Lets face it. There are the COTH snobs who go around tooting their horn about their latest $5,000 saddle, or their $599 bridle. Truth be told, there are probably more people who CANT afford expensive tack than can. Most don’t speak up, because they don’t want to be labeled as “that person” or be bashed because their horses’ well-being isn’t of ‘interest’ to them if they don’t own a $8,000 custom saddle.
Let’s talk about cheap tack that you’ve purchased/acquired that exceeded your expectations and why. I’m not loaded. I buy low-middle of the road tack, and upgrade as my bank account allows. I was just getting ready to upgrade my pony’s bridle, but I’m thankful I didn’t because I ended up trading her for a horse which needs horse sized stuff. Now I’m re-shopping for him, and that’s where the idea popped into my head. I’ll start.
My pony came with a brand new bridle still in the bag. I knew it wasn’t the most expensive bridle in the world (I want to say that the owner got it from dover maybe? and said it was something like $35). It’s a no name leather bridle. No stitching, nothing fancy. See it HERE. The bridle was soaked in neatsfoot oil for several hours and then conditioned. I then used it. And used it. And used it. It went 10 months between cleanings/oilings and it was the most buttery soft bridle that I’ve ever had. I gave it with the mare when I sold. Honestly, the one I acquired with my new guy is SO brittle. It DOES have some stitching, and chances are it’s a more expensive bridle than the one my mare went with, but I miss HERS!
Another example, is the foam half pad. The one that either has shims in the back to raise the cantle, or shims built in the front to raise the pommel. My pony was going through some body changes, and has an extremely wide shoulder for her otherwise dainty narrow frame. This was a $30 investment and it has been the best thing to perfect the fit of my saddle while the hollows behind her withers filled in.
$35 woof wear all purpose brush boots were my go-to’s for leg protection for her.
$15 no name leather standing martingale. Found it on e-bay. Unused. It was almost red. After soaking it in oil again as I did the bridle, it turned the same gorgeous dark reddish color my bridle did and looked magnificent.
$60 stable blanket (Challenge Brand–commonly found on ebay) best fitting blanket (70") with gorgeous purple plaid to match my super cute pony (the one pictured above). Best cheap blanket ever. Replaced surcingles but only due to a horse dragging it out of her blanket box and eating them. Otherwise NEVER ripped, never came off. Love that blanket and it’s now regretfully for sale since my new guy doesn’t love purple and is bigger.
M Toulouse Annice saddle with Genesis adjustment system: I was always leary of foam flocked saddles. Add that with an adjustable and any REPRESENTATIVE saddle fitter would tell you that you’re crazy. The THREE horses this saddle has been fitted to have all gone super happy in this saddle. It was evaluated by a master saddler. Though wool is of course always wanted, if the foam panels are in good condition, they CAN still form to the horse and create a perfect fit. The genesis system changes angle and width and for average conformation horses it really is a little blessing. I bought the saddle used for $600 and I’ve never regretted it. Of course I want a nicer saddle. A newer saddle. A $5,000 saddle. But it’s just not feasible right now. THIS is the saddle (before my super cheap foam half pad came in)
Just examples of cheapo stuff that really worked out.
What cheapo stuff has ended up working out great for you?!
