Imported Leather.

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gemmagallagher

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My local tack shop has some gorgeous imported leather bridles with rubber grip reins for £25. I thought this was great because they look good quality and are generally attractive to look at but someone told me not to buy imported leather because apparently its not very strong and doesnt keep its condition.
So what does everyone else think? Does anyone use an imported leather bridle and if so what are your opinions on it. Unfortunatley i dont know the make of these bridles but will have a look next time i go.
 
I have a 'gallop' imported leather bridle, its the one which is a copy of the elevator bridle and its great for every day use. ive had it 2 years now and its still looking ok. The leather is not great quality but nothing has snapped yet and it only cost me £18 with rubber reins so a very good deal i think. I think part of the problem with imported leather is just people being snobby!
 
It will last, but will take a lot more time and effort to keep in condition. Cheap leather dries out very quickly.
 
Doesn't it depend on where the leather was imported from? I was told that Indian leather is inferior because it is not cured properly and is dangerous. One way to tell if it's Indian is to put the leather in a car on a hot(?) day. Leave it for a few hours and it starts to smell of curry.
 
I've had imported leather before and I believe you get what you pay for.

Imported leather never looks as good but for the price it is okay. Gotto agree about indian leather though, that fades, rots quick and stretches.

There is nothing snobbery about not buying equipment that is made from imported leather. What people buy is of their preference. I have bought imported and english leather and the english leather bridles have always been the better.
 
Thanks for your opinions guys you have all been very helpful. I may go for a little wander to the tack shop when i have some spare cash.
smile.gif
 
Just wanted to drop my 2 pennies in:

Kate Negus is imported
Jefferies is imported
Elevator is imported
Stubben is imported
Keiffer is imported
Passier is imported

Actually English leather is pretty much a tanning process made anywhere (not here as labour costs too much). Most stuff stamped 'Made in England' has merely been put together over here as not many people want to do 10 stiches per inch, but the Indians are great at it!

There seems to be a HUGE misunderstanding in the equestrian community. Look at the bridle, feel it and smell it - its the best method!

Remember very soft & flexible means more stuffing (German leather) and prone to stretching, English leather is stiffer but less likely to change shape, but requires care.

Reverse the leather and bend, if you see ripples appear that's a bad sign.

I spend my life sniffing leather!
 
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