Tack Advice For New Horse Owner - Opinions Please!

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Fliss P-H

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Hi Everyone,

I've recently bought my first horse, he's a 16.1hh Slovakian Warmblood, 7 years old but very green. I've taken him completely back to basics and am re-schooling him from scratch so now we're starting to establish a routine I'm beginning to think about tack.

I've already ordered him a saddle, a synthetic GP with changeable gullet for the time being as he's still bulking up and I'm not sure what we'll be doing long term. I would like to buy a decent bridle that will last some years though and have come across the Elevator, Albion KB & Jeffries IR comfort types. Does anyone have an opinion of any of these? He doesn't seem to have an issue with the 'normal' one I'm borrowing currently but I'm thinking that anything that has the potential to be beneficial is a good idea?

I'm also thinking about bits and although have been advised to stick with a standard Loose Ring French Link, again I'm wondering if it's worth going for a sweet iron/copper one instead but in the same style. Same theory as above but would be interested in hearing your thoughts. I'd also heard that a double bridle used correctly might be a good idea?

I don't mind spending a bit for quality items that are going to last some time and would much rather go with recommendations as he's quite impressionable and I'd like to get it as right as I can first time if possible.

Thanks very much!

Fx :o
 
You sound like you've done some research already - on here you will probably get lots of opinions as there's not necessarily a right or wrong answer and anyhow, all horses are individual.

I would say, the best thing would be to get a good instructor, if you don't already have one, who can get to know you and your horse, your strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations based on you as a pairing.
 
I would get a proper saddle fitter out and get one that fits, not an adjustable one, unless a saddle fitter had actually fitted it.

As for everything else... I normally buy as much as possible second hand, apart from stirrup leathers.
 
Re: saddle fitting, see my post on here for the joy of a correctly fitted saddle (all for 30 quid). Now I actually WANT to ride.

It's an important point wench has made.
 
i have a jefferies premier bridle...horse will no long work well in anything else! i love it and it looks very smart! had it for at least 3 years and still looks fantastic when cleaned and polished!

a double bridle, i think is best left for those who need it i.e competing at a high level! if your horse is happy and working well in his current bit, why change it? no need to fix something if its not broken!
 
wench said:
I would get a proper saddle fitter out and get one that fits, not an adjustable one, unless a saddle fitter had actually fitted it.

As for everything else... I normally buy as much as possible second hand, apart from stirrup leathers.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, the saddle has been properly fitted by a saddle fitter and is really comfortable. I'll have it fitted again when the tree needs changing of course and am hoping to invest in something more specific in time :)
 
Thanks everyone for your responses, that's really helpful :) May well stick with a standard bit for the time being in that case, my theory was if it might be useful it's worth giving it a go but like you say it might all be too many changes in one go.
 
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