New Tack for New Horse, help?

Hi everyone,

I recently got a horse who is currently with a trainer until next summer. She's doing awesome, but she's going to be moving in with me come summer and I need everything for her.

All my horse experience has been with other people's horses, and I've never had to pick tack for myself. I have no clue what to do for saddles or bridles.

I do have a pretty good sense of what grooming supplies I need, but I don't know what good and bad brands are out there.

I'll be keeping my horse in a rope halter since all her training has been in one.

I intend to work with her doing very basic foundation work for western pleasure and trail riding. I have no intention to do shows. I just want both of us to be comfortable no matter how far down the trail we choose to go.

I'd also love suggestions for colors for blankets and other fun stuff.

I'm not the best at conformation but Cascade has a slightly long back and not sharply defined withers. She's a big, strong, drafty girl with good feet.

Any suggestions?

http://www.horseforum.com/members/31...-028-36052.jpg

Your mare is just beautiful!! I bet with her deep burgundy red roan color that deep forest green would be pretty on her, but that is just my choice.

For supplies, like clippers, I always found the Oster clippers to be the best and most reliable (I had the Golden A5 clippers). They make other grooming supplies too.

For saddles and bridles, I would talk to your trainer and see what she thinks. I've always believed in less is more, so I like to start off with bridles like sidepulls, or a mild bit like a Myler bit.
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I almost leased a red roan mare that was nearly identical in color to your mare, it's such a pretty shade of roan.

Keep us updated on her training, she's a neat horse!

Thank you!

I think deep forest green will probably be prettiest on her too. Thanks for the rec on the clippers.