Repair or Replace ?

[burtondog]

Broke my favourite bridle (Kieffer Ergonomic) in 3 places when my horse and I took a nasty fall.

Was thinking of buying another but instead took it to my local saddlery who fixed it good as new. I'm thrilled for a number of reasons.......

1) is cost £16 to fix instead of £100 to replace
2) I haven't added to my mountain of slightly broken tack that I can't bring myself to throw away (well, it might be useful one day !)
and
3) I feel like I'm doing a bit for recycling.

When I mentioned this to a couple of people at my yard they thought I was mad for not just buying a new one. Would you repair where possible or always replace ?

 

[Solstar]

replace because i think the leather would be weaker if it was repaired, and it wouldnt look as smart!

 

[dozzie]

If it can be repaired safely, then repair!

And buy a new one for best!!! Ooops!

 

[hatters]

Repair it! Waste not to I think, and I like to save money!

 

[dieseldog]

I actually own a 'thing' for sewing leather. I've repaired several items myself so even cheaper than a saddler doing it.

 

[NewHeights_SJ]

wow, i'll have to remember that! Im sure the saddler would have said if it wasn't able to be repaired safely....

I'd be more likely to buy a new one, but in hindsight maybe i should find a good saddler!!

 

[izzyxxx]

what ever saves money if it is just as good and safe why throw money away

 

[burtondog]

Of course, if there was any question about the strength of the leather I would definately have replaced the whole bridle but luckily the breaks on the check strap buckle and both rein loops were clean. The rest of the bridle was fine and the mends are solid. I don't think anyone would be able to tell the new bits weren't original. The saddler even reinserted one of the 'kieffer' stamped leather loops on the check strap so it would match the other side.

I'll keep a close eye on it but I think it's as strong as before.

 

[burtondog]

I could do with one of those leather stitch thingys - I get my favourite chaps re-stitched every couple of years by my local shoe repair place and it's starting to add up. I really should replace them but they're just soooo comfy.

 

[WFL]

Can't you just replace the bits (e.g. headpiece) that broke?

 

[burtondog]

I could have replaced the reins but I didn't find anywhere that sold parts (like the check piece) for specific bridles.

 

[k1963]

Sounds fine , but a warning to those who have rubber covered reins - Please only have them re-covered once . I used to work for a saddler & after one replacement the stitch holes become quite large . The saddler used to refuse to re-rubber them - much to people's annoyance !

Some of the repair jobs he did were great ( mainly after falls ) & much cheaper than replacing .