Summer Tack haul...

 It's been a great summer/fall for getting new gear! 

First up were a series of english bridles that typically go really cheap on clearance at State line every summer. These would be the Gatsby english bridles of various styles. I had been waiting for this sale because I wanted to get some Cob size ones. When they were selling for $22 I grabbed a few- these were Square Raised bridles in Cob size.

 With them I also ordered one in Horse size, and then a DaVinci Horse size Eventing bridle which was $35, and a couple 3 piece snaffle bits. The DaVinci bridle looks nice, and is very padded, but the leather is not as nice as the Gatsbys. We'll see how it does. 

These will be a more appropriate size for the colts that'll be up and coming in the next couple years.

How exciting it was to get these nice bridles so cheap! They seem to be a nice leather and for the price,  I can have fun training my colts with them. 

Later I ordered again just cuz it's such a great deal, and got 2 Figure 8 nosebands (Cob plain and Fancy stitched) of DaVinci For $8 each. These match the Comfort Event bridle I'd bought earlier, or I can put them with Gatsby bridle pieces.  In that order I also bought a couple of english pads for $6, lilac and purple. And a couple more Gatsby english bridles cuz they were still $22. 

I also bought a Suffolk Debut dressage bridle from Dover Saddlery, in Cob size, for $55.

 

 

A few weeks later I ordered again, this time it was Gatsby bridle pieces that were clearance at $5-8 depending on what what pieces they were. So I got several components to build my own bridles for even less total than the $22. (Although they don't have reins). So I used the Figure 8 Cob noseband for 1 and the rest I'll put together when I get more time. I also got a Plain Raised bridle in Horse size cuz it was on clearance for $19.99. I haven't even taken it, or the other bridle pieces, out of their wrappers yet. Update- here is one I assembled with the Figure 8 Noseband by DaVinci  and a 3 piece snaffle.  

And I still keep looking cuz there's a variety of horse breeds here now that will need thier stuff and it's finally to a point in life where I'm going to have it cuz I worked hard for it.  

In fact end of summer and fall so far has been nuts- I haven't been in the Studio much to go through Horse stuff and now I am feeling like I should get it organized again. Especially this new stuff, and the stuff I dug through to give to Luke for his horse. It's all just been sitting waiting. 

Other bits n bobs have been halters & ropes, and billets for saddles. 

About a month ago I found a nice saddle on fb and bought from a nice lady up in MN,for $400. It's beautiful and been well cared for. It has basketweave tooling and rawhide swells and cantle. Very comfy. I'll be using it as a go to since my old one can't be repaired any longer, or if it fit Luke's he could use it- but he ended up buying a used Circle Y that he loves. 

Lastly, I found my dream saddle last weekend and drove nearly 3 hours to get it.  It is a Rocking R. It's a Wade. With bucking rolls. It's medium finish.  With barb wire tooling. It's a 16" but the bucking rolls make it fit like my normal 15". It also came with its back cinch and a matching breastcollar- which was personalized " J L" but I don't mind- its the guys' initials after all. I plan to use it for a pattern too. 

Boy is it heavy duty, but it is SO NICE. 

My favorite maker, and a style I've wanted for decades (Wade) . Back when I ordered my Rocking R customs, this was to be my 3rd one. But life happened and I just couldn't afford to and then the company folded. They're back again, but this is an older one from years ago. 

It's been well taken care of, but I'll still give it a good cleaning when I get time this winter.

I also bought a saddle rack to hold these new saddles in the basement. Sadly it's wobbly but it'll do for now. 

Next summer there'll be a great new tackroom to set up and everything will have a proper place! I'm already saving pics of tack rooms online and watching videos of other people's tack rooms and DIY ideas.