New headstall with ridiculously short split reins

Drafty, I think that saddle could really use an oiling! See the rub marks from the stirrup fenders rubbing under the side jockies?

If that saddle was well oiled, there wouldn't be lighter colored friction marks like that. (When I break in a saddle, not only do I oil it well but I also rub the paste-type saddle soap on all the friction areas).

So I think if you give it a thorough oiling it will darken up a shade or two.

It's hard to tell from photos, but that saddle doesn't look like it's been oiled properly in a long time. Not that I think there is anything wrong with it......it looks like it should oil up just fine. But the "dry look" to the leather makes me think they never oiled it much.

It looks like a nice solid saddle though that should oil up nicely. I hope you are able to get it.

THR, I use Skidmore's leather conditioner on my bridles and reins (haven't gotten around to oiling either of my saddles yet). Would that be good for this saddle? My local tack guy swears by it for everything.
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Sell the short reins for ponies - if I hadn't already cut mine down, I'd take them off your hands. My paso is too short and compact for the longer splits, they almost drag on the ground.
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That's a good idea, bubbles!
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Ok. Here's the best pics I could get by myself.




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Yes, Skidmore's is awesome! It does a great job. I just use neatsfoot oil because it's cheaper. But Skidmore's will give it that nice waxy (for lack of a better word) feel without using both neatsfoot and saddle soap (like I do). So if you have Skidmore's that is fantastic.

The bridle is gorgeous by the way!

I always just use Neatsfoot oil and that will darken lighter leather a couple of shades.

I've honestly never seen a pair of 5' split reins. I won't go any shorter than 8'. The only exception for that was the pony I broke last summer. I had to use 7'ers while he was in the snaffle because 8'ers were too long. Once he was up in the curb, though, 8' worked fine and he was only about 13.1.

Since Aires is as tall as he is, I would go ahead and go with 8'. That way, you'll have plenty of length for riding however droopy you want to and still have plenty left over.

FWIW, I am currently keeping my eye open for a pair that are 9' long (expensive and hard to find) for when Rafe is up in a curb bit. Unfortunately, he'll probably stay in a snaffle for a fairly long time as I'll have to get a custom curb bit made for him.

Not bad for $40, eh?

Jen, I remeasured them and they're actually about 5'8" long. Weirdest reins I've ever seen.
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I find it weird that you got 5'+ reins with a headstall that is big enough for a draft/draft X???

I agree with the above, I would get 8' reins and pure Neatsfoot Oil in the sun will help darken.

Maybe they made a mistake & put pony reins with it, where did you buy it?