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Opinions on Tack? Hideous, or Beautiful?

2K views 21 replies 12 participants last post by  Corporal 
#1 ·
Hey everyone:) I'm new to the forum, and I'm wondering what you guys think of this tack set? I'm debating whether or not to get it for my gelding but I cant decide for sure. Thank you for your opinions in advanced!!!
 
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#4 ·
If you click on the link it takes you to the ebay listing. Honestly it's up to you. Personally it's not my cup of tea, but if you like it go for it. Showman tack isn't the greatest quality out there, but IMHO they're not complete junk either. I do have one of their bridles and it does it's job fine and I'm even looking at getting a bridle and breastcollar set from them, since I'm a tackoholic.

Here is the picture of the tack set she posted.
 
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#6 ·
Huh, I'm still not seeing a link in the original post...

Anyway, I agree with others, that's not really my style so I wouldn't buy it, but showman is a nice enough middle of the road type of tack. Not top of the line, but not junk either. If you like it, buy it :D.
 
#7 ·
I still don't see a link but if it's the same as the set shown it's nice. Not my thing but I like it.

I have a very similar bridle with peace signs but nothing in the cutouts.

The quality is fine. Like a lot of small strapwear don't fall behind in keeping it conditioned. I've had mine about 3 yrs now. No problems. Wearing very normally. I wouldn't be afraid to buy another if the price was right.
 
#8 ·
There's a western split-ear headstall in my shop that apparently was bo't in 1965 in Calgary, costing $27. Min. wage then was about $1.20 so it represented about two days work. Next year will make it 50 yrs old and it is still in good condition. That is the difference between quality tack and the cheaper stuff. Today, according to our min. wage this would cost almost $200. This headstall works out to about 50 cents a year to use.
 
#9 ·
I've got a few bridles that are over 20 yrs old. They aren't pretty anymore but still safe and sound. Couple of them are imports from when the Asian imports were just starting. My big beef with them is the finish paint they put on them. It cracks and peels and looks like hell after a few years. It isn't a stain that soaks in an truly colors the leather. The peace sign one I had seems to a true stain though. It is slowly becoming a rich, red brown like other American leather ones I have.

The light colored ones are the worst for cracking paint. One of my old bridles is a showman that is 20 yrs old now. I keep it around and keep it oiled for sentimental reasons. It belonged to my old standardbred mare and she and I put a lot of good miles on it. She's been gone 10+ yrs now. The bridle is still at the back door. The light paint is spotty, cracked and worn off and it looks terrible. I wouldn't be afraid to use it though. The bosal hanging from it is downright ugly now. The red color ran into the white rawhide and it's all discolored from age.
 
#10 ·
I've got a few bridles that are over 20 yrs old. They aren't pretty anymore but still safe and sound. Couple of them are imports from when the Asian imports were just starting. My big beef with them is the finish paint they put on them. It cracks and peels and looks like hell after a few years. It isn't a stain that soaks in an truly colors the leather. The peace sign one I had seems to a true stain though. It is slowly becoming a rich, red brown like other American leather ones I have.

The light colored ones are the worst for cracking paint. One of my old bridles is a showman that is 20 yrs old now. I keep it around and keep it oiled for sentimental reasons. It belonged to my old standardbred mare and she and I put a lot of good miles on it. She's been gone 10+ yrs now. The bridle is still at the back door. The light paint is spotty, cracked and worn off and it looks terrible. I wouldn't be afraid to use it though. The bosal hanging from it is downright ugly now. The red color ran into the white rawhide and it's all discolored from age.

That made me chuckle. I don't think I have much leather that isn't at least 20 years old as far as tack goes. Maybe off billets, cinch straps get replaced but saddles, headstalls, and reins are still good to go.:)
 
#11 ·
Most of my saddles are 70's and 80's vintage but they are not imports. I just didn't want the OP to think it's something that it isn't. They work for what they are but don't expect to leave it to your grandchildren.

I'm also kinda stingy. I'll wait on ebay auctions for months sometimes until the price is right.
 
#15 ·
Sorry that's what I meant. It was kinda late and I was getting tired when I typed that.

The English tack rider in me doesn't like embellishment on my tack, but otherwise I like it...except for the Chicago screws, which I have never cared for. If the price is right, buy it. You should own extra bridles bc you never know when your horse will get stupid and break reins OR a headstall along with the broken reins. =b
If only my parents would agree with that last part :lol: Currently I have about 16 bridles and only 2 horses. I'm putting a few more on my christmas list too. I don't even have enough bits, that I use, for all my brides. Does this mean I need to get more bits? :)
 
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#14 ·
The English tack rider in me doesn't like embellishment on my tack, but otherwise I like it...except for the Chicago screws, which I have never cared for. If the price is right, buy it. You should own extra bridles bc you never know when your horse will get stupid and break reins OR a headstall along with the broken reins. =b
 
#18 ·
Sad thing is I don't know if there is a cure for it. I have a 12 x 12 tack room that is getting to be very full. I have 6, 7 if you include the driving saddle, usable saddles and only 2 horses :lol: one of which is just now being started under saddle. My parents are getting very sick and tired of my spending. I don't know why though, since I pay for it all myself or ask for it as christmas and birthday presents
 
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