I'm thinking of buying this saddle.
I'll only be doing trail riding and a little jumping. (only enough to jump a small log or anything that would be in the middle of a trail)
And i'd also like opinions on the bridle and bit that come with it. Just curious about the quality and all! I'm going to be a first time horse owner, and trying to make sure I've good and dependable equipment.
As a first time horse owner I would look into a good quality used saddle. Anything new under $500-600 you are going to regret buying it. That saddle is very cheaply made, wont last, and I can guarantee that your horse wont like it either. Some brands to stay away from is king, circle p, double T and especially no name brands etc.
If you want a NEW SYNTHETIC saddle (they are cheaper than leather but you have to know what brands to look for) there are also nice brands like abetta, or cordora. They usually run around $350-$500. But these are built right vs the one you posted that isn't. Again you can find these saddle used for half the cost.
Some good LEATHER brands to look for are circle Y, tex tan, billy cook (the ones made in OK not TX) you can find them all reasonably price used like $300-$500. Obviously they can go higher on the price tag, but they are made to last. Where a good quality NEW leather saddle can run anywhere from $1,000 on up. Your horse will thank you in the long run when he isn't sore. I also suggest if you don't know your horses size to have a saddle fitter come out, they are very helpful and will get you on the right track!
To recap all of that: (it was a lot)
Do not buy a NEW leather saddle for under $500 its probably cheap
A good quality leather saddle can be bought for that price
A NEW good brand synthetic saddle can be bought for about $300-$500
A used synthetic can be bought for about $200-$300
Wintec also makes a decent synthetic saddle. If at all possible, I would not buy a saddle off of the internet unless you were able to try it on your horse first, such as a loan from a tack store or a friend. The MOST important thing is that the saddle fits your horse. Not every saddle will fit every horse. You and your horse will regret it if you buy junk. Unfortunately, a good saddle is not cheap, but it will last you many years. Tucker is another good brand for trail riding.
You should not purchase a bridle that comes with a bit. The bit needs to fit your horse's mouth. To measure your horse for a bit, take a piece of string and put it in your horse's mouth where the bit would sit. Hold the string with your fingers, as close to his mouth as you can get on either side. Without letting go of the string, pull it out of his mouth and measure the string between your fingers. That is the size bit you need to get. If the string measure 5", buy a 5" bit. Make sure the bit is stainless steel, anything else is junk and will rust. A basic D Ring Snaffle is all that most horses need. If you purchase anything other then a snaffle, please make sure that you fully understand the mechanics of the bit that you are buying and how it effects your horse. Some bits seem harmless, but can be very hurtful to your horse if used improperly.
Bridles come in all forms from leather to nylon. As long as they are stitched well and fit your horse, you can get some that are pretty inexpensive.
I am glad that you came to the Forum for help. Being a new horse owner, please, please, please, keep asking questions. Never stop researching or learning. Don't do something just because your friends are. Do what is right for your horse. Use the internet, the Forum, read books, get educated on the facts.
It was many years ago, but I do remember getting my first horse. I wish you and your new best friend many wonderful rides together!!!
You should not purchase a bridle that comes with a bit. The bit needs to fit your horse's mouth. To measure your horse for a bit, take a piece of string and put it in your horse's mouth where the bit would sit. Hold the string with your fingers, as close to his mouth as you can get on either side. Without letting go of the string, pull it out of his mouth and measure the string between your fingers. That is the size bit you need to get. If the string measure 5", buy a 5" bit. Make sure the bit is stainless steel, anything else is junk and will rust. A basic D Ring Snaffle is all that most horses need. If you purchase anything other then a snaffle, please make sure that you fully understand the mechanics of the bit that you are buying and how it effects your horse. Some bits seem harmless, but can be very hurtful to your horse if used improperly.
This is incorrect, copper is a good bit material as many horses like the taste and it encourages salivation. Sweet iron also tastes better and is supposed to rust.
Jumanji - You are absolutely right. Misa does not seem to have a lot of experience with tack, so I did not want to confuse her. I was trying to make a point on not buying crappy bits and should have stated that differently. I was trying to keep it simple and may have gone too far.
I figured that's what you were going for. Just didn't want her to see anything other than stainless steel and think she shouldn't get it even if it is a good bit material. :)
