Tack suitable for hacking

[Loch_ness_monster]

I have just got a new horse which I plan to do a bit of hacking on and just have as a pet. Would this be ok for a few times a week hacking. I am in the middle of no where so no chance of a fitter to come out. And it would be easier than getting everything separately!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horse-Ful...s=63&clkid=8018488415572944244#ht_7650wt_1025

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I have just got a new horse which I plan to do a bit of hacking on and just have as a pet ........QUOTE]

Um, sorry to be coming across as a bit head-scratching here, but horses are far more than just a "pet" and ownership will involve much more of a commitment than for instance, a budgie would!!! Sorry OP - I'm probably reading your post entirely erroneously.

Also, yes accept the problem of your being "out in the wilds" but as regards tack etc it isn't just a matter of buying a package and hoping it fits! Coz it probably won't. I'd personally be very very careful of synthetic saddles which say they've got an "adjustable gullet" because frankly one size DOESN't fit all horses and damage was done to my boy's back when he had one of these saddles with an adjustable gullett. If your horse is uncomfortable in his back he/she may well develop bad habits like bucking or whatever, plus you can cause long-term damage.

Re. bridle, you need to have one that (a) fits (sorry, obvious) but also need to think about what bit your horse will go best in.

Personally if you're not sure that you've got the ability to accurately judge whether a saddle will be a good fit or not, then I'd suggest you steer clear of buying a saddle off e-bay or anywhere on-line. I'd be inclined to ask around the local horsey community, hunt etc., as there MUST be a local saddler who could come out and sort you out with something????

What might appear a "bargain" might not be, if you buy something which doesn't fit your horse it will cost you far more in the long run...... plus you're running the risk of an ill-fitting saddle which will cause problems too.

 

[s4sugar]

CARP - rearrange these letters please.

Buying this sort of rubbish is a good way to damage your horse and possibly yourself. Where are you? -PM if you prefer - as someone on here may know someone competent to fit tack in your area.

 

[rhino]

Buying this sort of rubbish is a good way to damage your horse and possibly yourself. Where are you? -PM if you prefer - as someone on here may know someone competent to fit tack in your area.

Previous post says West Lothian - although I'm struggling to think of anywhere in West Lothian that could be classed as 'the middle of nowhere'

 

[meesha]

You dont need to spend a fortune - there are some good bargains out there - if you are unsure of bit ask your instructor/previous horse owner or go for a very basic snaffle - again you will need to know the size e.g. 5.5" (refers to length of bit) . Derby house have a sale on and you would probably get a good bridle and girth v cheaply but you will need to know whether you need pony/cob/full bridle (trial and error unfortunately but look at headcollar size for rough guide) and it will depend on saddle which girth length you need so best to get idea of saddle first. Stirrup leathers also come in diff. lengths but again get saddle sorted first - if you know anyone horsey you could ask them for saddle fitters name locally - just because you have a saddle fitter out (it will cost you for their visit) doesnt mean you have to buy saddle from them - find out what brand/width/seat size fits you and horse and them shop around on ebay for second hand.

Again with numnah or saddlecloth if you need a smaller saddle you may need a pny or cob size one or if 17" saddle upwards a full size.

Its worth spending a bit more now to get it right rather than go through 3 or 4 saddles/bits before you find one which is right for you both.

 

[Paris1]

Or buy the tack and find a horse to fit it?

Ditto the others, if you really want a one size fits all saddle perhaps a treeless? But bridle and bit you ate going to need to measure for.

 

[Archiepoo]

give the horse back and get a hamster

 

[meesha]

dont think that tack would fit a hamster either ! bet they are a bugger to find a suitable saddle - very round in the barrel extra extra extra wide !

 

[Archiepoo]

lol thats a thought! hamsters with saddles on!!! but then it would be really be a case of being under hamstered