Horse Tack & Saddles

I want to start showing in hunter under saddle and english country pleasure, etc. No jumping or dressage. Do you think I should buy a separate bridle and saddle for shows, so they look nicer, or is it ok to use my same bridle and saddle that I use for lessons and training(Hunter bridle and all purpose saddle – both nice leather)? I clean all my tack frequently and they look almost new, so could the judges really tell a difference? Thank you!

Actually, most people only have a seperate show bridle, which is what i would recommend. Your body is covering most of the saddle when you sitting in it, so its not something they look at. Plus you want to be at your best in the show ring, so being in a well broken in saddle that your comfortable in is the key. I would buy a nice fancy stiched bridle just for shows, and ofcourse a new fleece shaped pad and your set!

Goodluck!

4 Responses

1. Amanda K Says:
   February 6th, 2010 at 8:35 am

   I have shown for many years, and as long as you keep you tack clean and oiled, and they look good for the show it doesn’t matter, just as long as the day of the show all your tack is clean and shiny, that’s all the judge really looks at. trust me i use my training bridle for shows all the time.
   References :

2. Socks Says:
   February 6th, 2010 at 9:15 am

   Actually, most people only have a seperate show bridle, which is what i would recommend. Your body is covering most of the saddle when you sitting in it, so its not something they look at. Plus you want to be at your best in the show ring, so being in a well broken in saddle that your comfortable in is the key. I would buy a nice fancy stiched bridle just for shows, and ofcourse a new fleece shaped pad and your set!

   Goodluck!
   References :

3. Due May 1st!! Says:
   February 6th, 2010 at 10:02 am

   I used the same saddle that I used for lessons and training, but I had a separate bridal for shows. The bridal is much more visible than the saddle, especially if you aren’t going to be jumping. Good luck with your shows!
   References :

4. Greg B Says:
   February 6th, 2010 at 10:33 am

   I always use the same tack for training and shows for several reasons.
   1. I don’t want to have money tied up in duplicate sets of equipment.
   2. I don’t want to clean two of everything.
   3. I don’t want to go into a show with different equipment that could potentially be distracting.

   If you purchase high quality tack and take care of it, it will still look nice for the show ring.
   References :

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