I need to win the lottery...

Just me, looking at Blue Ribbon and Dale Chavez tack that costs more than my horse is probably worth.

Saddles And Tack | Blue Ribbon Custom Tack
Custom Western Show Tack, Saddles, Silver Halters and Awards - Dale Chavez Saddles

I adore the saddles where the entire horn is silver. And the clear rhinestones, guh!

And the Show Me Again western pleasure outfits...

Search results :: Show Me Again Enterprises

Why is western pleasure so expensive, yet addicting! Do people have a chance at showing without all these high dollar items? I've had fairly good success, but never competed world. They should make a "rent a saddle" company where you can rent silver saddles at shows... So beautiful.

EDIT: This would be my dream saddle: http://dalechavezsaddles.com/2010-cr...how-saddle.htm

It is really expensive, but it can be done! I'm far from being rich, so I've just really had to search for the great deals and save my money. I got a beautiful used show saddle by Bob's for $2500 from cowdogs saddles, and then most of my clothes I bought from ebay or from Show Me Again (usually in the clearance section). You can get some really great deals.

I have been showing on the AQHA circuit for many years, and I know of quite of few other people just like me, and you would never know by our appearance (clothes, tack, etc.) that we had to really do the budge route (of course, I will never be riding in a Blue Ribbon, but I feel Bob's is a good alternative). I have one friend who buys her shirts at the Macy's or Nordstrom sales, and she looks absolutely stunning with a shirt she bought for $25.00. So, don't give up! It is actually quite fun searching.

Duh da duh da duhhh, I am DROOLING over those saddles! So. Beautiful.
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..........*faints*

I like Hobby Horse's stuff, even if everybody has it. I was actually thinking of making my own rail shirt with their "Hobby Horse elements". It looks pretty easy... but I have no idea.

This is my get-up for shows:


It's pretty standard. Going to invest in sand chaps and pants one of these days. The saddle (Circle Y) has a decent amount of silver and stuff, so we don't look out of place. The outfit has served me well for circuit shows, but it's been about five years and probably out of style.

I could probably buck up and buy something like this
Hobby Horse Clothing Co. - Ivie Tunic Top, Carousel Collection (love the Turqua one) for showing in the future. It's pretty enough, but still wish I could afford to be drenched in rhinestones :P

That tunic is beautiful. I really like it.

And don't we all wish we could be drenched in rhinestones...Except...mine would be diamonds.

Some trainers do offer their clients the option of renting a BR saddle for a show.

There are several people who make great outfits at affordable prices. My showmanship outfit is from Pleasure Perfect, and a horsemanship shirt from Rebalyn.

Ordering a plain shirt and stoning it yourself will save you money. If you give a maker a budget, they will most likely do their best to work with it. If you have a great seamstress, you can buy the patterns from Suitability and make your own.

My trainer used to show APHA and she told me she usually bedazzled clothes for show apparel and rented saddles from other people . It can be done !
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Sure it can be done. I show AQHA, just got back from a week long AQHA show in VA; all the Congress and World Show winners were there. You don't have to shell out tons of money to "look" the part. My show saddle is a used custom Cascade Saddlery show saddle; made by a saddle maker than worked for Phil Harris. He left Harris and started his own business. My show clothes are custom made by a designer I have used for 12 years and I have never paid over $400 for a blinged out SMS suit, or custom chaps etc. You have to do some research and find the best bang for your buck, but with quality as the top priority. It CAN be done on a budget.

I have heard that Dale Chevez saddles are extremely uncomfortable. Sorry. Try Tack Trader, you will find a bunch of saddles for sale some high, some reasonable.