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873 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  nightowl24 
#1 ·
I'm looking at getting a few horses for the first time. I have always rode my cousins horses and used their tack. Growing up I didn't ask what type of bit or bridle or saddle was being used I just put them on an rode for hrs....lol.

So my question is for a guy that isnt a newbie ride but new to learning tack what would you suggest as a good starter bit and bridle? I've seen saddle I would like to get(very simple and sturdy). I don't have the horses yet so I'm looking in advance. Thanx for any and all responses.
 
#2 ·
You really want to get the horse(s) first, and then buy the tack. The reason is, not all saddles fit all horses, and not all horses ride well in all bits. So you kind of want to get the horse first, and ask the owner what kind of bit the horse rides best in.

Same with the saddle. Some saddles are narrow and some are wide, and it can be a LOT harder to get a good fit that you would imagine. Heck, even if you own the horse already, you can have a hard time finding a good fitting saddle. I think I went through literally 10 different saddles until I found one that was a good fit for my Mustang!

So, I definitely wouldn't buy the bit (although you can purchase a headstall and reins) until you find out what your horse needs.

And saddles, well, if you get a good deal on a used one that fits YOU, then you can take a chance on it, but you have to realize that it might not fit the horse and you will need to sell it and get a different one if it is poor fit.

The good news with saddles, however, if you buy good quality used, you can usually get your money back out of them.

So, if you want to purchase some items in anticipation, that is fine, but try to buy the items you can use on any horse, such as saddle pads, reins, headstalls, halters, leads, etc. If you get a good deal on a saddle or bit(s), just realize when you get the horse, you might need to purchase a different one if it isn't the right fit for the horse.

But most of us horse people have a lot of extra tack laying around anyway. You never know when you might need it. :lol:
 
#3 ·
Most bridles are pretty much the same. You don't want a double bridle, but besides that most should do that job.

The price range reflects the price of leather, quality of the fittings, brand etc.

Bits are very horse dependent. My standard starting out bit is a KK Training or other sort of double jointed loose ring snaffle. I use this bit in all horses that I get and generally it works fine, but its not for all horses.

When you purchase your horse ask what sort of bit they use. Remember to also keep in mind what level rider they are. More experienced riders have stiller, softer hands, and can use harsher style bits without them being harsh, where as not so experienced riders should have a relatively soft, forgiving bit.

I don't know what discipline you are riding, but remember the saddle has to fit the horse, its no use finding a saddle and then getting a horse because you don't know if it will fit.
 
#4 ·
Thanx for the info. I will be pleasure riding right now. No competition riding for me. Just want a few horses to ride on the weekend and during the summer. I hog hunt also so I'm hoping to get a horse that would eventually be able to take to the woods to hunt on horse back(I hunt with dogs and a knife no shooting off the back).
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