I just recently got my first horse and I'm hoping to ride him soon. I have a wintec sport saddle (not sure if it fits yet but hoping it will) and now I'm looking for a bridle and bit. I'm not looking to show and I don't have a lot of money to spend so I'm looking for something cheap but that still works just fine. The ones I've been looking at are $20-40 - is it worth it to get those? And I'm also looking for a French link bit.
You can certainly go with the economy leathers - they are cheaper but their downfalls are, usually, inflexible/stiff leather that no amount of oil seems to soften and shorter life expectancy due to poorer construction or cheaper materials (ie stitching thread, metal parts, etc.).
If you are not showing then look at new synthetic bridles (nylon is the cheapest) or purchasing a used one. This will let you have something for every day and then you can save up for a show quality one for those special occasions. If you're really lucky maybe the used one will be in great shape and double as a show bridle if needed.
It would be a good idea to measure your horse and the bridles before you buy. When I was just starting I was trying to save money too and found that all the headstalls in the price range I was happy with ($50 or less) were way too small for my horse.
Very high chance that something will be wrong/loose/break real fast on any of those options. The truth of the thing is that it is actually much more cost effective in the long run to spend a good hundred or so on a nice, good quality bridle that will last you years and years than two to three cheap ones that need replacing because they break.
If you know your horse's head size, you can find some really wonderful deals on Ebay and on local Facebook tack sale groups on good quality items.
I agree you need to know your horses head size at and over the poll, across where the browband will sit and length of cheek as every manufacturer uses slightly different sizing dimensions.
I however disagree that buying a good quality {leather} bridle that doesn't cost oodles of money will fail, or be cheap garbage... You need a serviceable bridle not something to use in the show ring...as your post states.
Personally, I like leather not synthetic or nylon for tack...that is a personal preference though.
So....
I liked your last choice of bridles over the others.
I also gave you a link to another tack source where many purchase nice quality equipment without some whopping prices.
This is a real store and been in business for many years with I found great customer service to answer questions and solve issues if you have any. I found their products were honestly described and priced accordingly...
Here is that link for a bridle and bit...of course they have many choices in a variety of prices, styles and quality. Name brands without the price usually associated with it. http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/3010/BE5014 http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/23B400.jpg
{you may need to copy & paste these addresses} Saddles Tack Horse Supplies - ChickSaddlery.com French Link Eggbutt Snaffle Bit
BTW... just so you know... I bought more years ago than I want to admit to (as a young adult) a "utility" quality bridle from this place for a huge $12.95 in leather.
To this day I still have that bridle, use it often and it is and was soft pliable leather from day one. Definitely not "English" grade leather but it works, is safe to use and fits a variety of horses I have owned and ridden over many years.
I choose not to use my bridles worth $$$ for everyday hacking or schooling. I find no need, period.
Oh,..the only thing that has happened to that bridle was 2 stitches came loose from a keeper strap...I have had the same happen to my show-ring equipment and worse.
I am hesitant to use places like Ebay or many online places that are not "real" stores...and I don't buy things used unless I can inspect the actual article carefully to make sure it is safe and not damaged or so worn it is soon to be garbage...
I would agree that buy the best you can afford in quality as good normally lasts better than cheap.
That statement goes for any material used to make your tack.
Whatever you purchase take good care of it, clean it, put it away properly and if something starts to go wrong get it fixed immediately to keep you safe while riding...
Happy shopping and welcome to horse ownership.
:wink:
I however disagree that buying a good quality {leather} bridle that doesn't cost oodles of money will fail, or be cheap garbage... You need a serviceable bridle not something to use in the show ring...as your post states.
Personally, I like leather not synthetic or nylon for tack...that is a personal preference though.
I agree. I've bought a number of plain leather, simple, inexpensive bridles over the years from Jeffers Equine ,never had a problem with any of them, and still use them today.
I was leaning towards synthetic until horselovinguy's post. Hmm. Maybe I'll see if my mom can help me out as a really early birthday present lol. I just had to get four new tires and I have to pay that back to my mom so I really don't have a lot to spend. I like the one you posted from chick saddlery... Just more than I alone can spend. I'll talk to my mom and see what she's willing to do. I feel bad asking for money since she's obviously just spend so much on getting the horse, but some type of bridle us sorta essential, lol. Posted via Mobile Device
I've gotten one of the "lower-grade" leather bridles like you posted. It isn't show quality, and I keep mine oiled about every three rides and it's lasted a pretty long time, and will definitely last longer. If you're wanting something quick and cheap they are probably the best way to go. Keep them oiled every once in a while and you shouldn't have a problem with them until you are ready to make a more expensive purchase.
-a very thrifty tack shopper Posted via Mobile Device
They are all "western", but if you don't tell the horse, he won't know. I don't own any "English" bridles. I had a couple of old Weavers given to me when we started riding, and 6 years later they are still in service.
I tend to like D-ring snaffles better, but then, I've bought so many bits that I broke down and got Mia a quick-change bridle. I've bought several times from VTO, and also from Statelinetack, and never had any problems. Mia's favorite in a snaffle is a Waterford, which some folks say is harsh...but she seems happy:
When I first started out I bought this bridle. Years later it is still one of my favorites and my go to bridle. It is black biothane. My only suggestion would be replace the chicago screws with conway buckles. Weaver Synthetic Browband Headstall - Mills Fleet Farm
For synthetic options that are affordable, will match your wintec, and last, try Two Horse Tack. I ride in their stuff when I do trails and it's great. Good prices, good product, and far better imo than cheap leather like Derby Originals or Silver Fox that tend to just fall apart. table { }td { padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-left: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; }.xl63 { text-align: center; }.xl64 { text-align: left; white-space: normal; }https://www.twohorsetack.com/default.aspx She does good sales and giveaways too
And congrats on the new horse!
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