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Dont you laugh at me! But I need tack help.

8K views 73 replies 28 participants last post by  smrobs 
#1 ·
Alright. I've had probably ten horses. Not once have I ever bought tack. They either came with it, weren't old enough for it, or I rode bareback as is my preference. I had hand me downs and freebies that I patched up and made do.

However, there was a patch of time in the military where I had no horses and sold or gave away all my stuff, so I'm slowly building up my horses and equipment. For Christmas I asked for a bridle, reins, and a bit. My dad offered to get it for me and I don't take gifts well so I'd like to keep it around 75.00

I ride Western and I'd like to possibly do endurance trails but until then I'd be doing backyard rides. I'm looking for sturdy, bridle and reins (prefer split) in medium or dark colors. I want a browband and I prefer no noseband. Flashy decorations are fine, no crosses though please.

I liked this set, but I honestly can't tell if it would be a cheap set and I know with an online sale it's a crap shoot but I thought maybe someone would have experience.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=230889796984&index=7&nav=SEARCH&nid=94945185565

Open to suggestions, but I have to work with my father who prefers to use eBay as he knows how to work it
XD
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#2 ·
Not sure of the quality of that. I am usually a ya get what ya pay for kind of person. I do like a good deal tho so I usually stick with brand names that I trust or research what I want in the store and look for it online less expensive. I do like quality tack, will last ya forever. Good luck.
 
#3 ·
ive gotten some pony saddles for my lesson kids from ebay that were pretty tough. i agree with nvr2many find what you like in the store and then find it cheaper online. Alot of tack stores (at least around here) have a consignment area, ive found alot of nice really cheap stuff there too. Happy hunting
 
#5 ·
You could try some Billy Cook, Weaver, or Reinsman tack - very affordable, will out live your horses if you take care of it - doesn't come with loads of bling and you can find it all over ebay, too! You will find loads of stuff that comes in 'sets' but I'd stick with the brand names above and just buy the pieces you need, even separate if you have to.

The picture you posted is that funky stuff that is glued together and feels like cardboard and the threads will start fraying within three months - I've had personal experience with this years ago!!:-x - it is mass produced and you'll see it everywhere. The leather (or whatever it is) is painted one color and the edges are painted black and the first time I got a headstall like this out of the box, I just sent it right back - i did actually keep one and use it, but then it lasted a whopping 3 months before it cracked and the paint started peeling. But that's just my opinion! But I had to share since you asked :-p :D.

You might need to bump your budget up to $100 but you can get some nice pieces if you take the time to shop - there is some good used stuff out there too. The above brands resell really well - something else to consider when you purchase new tack.
 
#6 ·
I would avoid it! I wanted a bling bridle a while back and got one off ebay, the leather was ok quality, but all of the buckles bent, the conchos didn't have chicago screws, they were held on with regular machine screws that were too long and poked my horse. The conchos were made out of aluminum or something because when I unscrewed them to put in shorter screws the backs cracked and came off.

I also tried ordering one that looked like the one you are looking at, I bought it second hand(because the first buyer didn't like it after they got it) The leather was really cheap and cracking before it was ever used. Oiling it didn't help, I resold it on ebay at a loss.

I've gotten some great deals on ebay, BUT STICK TO NAME BRANDS!
 
#8 ·
Asian made. Pass it up. The leather will begin to crack as soon as you move it out of the buckle to adjust. You need to look at headstalls that are $85 and up, and that doesn't include the reins or a bit. That should get you something made in the US and tanned in the US. The tannage makes a big difference. Go to Jeffers equine and check out the Stacy Westfall bridle. Decent quality with a little pizzazz. One can also get the matching breastcollar and reins in several styles.
 
#9 ·
Unfortunately, there is a reason why cheap tack is...well...cheap. Pretty much any set with bling on it that is running $30-$40 new for bridle and reins is going to be poor quality. The leather will be the worst they could use, it's often painted instead of dyed (so the coloring starts to flake/peel off after a short amount of use), and it is quick to dry out and crack in spite of any conditioning you do. Plus, the "silver" is some kind of poor quality plating that will flake and rust and tarnish quickly.

If you're wanting something blingy, you should look at big name used items. They aren't as expensive as new and they still have the good quality.

If you aren't needing anything blingy, you might look at these. They look nice and are great quality. It's what I use on all my colts and I can attest to their durability.
NRS - National Ropers Supply - Team Ropes, Western Wear, Horse Tack, Horse Trailers, Team Roping, Cowboy Boots & Hats |

As for reins, stay away from latigo leather. Those reins are cheaper but they are a lot flimsier than other types. They will stretch out easily and are easier to tear/break. Only harness leather...and a good pair of harness leather reins will generally run at least $35 by themselves.
These are the reins I use on all my bridles.
NRS - 3/4" x 8' Water Loop Ends Split Reins - NRSworld.com
 
#10 ·
Okay, thanks! I noticed Weaver also makes nylon sets, are those as durable as the leather? I'm not talking about surviving the elements and a heavy beating, I do take care of my things, but I like them to remain nice looking even after 20 uses. I don't mind spending the big bucks myself but I would feel guilty asking for it as a gift. ;)
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#12 ·
I agree it's wise to buy the best you can afford. Even if it's plain looking, you can always add the bling. Check out ebay for conchos or Tandy leather factory. I have a saddle that came plain with just screws. It's a very well made saddle but the fancy conchos cost extra. When I could afford it, I bought conchos and replaced all the screws. Now it looks very flashy. Be creative and add your own bling. Take some plain leather reins and make them special and personal.
 
#19 ·
@nvr2many I should have taken before photos, now they are just saddles with conchos. We replaced all of the screws on my husbands saddle with Jeremiah Watt conchos. The hardest part is finding the screw combos that take the screw back on the concho to the wood type screw in the saddle tree. The Leather Factory (Tandy) carries them.




I used a heart concho on mine.
 
#22 ·
Not sure on that one bridle - the pics aren't that great and I can't find that bridle in their catalog or in any past catalog...if it is Weaver, and you were considering it, I'd ask the folks to send you a pic of the brand stamped on the cheek piece...Weaver usually marks their stuff.
 
#26 ·
I'm so thankful for you guys, I would have ended up with 3 cruddy bridles right off the bat! I went ahead and dropped the seller a message and asked for pictures of the logo but I'm not holding my breath. The search continues! I found a few more I like so I'll post the linkswhen I narrow it down a little more.
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#27 ·
Okay, this one looks like real Weaver Leather. At least it has the tags! A few more questions. Does Weaver do these sorts of things in sets? Meaning would I be able to track down matching reins, or would I just be looking for a basic rein in a matching leather color?
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#29 ·
I don't know about WL specifically, but other companies sometimes do make them in sets and sometimes they don't. It looks like the person selling the bridle has semi-matching reins (same chestnut color with a pink concho) for added cost. You might write and ask them about pictures of the reins to see if they might be something you'd want.
 
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