A horses first tack...

[SpotsandBays]

My boy is turning 3 this year, so will be keeping an eye out for some tack for him! Just wanted to be nosey at what you guys prefer to use for backing? Like what style of bridle and bit do you like to start them in, and what saddles you usually use (I’m thinking a T4 for adjustability - but whatever saddle I use will be fitted correctly by a fitter before I use it!).
And your reasons why? Any particular brands you like, or would avoid? I’ll be buying second hand as I imagine he’s going to keep changing shape for a few years! I have ideas of what I want but thought I’d check out what others use.

 

[Littlebear]

My boy is turning 3 this year, so will be keeping an eye out for some tack for him! Just wanted to be nosey at what you guys prefer to use for backing? Like what style of bridle and bit do you like to start them in, and what saddles you usually use (I’m thinking a T4 for adjustability - but whatever saddle I use will be fitted correctly by a fitter before I use it!).
And your reasons why? Any particular brands you like, or would avoid? I’ll be buying second hand as I imagine he’s going to keep changing shape for a few years! I have ideas of what I want but thought I’d check out what others use.

Mine is in the process at the moment and i am already on bit number 3! I have used an anatomical snaffle bridle with no noseband, no using a happy mouth soft bit, would recommend a full check or similar to help with the steering to start with. They are all so different aren't they. It is surprising difficult to buy an anatomical bridle with a plain noseband, there were around 3 decent options i found that didn't come with a flash or crank or weird and wonderful design on the noseband.
I have an old leather gp saddle that i have used to get mine used to tack it sits on mine fine but i do have a spare changeable gullet dressage saddle for as the shape changes, i am reluctant to back totally in the dressage saddle and if the gp fits ok when i start riding more will use that one, i wouldn't buy anything amazing for a while as the shape will change alot, i have deliberately used the heavier saddle to start with so he is used to the weight on as the changeable one is super light. Also started with plastic stirrups hanging and moved onto heavier ones. As much as you want to buy a cheaper saddle i would struggle to ride in something like a wintec gp, although its a personal choice you need to feel comfortable and secure also as well as it fitting your horse well x

 

[SpotsandBays]

Mine is in the process at the moment and i am already on bit number 3! I have used an anatomical snaffle bridle with no noseband, no using a happy mouth soft bit, would recommend a full check or similar to help with the steering to start with. They are all so different aren't they. It is surprising difficult to buy an anatomical bridle with a plain noseband, there were around 3 decent options i found that didn't come with a flash or crank or weird and wonderful design on the noseband.
I have an old leather gp saddle that i have used to get mine used to tack it sits on mine fine but i do have a spare changeable gullet dressage saddle for as the shape changes, i am reluctant to back totally in the dressage saddle and if the gp fits ok when i start riding more will use that one, i wouldn't buy anything amazing for a while as the shape will change alot, i have deliberately used the heavier saddle to start with so he is used to the weight on as the changeable one is super light. Also started with plastic stirrups hanging and moved onto heavier ones. As much as you want to buy a cheaper saddle i would struggle to ride in something like a wintec gp, although its a personal choice you need to feel comfortable and secure also as well as it fitting your horse well x

Thanks for the info!! Yes was definitely thinking a full cheek snaffle. I think I have enough bridle parts to get away with not having to buy one, but he would be subjected to second hand anyway ?. Nice idea about the stirrups, I have plastic and metal so that’s a good plan! I will be avoiding Wintec as I’m just really not a fan of them, but I don’t mind the thorowgoods so much! I’m a leather girl through and through but he won’t be getting a leather one until he’s older ?

 

[Polos Mum]

Bit's a very much trial and error so see what you can borrow to try. This time of year I'm in nathe straight bar smeared with black treacle which he loves so is now taking the bit from my hand when he sees it. You can ask your dentist what shape mouth he has and what size tongue - to give you a start.

Saddle - I popped on just to get him used to it one that fitted a similar shaped horse to him - maybe 10 times. Then I had a saddler come out with a range of second hand saddles and she 'fitted' him - best she could without anyone getting on. It was £350 for good quality English leather saddle that has been professionally fitted (ish), it will be worth almost the same second hand when he changes shape / when I'm on and can fit properly.

My plan is to keep swapping for second hand ones at least until he's 7-8 - who knows how many times that will be but I want him comfortable and me safe / secure. Like above I wouldn't break a youngster in a cheap synthetic saddle, when older second hand ones (which hold their value) are relatively easy to find.

 

[southerncomfort]

Hi,

I have an unbacked 4 year old Fell pony.

I've just introduced his first bridle which is a plain hunter bridle with the noseband removed (although he has tried the noseband a couple of times and was fine with it, but I like to keep tack as uncomplicated as possible at the start).

Saddle wise, I have just booked my saddle fitter to come out and see if the Wintec saddle i have fits well enough to use as a starter saddle. If it doesn't at least she'll be able to tell me what sort of saddle will fit best.

I fully expect to have to sell the starter saddle within a fairly short period of time as they change shape so quickly even in light work.

 

[southerncomfort]

Thanks for the info!! Yes was definitely thinking a full cheek snaffle. I think I have enough bridle parts to get away with not having to buy one, but he would be subjected to second hand anyway ?. Nice idea about the stirrups, I have plastic and metal so that’s a good plan! I will be avoiding Wintec as I’m just really not a fan of them, but I don’t mind the thorowgoods so much! I’m a leather girl through and through but he won’t be getting a leather one until he’s older ?

I've got 2 bags full of old bridle parts which I keep thinking I should get rid of. Was very pleased though as I managed to cobble a bridle together out of bits and pieces. ?

I'll get him something nicer eventually but he likes to have a good chomp and a chew on any new equipment so I was glad I didn't spend out on a brand new one!

 

[windand rain]

Thing is that although they will change a first saddle is probably the most important one to have as comfortable as possible so must be properly fitted. I always say the first saddle you have should be the best you cannot afford as thats the way it usually works out. Mine are bitted in a jumpers line bridle with clips to hold the bit. and an alloy bit similar to a turtle top neuschule

 

[Goldenstar]

I would get a micklem bridle the one with the ring on the nose .
They great for when you are the stage where you want to work on the ground a bit before you get on you can sort the tack in moment .

 

[SpotsandBays]

Hi,

I have an unbacked 4 year old Fell pony.

I've just introduced his first bridle which is a plain hunter bridle with the noseband removed (although he has tried the noseband a couple of times and was fine with it, but I like to keep tack as uncomplicated as possible at the start).

Saddle wise, I have just booked my saddle fitter to come out and see if the Wintec saddle i have fits well enough to use as a starter saddle. If it doesn't at least she'll be able to tell me what sort of saddle will fit best.

I fully expect to have to sell the starter saddle within a fairly short period of time as they change shape so quickly even in light work.

Oh yes I expect I’ll be buying/selling and having my saddler out very frequently!
My little one has worn a filly slip, so essentially a bridle just not had a bit yet, so I think I’ll try and find a similar bridle to the filly slip (simple cavesson)

 

[SpotsandBays]

I would get a micklem bridle the one with the ring on the nose .
They great for when you are the stage where you want to work on the ground a bit before you get on you can sort the tack in moment .

Annoyingly I sold my multi micklem last year as it didn’t fit my riding horse, I didn’t even think to keep it for this one! (Doh!)

 

[sbloom]

Saddle - don't focus on adjustability, imo so often a second hand wooden treed saddle fits so much better and can be shimmed up short term, and/or sold without much loss (sometimes even a profit) when the horse changes shape. And use a fitter you really trust, and have them out regularly, for a horse about to be started I would do a static fit before backing, then check it once trot is vaguely established, and then check at least every 3 months, or have you keep a VERY close eye on the fit and show you how to monitor it.

 

[ihatework]

Saddlewise, the best fit possible but accepting that they change shape so quickly it’s never going to be perfect. I generally go wider and pad/shim. It’s also really important the saddle is stable - so always use a breastgirth/plate. I had a TG T8 for a bit but it just didn’t sit well on much. I then bought a cheapo Bates Caprilli Jump and that won’t be going anywhere!! It sits well on everything I’ve put it on.

Don’t underestimate girth’s. My default now is the professional choice ventech.

Bridle wise I’m easy. Plain and simple to start with. I don’t get too worried if I need a jaw strap at some point, they are all different - some like the extra bit support/stability.

Bits are a minefield. Personally I start with a D ring lozenge and then tweak it from there. I tend to avoid full cheeks in the early stages as it’s one less thing for the horse to get caught up on!

 

[Polos Mum]

Don’t underestimate girth’s. My default now is the professional choice ventech.

Very true - my saddler suggested a stud girth for stability when breaking - it makes an amazing difference on a neighbours fat cob who's saddle was rolling from side to side.
They are easy to source second hand.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Saddle - don't focus on adjustability, imo so often a second hand wooden treed saddle fits so much better and can be shimmed up short term, and/or sold without much loss (sometimes even a profit) when the horse changes shape. And use a fitter you really trust, and have them out regularly, for a horse about to be started I would do a static fit before backing, then check it once trot is vaguely established, and then check at least every 3 months, or have you keep a VERY close eye on the fit and show you how to monitor it.

Fab thank you!

 

[SpotsandBays]

Saddlewise, the best fit possible but accepting that they change shape so quickly it’s never going to be perfect. I generally go wider and pad/shim. It’s also really important the saddle is stable - so always use a breastgirth/plate. I had a TG T8 for a bit but it just didn’t sit well on much. I then bought a cheapo Bates Caprilli Jump and that won’t be going anywhere!! It sits well on everything I’ve put it on.

Don’t underestimate girth’s. My default now is the professional choice ventech.

Bridle wise I’m easy. Plain and simple to start with. I don’t get too worried if I need a jaw strap at some point, they are all different - some like the extra bit support/stability.

Bits are a minefield. Personally I start with a D ring lozenge and then tweak it from there. I tend to avoid full cheeks in the early stages as it’s one less thing for the horse to get caught up on!

Oh bates! Forgot about those, I’ll put them on my list.
I was thinking lozenge, and good point about the full cheek!

 

[Tarragon]

I use an old treeless saddle for a first saddle. It is lovely and soft and just snuggles on.
Bit wise, I was told that a fulmer bit is nice as it helps to direct the head and is more stable in their mouth.

 

[SpotsandBays]

I use an old treeless saddle for a first saddle. It is lovely and soft and just snuggles on.
Bit wise, I was told that a fulmer bit is nice as it helps to direct the head and is more stable in their mouth.

Ok thanks! I’ll take a lookie

 

[welshpony216]

I backed a Arabian gelding. for a Saddle, I used a second hand Thorowgood dressage saddle. Try to avoid jump saddles, the seats are impossible to sit in if he has a explosive bucking rearing gallop spree. Dressage saddles or saddles with a grippy seat are best in my opinion-making sure it is fitted by a saddle fitter of course.

 

[SpotsandBays]

I backed a Arabian gelding. for a Saddle, I used a second hand Thorowgood dressage saddle. Try to avoid jump saddles, the seats are impossible to sit in if he has a explosive bucking rearing gallop spree. Dressage saddles or saddles with a grippy seat are best in my opinion-making sure it is fitted by a saddle fitter of course.

Thank you, yes was leaning more towards thorowgood. Interesting about avoiding the jump style! I’d aim for a Gp as that’s what I’m used to haha

 

[MissMay]

Interestingly I would never back in a dressage saddle, I want to be able to get off quickly If needs be!!

Bit wise I have 2 first (as in very first few days) I use a "baby bit" it's got little keys to mouth found it nice whilst learning and then move to a basic snaffle I quite like the stability of an eggbutt for the start as I dont want anything to interfere especially as I lunge before getting on so full cheeks is just an additional thing to get caught on

 

[SpotsandBays]

Interestingly I would never back in a dressage saddle, I want to be able to get off quickly If needs be!!

Bit wise I have 2 first (as in very first few days) I use a "baby bit" it's got little keys to mouth found it nice whilst learning and then move to a basic snaffle I quite like the stability of an eggbutt for the start as I dont want anything to interfere especially as I lunge before getting on so full cheeks is just an additional thing to get caught on

I agree, not sure I’d like to use a dressage either!
I haven’t seen one of those bits in years! Thanks!

 

[Shysmum]

Another vote for treeless! Shy changes shape, and would get me off at the slightest pinch of a saddle. I tried about 10 before I went for a Barefoot saddle, and we've never looked back.

 

[Palindrome]

Any simple well fitting tack will do. I don't use my best bridle to back as reins might be snapped or something rubbed or chewed. I use a simple straight bar rubber or Happy Mouth type bit. The saddle depends on what fits the horse best, I wouldn't turn my nose down at a synthetic or adjustable if it fits the horse's shape.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

I would get a micklem bridle the one with the ring on the nose .
They great for when you are the stage where you want to work on the ground a bit before you get on you can sort the tack in moment .

That is what I did with Mim - and a French link eggbutt because I happened to have one the right size and I like a French link to start with. I might have gone full cheek if she was fussy with her mouth but she’s so straightforward, she was fine. She now goes in snaffle or bitless in her micklem.

I also got a well-worn, lightweight polo saddle for her, and now she’s in a wintec GP or a barefoot Nevada. She’s a strange shape so I’m waiting for her to turn six before I get her a real saddle. ?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Any simple well fitting tack will do. I don't use my best bridle to back as reins might be snapped or something rubbed or chewed. I use a simple straight bar rubber or Happy Mouth type bit. The saddle depends on what fits the horse best, I wouldn't turn my nose down at a synthetic or adjustable if it fits the horse's shape.

Yes he certainly won’t be getting anything new until he’s much older! I’m thinking an adjustable thorowgood or similar initially ?

 

[sbloom]

Girths - very individual, for me the Ventech is too stretchy, I like elastic but firmer, 5he Dabbs waffle with elastic and the Stubben cord girth are pretty much unbeatable, for the way I fit.

Treeless - pros and cons generally, works for some but not all by any means (they can slip for instance, not great on a youngster), and for backing you may have to reback if you want to go to a treed saddle, quite common.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Girths - very individual, for me the Ventech is too stretchy, I like elastic but firmer, 5he Dabbs waffle with elastic and the Stubben cord girth are pretty much unbeatable, for the way I fit.

Treeless - pros and cons generally, works for some but not all by any means (they can slip for instance, not great on a youngster), and for backing you may have to reback if you want to go to a treed saddle, quite common.

Interesting! Never knew about the Rebacking! I’d personally avoid treeless.

 

[sbloom]

Interesting! Never knew about the Rebacking! I’d personally avoid treeless.

To be fair those I've seen have needed only a light rebacking, but not dissimilar to if you had turned them away. A treed saddle feels completely different.

 

[Breagha]

I used a hunter bridle with a NS starter bit, I bitted her with this bit (never used a rubber bit or anything) and never had a problem. I left the noseband on as she was shown. Saddle wise, started with a wintec changeable gullet but my tube shaped horse needed fixed saddles, so I think I went through 3 saddles and settled on a native pony one that was widened.

 

[FrostKitten]

When I got my mare I also picked up a Wintec 500 in wide, apparently, it fits really well according to my training livery. My mare is a 4yr traditional Irish Draught. For bits I have a sweet iron hanging cheek snaffle with lozenge which she goes well in.