I can’t seem to find anything on line that mentions the quality of their hardware, having either stainless or brass hardware. I got my breastplate used; even though I kept it clean, the buckles are chromed metal or something, which have deterioriated to the point of no return. The metal is actually sharp enough that it is starting to cut into the leather strapping. I thought of replacing the hardware, but the leather isn’t of the greatest quality, either. Just hoping to cut my search down!
All of my hunting tack is from Bartville Harness in PA. The buckles and hooks are still as nice as when the tack was brand new.
Mine is from Bartville, too. They are running a sale
From Thanksgiving until Christmas, so figure out what you want and maybe Santa will bring it!
The Nunn Finer hunting breastplates are excellent. We have his and hers and have been using them for over 10 years. They fit well, look correct, and retail for about $160. I would go with the original, all leather style over the faddish 5-point or elastic versions. If you set up a search on eBay you may be able to score one at a discount.
I believe that a number of the Nunn Finer goods are actually made by Bartville Harness. Agree with the others…Bartville Harness is excellent but really check your needed measurements against what they show in the catalog, as some of their stuff (bridles and especially the breastplates) didn’t really fit what I would call standard “horse” or “oversize”. I just special ordered my stuff. Well worth it.
I also got their rope gag cheeks…they ended being a multi-orange rope…just colored them with black ink permanent marker…looks great and very fox hunting appropriate. These we worked out the measurements but if I did it again, I would shorten the rope pieces.
Nice tip about Bartsville, it’s like insider trading…shhhh!
Jeffries also use quality metals in their bridlework:
http://www.ejeffries.co.uk/product/132370/BPHP/_/Plain_Hunt_Breastplate
I second Bartville. Its where I got all my flat leather goods for appointment classes in Sidesaddle. If you need anything custom they are great!
I agree Bartville/Nunn Finer sizing is odd! My horse-size figure 8 is too small for my 16.2 tb, and I had to buy a cob-size breastplate, which barely fits. He swam in the horse-size one.
[QUOTE=jconnors;5945025]
I second Bartville. Its where I got all my flat leather goods for appointment classes in Sidesaddle. If you need anything custom they are great![/QUOTE]
I second Bartville and their custom capabilities, but sometimes you need to show them an example. They made me a new balance girth this summer. And I currently am waiting on two others to be finished. If you order one, you need to figure it may stretch 1" +/-. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!
per the sale flyer:
10% off Discount Sale Dec 12-31
For mail orders they will accept orders from Thanksgiving - December 20th, and will start shipping sale orders on December 12th.
Their Flat Hunt Bridles are on a special sale of $81.35 for the horse size from Regular price of $91.05.
Bartville offers their tack in both Solid Brass or Nickel hardware… what do you prefer?
It was a LOOOONNNNG time ago, but Kathryn Tenney (Tenney’s Custom Saddlery in Zephyrhills, Fl) made a custom breastplate for the Ancient Appaloosa and, several horses later, it is still gorgeous.
