lose a tire in the back, I could be in for some serious trouble.

So now I have it in my head that I should upgrade the truck to an F250 or F350. I know I would also want diesel because of fuel economy and dually because of the gooseneck.

I simply cannot afford to put more money into a newer vehicle. My current one blue-books at around $9,000. So if I were to look for an F250 or F350 in the $9,000 range, I would be looking at getting something that's probably a mid-1990's or earlier.

For those of you who haul frequently, don't take into account how frequently I haul or the type of hauling I've been doing, just give me your gut reaction on:

a) Is this current setup what you would consider to be unsafe?

b) Would you pursue trading out the current vehicle for more power and tow features, but at the cost of being older equipment?

]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment Lady_MCSE http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118503-truck-trailer-advice-upgrade.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118476-seat-cushion-saddle.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:18:56 GMT I am used to riding in a roughout saddle seat, but my new saddle has a smooth seat. I find myself slipping around a little and I don't like it. Can anyone recommend something to alleviate this problem? I've looked at cashel soft seats and recently i saw something that looked like a neoprene grip style pad, but I'd like some opinions before I run out and buy the wrong thing. ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment Mav2007 http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118476-seat-cushion-saddle.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118475-saddle-pad-under-blanket.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:15:58 GMT I would like to purchase a saddle pad to go underneath a lightweight blanket. The western saddle in use has very little fleece, but the person who... I would like to purchase a saddle pad to go underneath a lightweight blanket. The western saddle in use has very little fleece, but the person who uses it really likes her blanket with fringes, but it provides little padding. I'd like to find a saddle pad that isn't too thick or too big, that will go under the fringe blanket, not look very obvious and provide some padding. A lot of what I've looked at is either way too thick or way to big. Any suggestions? ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment Mav2007 http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118475-saddle-pad-under-blanket.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118466-blanketing-weanling-yearling-horse.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:50:46 GMT ... ... ]]> Tack, Apparel and Equipment FlyinSoLow http://forum.horsetopia.com/tack-apparel-equipment/118466-blanketing-weanling-yearling-horse.html