Fancy new products don’t always work!!

[fr234]

Just thought this was interesting and want to here your thoughts…
Nowadays most riders are all using the new technology based tack and using gear they are given because they are sponsored but think about it… people promote these new innovative stirrups etc but actually they don’t make you ride any better! They’re there for the ‘look’
Charlotte Dujardin won gold in London 2012 using a pair on normal steel stirrup irons! And it goes for other things too for example these new fancy saddlepads thst cost a fortune! She used a normal white saddlecloth on Valegro at london 2012! He still won!
Just proves we’re all brainwashed into thinking that the new products work and that we all need them. I know I’m sticking to my old school stuff!!

 

[Ladybird L]

So true!
My saddle is a lot older than me… and it’s wonderful…

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I must admit I use pretty old fashioned stuff in general all my nuumed numnahs are brown and ancient.

I really dislike alot of the new design type bridles they look bulky and ugly most of them, I do like some of the more modern bits but still have and use some very old ones.

I do like new lotions and potions though I'm a bit of a suckered for those sometimes although still have my regular ones I have used for years.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

The times that people on this forum ask questions about 'Best yard boots', 'Best waterproof jackets', 'Best gloves' and others join in giving out various extremely expensive brand names who manufacture these clothes. I was at a yard where one girl used to arrive at the yard & you could see she was wearing over £1000 in horsey gear just to muck out, turn out, absolutely crazy, horses are expensive enough to keep without wasting money on over priced clothing. When I go down in a morning I wear a pair of jeans, can't remember the make, weren't expensive. My waterproof jacket is a Regatta I think. My boots are from a builders yard, a pair of rubber rigger boots, had them ages, they keep feet dry & warm & they have a steel toecap. I have got a waterproof set of gloves, I think they were around £20, you can't get waterproof gloves cheaply unless you fancy wearing 'Marigolds'. If it's really cold & raining I have a waterproof fur lined hat with ear covers that drop down from the top & I tie them under my chin. It's good, keeps me warm & dry & wasn't expensive. Why buy expensive designer clothes to go to the yard in, the horses don't care what you turn up in as long as you feed them, turn them out & muck them out.

 

[blitznbobs]

In 2012 Valegro wore a acavallo gel half pad with fluff retailing today at 120 pounds on top of the ‘ normal pad’ and I believe another plain one under the white saddle square… along with an equipe saddle… again not a cheap option. She regularly uses NS bits. I have ridden for years in normal stirrups but with my now dodgy ankles by flex ons really help and do make me ride better and tbh help me ride at all. bridle technology has come on to make tack more comfortable for the horse, this can’t be a bad thing. NS bits and the like, study the anatomy of a horses mouth and thus produce a more ergonomic shaped mouth piece eg , the verbidend is so clever if you look at the shape of it creating a dressage legal ported bit. whilst it is true that expensive kit is not necessary to say that it is not better is not And saying Charlotte won the olympics using cheap and cheerful kit is also not true (her jacket for example which is not exactly essential is at least £1000 to go out and buy and her boots no doubt similar)

 

[Bonnie Allie]

As a lover of innovation, I am thrilled with the performance of some of the new products on offer. My acavallo jumping stirrups are a game changer for my arthritic feet, my PH Stridefree saddles have really changed my super sensitive mare for the better, one horse for whatever reason loves the Micklem Bridle even though it’s ugliness and crap leather kills me.

Having said that my children were horrified when I went back to eventing that I pulled out my 20yrs old cotton saddle pad instead of putting on a matchy fluffy coloured jumping saddle pad. I explained it was super important I demonstrated I was not a johnny-come-lately to eventing, plus if I was rubbish at it, people would see my out of date kit and cut me some slack knowing I had not jumped x-country for years.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'm ancient, but I'm all for innovation.

However, I joked with another HHOer recently that I might have looked like an 'all the gear and no idea' rider when I rocked up for a two hour trail ride on what promised to be a very hot day .

But I was indeed super comfortable in the heat in my new-to-me Flexar riding tights, my technical tee shirt, my lightweight breathable Just Chaps summer cool chaps and my ventilated super lightweight MIPs Uvex Exxential riding helmet. I would have cooked in my more traditional riding attire.

My Bow Balance stirrups are a revelation, too, compared to conventional steel irons. I also love my Henry James hybrid rubber reins with stoppers - great for someone who keeps slipping her reins. Neue Schule type anatomical bits are another great innovation.

That said, I don't do matchy matchy at all and I prize my Numed numnahs.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with people who choose to spend a fortune on matchy matchy or the latest this that and everything provided it isn't detrimental to the horse.

 

[fr234]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with people who choose to spend a fortune on matchy matchy or the latest this that and everything provided it isn't detrimental to the horse.

I never said there is anything wrong
I’m saying it doesn’t make you ride any better and it’s all just trying to get you to spend money

 

[fr234]

In 2012 Valegro wore a acavallo gel half pad with fluff retailing today at 120 pounds on top of the ‘ normal pad’ and I believe another plain one under the white saddle square… along with an equipe saddle… again not a cheap option. She regularly uses NS bits. I have ridden for years in normal stirrups but with my now dodgy ankles by flex ons really help and do make me ride better and tbh help me ride at all. bridle technology has come on to make tack more comfortable for the horse, this can’t be a bad thing. NS bits and the like, study the anatomy of a horses mouth and thus produce a more ergonomic shaped mouth piece eg , the verbidend is so clever if you look at the shape of it creating a dressage legal ported bit. whilst it is true that expensive kit is not necessary to say that it is not better is not And saying Charlotte won the olympics using cheap and cheerful kit is also not true (her jacket for example which is not exactly essential is at least £1000 to go out and buy and her boots no doubt similar)

Totally agree With you on the bridle technology. But Charlotte only uses the products she has because she is sponsored by them. Half the time the stuff she gets given she won’t even rate and use thst much.
The point in my post was more about saying new matchy saddlepads and all that rubbish don’t make you ride any better

 

[catkin]

Ancient old bag here - have a mix of old and new. Love the new-fangled wide tread stirrups (great for creaky knees), lightweight rugs and raincoats, lightweight riding hat and gloves that don't slip on wet reins. My pony goes best in an old style bridle and cotton numnah but likes fancy-schmancy bits and girths, and my black show jacket is a hand-me-down that is older than me. If a new techy item works well for us then we are going to use it, otherwise nah.

 

[Squeak]

I think the real skill is working out which of the products are beneficial and which are just for show or even worse, which are actually detrimental. Some of the new tack etc is great and really does benefit the horse and some of the clothes really are so much more comfortable and easy than some of the older stuff (anyone want to go back to ironing competition shirts and dry cleaning jackets?! - admittedly my hacking jacket still does have to be dry cleaned...). Some of the old stuff is tried and tested and is also great.

Some of it is just for show and that's fine if that's what you want it for as long as you know that's what it's for and also as long as it's not to the detriment of the horse. I think the introduction of science to horse equipment is way overdue.

 

[fr234]

I think the real skill is working out which of the products are beneficial and which are just for show or even worse, which are actually detrimental. Some of the new tack etc is great and really does benefit the horse and some of the clothes really are so much more comfortable and easy than some of the older stuff (anyone want to go back to ironing competition shirts and dry cleaning jackets?! - admittedly my hacking jacket still does have to be dry cleaned...). Some of the old stuff is tried and tested and is also great.

Some of it is just for show and that's fine if that's what you want it for as long as you know that's what it's for and also as long as it's not to the detriment of the horse. I think the introduction of science to horse equipment is way overdue.

Love this! Definitely agree with you. Don’t know if you’ve heard of Equitex saddlepads but they have mixed reviews saying they create sore backs and severe rubbing! And they’re about £300!

 

[fr234]

Ancient old bag here - have a mix of old and new. Love the new-fangled wide tread stirrups (great for creaky knees), lightweight rugs and raincoats, lightweight riding hat and gloves that don't slip on wet reins. My pony goes best in an old style bridle and cotton numnah but likes fancy-schmancy bits and girths, and my black show jacket is a hand-me-down that is older than me. If a new techy item works well for us then we are going to use it, otherwise nah.

Definitely fair enough! I agree about the gloves too! And my horse only goes well In a thin cotton saddlepad, it’s funny isn’t it

 

[Kaylum]

I am really funny about gloves and can only wear certain ones.

We have our own charity shop and I love the things we get in. A mixture of old and modern. Believe it or not the older stuff sells better.

Our customers say they have been looking for things for years and then find them.

 

[Cloball]

Since getting back into horses wide tred stirrups and riding tights have been a revelation I've converted half the yard to my stirrups. I wish riding tights had been around when I worked in Spain, the side pockets are a game changer. I fancy some of those summer chaps now

That said the majority of my stuff is second hand or gifts

 

[fr234]

I am really funny about gloves and can only wear certain ones.

We have our own charity shop and I love the things we get in. A mixture of old and modern. Believe it or not the older stuff sells better.

Our customers say they have been looking for things for years and then find them.

This is really interesting! We never really buy new show jackets and are still using one from the late 80s! They don’t make anything to last that long anymore!

 

[fr234]

Since getting back into horses wide tred stirrups and riding tights have been a revelation I've converted half the yard to my stirrups. I wish riding tights had been around when I worked in Spain, the side pockets are a game changer. I fancy some of those summer chaps now

That said the majority of my stuff is second hand or gifts

Which stirrups do you use? I have a mixed opinions on stirrups really haha! I agree with a couple and others I think are a total waste of money

 

[tatty_v]

As a lover of innovation, I am thrilled with the performance of some of the new products on offer. My acavallo jumping stirrups are a game changer for my arthritic feet, my PH Stridefree saddles have really changed my super sensitive mare for the better, one horse for whatever reason loves the Micklem Bridle even though it’s ugliness and crap leather kills me.

Having said that my children were horrified when I went back to eventing that I pulled out my 20yrs old cotton saddle pad instead of putting on a matchy fluffy coloured jumping saddle pad. I explained it was super important I demonstrated I was not a johnny-come-lately to eventing, plus if I was rubbish at it, people would see my out of date kit and cut me some slack knowing I had not jumped x-country for years.

I second you on the micklem - it pains me how crap the leather is and how tired it already looks when my bog standard bridle for my other pony looks as good as new after every clean, but my sensitive boy seems to prefer it so I soldier on

 

[TheHairyOne]

I am very glad development has given us a choice of rugs that dont weigh 8 tons wet and take days to dry!

Same with techincal fabrics for riders. Love riding tights and waterproof gloves that are thin enough to do stuff in.

I also have to disagree about the stirrups. I only got some fancy new ones as a present last year as I also didnt believe they could make a difference even slightly worth the price. I was wrong. They are so much nicer to ride with.

However, do I think too much stuff is marketed with dubious claims of benefits and as the thing to have to fix all your problems...yep!

 

[Squeak]

This is really interesting! We never really buy new show jackets and are still using one from the late 80s! They don’t make anything to last that long anymore!

I have tweed and wool jackets that are ancient but my go to these days is my new stretchy and machine washable one. I got it when it was on sale as I thought I could use it for smaller/ training shows to save the others and dry cleaning but it was a complete revelation and now I rarely wear the others! The old ones have their place (hacking jackets for showing etc) and are beautifully made and last well but the new jackets are definitely in my modern improvement category.

 

[black and brown]

I'm always quite sceptical about products endorsed by top riders. Too often I've seen them rave about how great a brand is only to change to a different brand endorsement a couple of years later. I believe that Laura Kraut used to wear Charles Owen hats but now endorses Samshield. When you are paid money you are going to give a positive review whether you truly believe in it or not but maybe I'm just a cynic!

 

[fr234]

I'm always quite sceptical about products endorsed by top riders. Too often I've seen them rave about how great a brand is only to change to a different brand endorsement a couple of years later. I believe that Laura Kraut used to wear Charles Owen hats but now endorses Samshield. When you are paid money you are going to give a positive review whether you truly believe in it or not but maybe I'm just a cynic!

Very true! I never trust top riders either.
I have always used Charles Owen and love them so can definitely rate them though

 

[blitznbobs]

Totally agree With you on the bridle technology. But Charlotte only uses the products she has because she is sponsored by them. Half the time the stuff she gets given she won’t even rate and use thst much.
The point in my post was more about saying new matchy saddlepads and all that rubbish don’t make you ride any better

I seriously doubt a competitor like charlotte would risk an olympic medal because of sponsership… she will choose the kit she thinks her horse goes best in and having two gel pads on is not the norm… no one ever said matchy matchy made you ride better but it is a bit of light hearted relief from all the other stuff — no one needs the latest fashion to wear we could all still walk round in linen / wool smocks and animal skins but fashion has been thing for a very long time.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

People could wear an inflatable clown suit for all I care, if you want to spend £800 on a pair of Hermes gloves to ride in then that's great, someone has to pump money into the economy after all.
I like some nice suede feel saddle pads as they appeal to the eye and sit nicely, I like fairly simple tack with wide poll pieces, and ergonomic cheek pieces so I think some things to provide benefits - like has been said on this thread, new mouth pieces, wider tread stirrups, air jackets.
Am I spending £300 on an Equitex though? Am I f***. There's scientific progress, and then there's taking the royal mickey.

On that note, has anyone seen the least user friendly £400 Hermes hoofpick?

 

[SpeedyPony]

Those who like technical waterproof fabrics- how do you  keep them waterproof? My wax jacket stayed waterproof (with a couple of reproofings) for years- it was only when it got holes in that it stopped keeping the water out, but modern fabrics, even the proper workwear officially waterproof ones (IP ratings?) Only last until their first, maybe second wash (if you get spendy).
I follow all the guidance, wash them with the recommended detergent, kn the recommended settings, reproof as they suggest- but they're no longer waterproof to the same degree, or at all, after a couple of washes. Any guidance? Or is it expected that modern coats only last ~2 years?
I have a blaklader coat that was brilliant for the first two years of its life, but is now sadly no longer keeping the wet out for more than 15ish mins

 

[Bellaboo18]

The times that people on this forum ask questions about 'Best yard boots', 'Best waterproof jackets', 'Best gloves' and others join in giving out various extremely expensive brand names who manufacture these clothes. I was at a yard where one girl used to arrive at the yard & you could see she was wearing over £1000 in horsey gear just to muck out, turn out, absolutely crazy, horses are expensive enough to keep without wasting money on over priced clothing. When I go down in a morning I wear a pair of jeans, can't remember the make, weren't expensive. My waterproof jacket is a Regatta I think. My boots are from a builders yard, a pair of rubber rigger boots, had them ages, they keep feet dry & warm & they have a steel toecap. I have got a waterproof set of gloves, I think they were around £20, you can't get waterproof gloves cheaply unless you fancy wearing 'Marigolds'. If it's really cold & raining I have a waterproof fur lined hat with ear covers that drop down from the top & I tie them under my chin. It's good, keeps me warm & dry & wasn't expensive. Why buy expensive designer clothes to go to the yard in, the horses don't care what you turn up in as long as you feed them, turn them out & muck them out.

You sound a little bitter It's her £1000 to spend.
What an odd thread.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I use what I like and what I find comfortable not the latest fad…

Flexons are comfy for my hips knees and back.

Thats the only reason I use them.

But my equidry was £180 my le mieuxs are £60 a pair tops £40ish boots £130-£180 jumper £60

Who cares

 

[criso]

Re the stirrups, a lot of the new and expensive designs are focused on safety.

I know people who got them after getting a foot stuck in a traditional metal stirrup.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I do like to look smart when I ride and I like and value technical fabric riding wear and adore my bespoke De Niro boots but don’t like obvious logos and bling. I only ever buy stuff on sale. Tack wise I have Horsemanship Saddlery bridles and bits and a Solution Elite Event saddle because my ID horses are young and there isn’t a culture of saddle fitting in Ireland. All my numnahs are NuuMed half wool and brown and vintage. I ride with bog standard steel irons but wouldn’t say no to a pair of modern quick release stirrups but dislike the ones that look like motor cycle pedals. So I suppose I’m not averse to technology but prefer a traditional vibe. Sidesaddle I’m 1900 - 1930 all the way.