Shetland tack

Pennyhp

Pennyhp

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1 September 2007
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I am trying to buy a saddle and bridle for my 3 year old standard Shetland mare.
She is 41" high and 42" long
My first question is how big a saddle is she likely to be able to take? 12" or would 14" be ok.

Also what bits have people found good for breaking.

Any suggetions welcome
 
14" maybe too big.

We have a 12" saddle (shetland takes 4'6 rugs so is VERY long), we use the thorowgood safari saddle, which uses a dressage girth. They're not pretty saddles, but do the job. If you look on www.shires-equestrian.co.uk you can get flat felt saddle pads too. Normal saddles are very very hard to fit to shetlands (due to their shape), though S milner and son saddlers in melton mowbray (01664 454839) make special little shetland saddles which are popular with the showing world.
It's hard to get shetland sized numnahs, we use a chamois leather, it stops the saddle slipping.

As far as bitting goes, you can't go far wrong with a french link loose ring snaffle. BUT, they have to be shetland sized rings and mouthpiece. Dinky rugs sell these. Normal sized bits will just drown shetlands. If you cannot get a french link loose ring, then an eggbutt might be your only option.
 
Thank you for the replies and the links too. I havn't come across the dinky rugs site before.

I think I will have to go for a 12" saddle and hope my bottom fits in it. I am 5ft 2in and quite small framed so hopefully it will work out.
I don't intend to ride her much, but I have to make sure she is safe before I put kids on her and will have to keep her in tune from time to time.
I am living in Canada and pony stuff can be dificult to get.
I can get the safari saddle so I will probably get that.

Thanks again

Penny
 
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