Do you look for British made horsey gear?

[chestnutx]

Do you try to support the British equestrian trade when purchasing equine clothing/rugs etc..? I know that most people look for UK made leather work but what about the rest of the horsey stuff you need? Do you just go for the cheapest or is good quality UK made products important to you?

I've got a business idea knocking about in my head and I'm looking for some real feedback before I actually do something about my day dreams!

All replies very, very welcome and thank you.

 

[Capriole]

No not really. Other countries make good quality stuff too, and not all UK made stuff is good quality. I want decent stuff at a good price.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I like to buy English goods, like Walshall saddles/bridles, Aerborn etc. However, only if the quality and price are acceptable.
However some of the German made equestrian goods are fantastic, so, as long as the company is ethical, I'd buy the best product from abroad if an English or British product wasn't as good.

 

[rhino]

No, I buy good quality stuff, regardless of its country of origin. I seem to have collected mostly English leather saddles but German leather bridles and accessories Rugs are either Fal, Bucas or Horseware Ireland, because my experience is they are the most hardwearing ones. I mostly buy online and quite often order from abroad as even with postage, equivalent products are cheaper.

 

[twiggy2]

english leather products where price is good, always english leather tack, rarely anything else english as too expensive

 

[Echo Bravo]

Yes I do when I can, but they are getting few and far between. And as for Horseware they are made in China now you know.

 

[Mithras]

No, I buy what I think is the best product and how good the sizing is. So for clothing, that's usually Animo, Pikeur, Kingsland, Gersemi. For rugs, Horseware. Boots are always Italian Brogini. I also like Eskadron stuff. Some of the British clothing sizes come up huge and are very unpredictable, and the quality and fit just aren't there.

Bridles I like FSH although I do buy from Fylde Saddlery as well and use Ideal saddles. I will buy British if its good enough! But usually the better equestrian brands are German, with some niche Italian brands which seem to provide really well made products.

In clothing, the British brands seem to be more at the lower end of the market I think?

 

[MerrySherryRider]

In clothing, the British brands seem to be more at the lower end of the market I think?

Sad but true. Women on the continent know how to dress with style. We have a few good brands selling quality clothing but generally, I have to trawl through German, French, Italian and Danish websites for any thing really nice.