I’ve always done Hunters and I’ve decided that I want to event one of my OTTBs. I currently have a jump saddle (that is not forward enough for CC) and hunter bridles.
Looking for recommendations on tack that I can ideally use in all 3 rings, if possible. I was recently at a trial and saw loads of people going in a Micklem.
I appreciate any direction!
If you’re just starting out in eventing at the lower levels, your hunter stuff will be just fine for all three phases as far as rules go. If you feel that your current jump saddle doesn’t have a forward enough flap for you to be comfortable on XC, you may want to look into getting a different one, but either way you would be legal to use it in dressage and SJ as well.
Micklem bridles are popular, and can be used in all phases as well. But as long as it’s legal, use whatever your horse goes well in!
You will need to invest in a body protector for yourself, though, if you haven’t already!
Add a vest and a helmet and you are all set for entering the world of eventing. As long as the bit you use for dressage is a simple snaffle, you’ll be fine. No need to spend a ton of money before you’re sure you’re going to really like it!
In eventing, it doesn’t matter what “loads of people” are using. Use the bridle that is right for your horse, a legal bit that is right for your horse and a jump saddle that fits you and your horse.
Your hunt saddle should be fine for the lower levels. When I started eventing all I had was my ancient Hartley Galaxy, which was flat as a pancake. I evented novice in it and schooled training. Eventually I had a saddler add blocks but that saddle was just fine.
You should wait and see how you like it before buying more stuff.
Whatever bridle you currently own also should be fine.
The only things I would invest in up front are a protective vest and probably a breastplate. The latter can be useful if you’ve never ridden XC – both as a way to keep your saddle from slipping and as an extra strap to grab :).
Give it a shot and have fun!
I’d definitely think about adding a breastplate but then I have a twitch about people running cross country without breastplates. Gotta have an ‘Oh-Shit’ strap, which my breastplate doubles as.
If you are worried about ‘fitting in’, buy a square white saddle pad. You can use the same one for all three phases.
And boots for the horse on XC are probably a good buy. The Woof brushing boots or something similar are a great choice for slower levels, and Professional Choice has a really good line called Ventech too, but stay far, far away from the Pro Choice medicine boots and anything of that material. No polos on XC.
Eventing is so often about your own journey just getting through all three phases - figure out the best tack for your comfort level. There are neck straps too for some of us! Even the boots and half chaps are fine for most dressage, others can correct for higher levels.
Have a blast! Hope all the eventers you run into in your neck of the woods are as friendly as those I have met as a professional beginner.
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