Inexpensive stirrup leathers

[aplainbay]

I am finally in need of new stirrup leathers, and I was so excited to finally be able to order a pair of the Gary Mundy leathers which are so touted over here. Sadly, when I emailed him I learned that he is taking a hiatus due to some health issues in the family… :no: Wishing him and his the best.

In the meantime though, I still need a new pair of stirrup leathers! Is there anything of remotely similar quality for a reasonable price? I’m thinking I’ll just pick up a fairly cheap pair and hope that Gary starts accepting orders again somewhat soon… but in the meantime, they might have to pass at some local A shows. Any suggestions?

[beowulf]

[QUOTE=aplainbay;7969855]
I am finally in need of new stirrup leathers, and I was so excited to finally be able to order a pair of the Gary Mundy leathers which are so touted over here. Sadly, when I emailed him I learned that he is taking a hiatus due to some health issues in the family… :no: Wishing him and his the best.

In the meantime though, I still need a new pair of stirrup leathers! Is there anything of remotely similar quality for a reasonable price? I’m thinking I’ll just pick up a fairly cheap pair and hope that Gary starts accepting orders again somewhat soon… but in the meantime, they might have to pass at some local A shows. Any suggestions?[/QUOTE]

I have had great luck with all of my courbette leathers over the years. Relatively inexpensive and oil up beautifully.

[roamingnome]

I also emailed Gary a while ago, do you mind if I ask how long he told you he’d still be on hiatus when he emailed you more recently?

I’ve seen some fairly good deals on high-end used leathers on some Facebook groups recently, if not, Smartpak has some lined leathers for under $50 (I can’t comment on them tho, as I don’t have any!)

[roamingnome]

I also emailed Gary a while ago, do you mind if I ask how long he told you he’d still be on hiatus when he emailed you more recently?

I’ve seen some fairly good deals on high-end used leathers on some Facebook groups recently, if not, Smartpak has some lined leathers for under $50 (I can’t comment on them tho, as I don’t have any!)

[hunterrider23]

[QUOTE=roamingnome;7969900]
I also emailed Gary a while ago, do you mind if I ask how long he told you he’d still be on hiatus when he emailed you more recently?

I’ve seen some fairly good deals on high-end used leathers on some Facebook groups recently, if not, Smartpak has some lined leathers for under $50 (I can’t comment on them tho, as I don’t have any!)[/QUOTE]
Smartpak leathers aren’t any good. I wish they were, but they were just too plasticy for me. I had some m. toulouse lined leathers that I liked, but I can’t remember how expensive they were.

[Outdoorz]

I’ve got some Toulouse leathers. They’re a nice buttery soft leather. They are kind of hard to adjust, but other than that they do the job. I think they run about $100.

[french_fry]

Schneider’s is the best kept secret of budget leather goods. I think they knock Smartpak and low-end Dover out of the park every time.

Here are a couple of options.

[FoxyRoxy1507]

I have a pair of the smartpak leathers and they are amazing, ive had them for about 2 years and they have never stretched. Even my saddle fitter commented on how nice they are and they do not feel plasticy at all once they have been conditioned.

[Outdoorz]

Tack of the day has some Ovations from Yesterday’s deal still up (for another 45 minutes)…they’re only $59.

Edit: They also have Courbette leathers in 64’’ in the last chance coral for $50

[cswoodlandfairy]

I also have a pair of Toulouse leathers,I dislike almost all Toulouse item, but these have lasted quite well. I’ve had them about 3 years now and they are just starting to show some rubbing from my calf, of course only on one side, but they are soft and match my Voltaire perfectly.

[JenEM]

[QUOTE=roamingnome;7969900]

I’ve seen some fairly good deals on high-end used leathers on some Facebook groups recently, if not, Smartpak has some lined leathers for under $50 (I can’t comment on them tho, as I don’t have any!)[/QUOTE]

I have the Smartpak leathers on my dressage saddle, and have been really happy with how they’ve held up. They’re not as buttery-soft as my Bevals, but with conditioning, they broke in nicely, and have been wearing very well, no stretching. But I also don’t use them for jumping, which would seem to be much more likely to stretch them.

I’ve had the Courbette leathers, and they do wear well. Obviously, since they’re unlined, they do stretch, but I’ve got one that’s 15 years old that I’m still using as a neck strap occasionally, and it looks perfectly fine. If you just need something short-term, I’d certainly consider them.

[PNWjumper]

I have Beval flat buckle stirrup leathers on all of my saddles. They look nice and they’re nylon lined, so they don’t stretch ever…and I’ve sure tested that out! I finally just took my first pair out of rotation (15 years old, IIRC) because I had worn the leather off of the nylon in several spots and they were SO ratty looking. But still hadn’t stretched and were perfectly functional. It sounds like you don’t need anything that will last a long time, so that may be a moot point, but they are hands down my favorites. They’re kind of middle of the road, pricing-wise, at $99, but are well worth it!

[pattnic]

Prestige stirrup leathers are absolutely my favorite… they’re about $135 new, but I have actually purchased all of mine used and never paid over $60 or so (obviously, these would be ones still in very good condition). I’ve had my oldest pair for going on 5 years now (and they were used when I got them).

[sarcam02]

Toulouse leather are very nice for the price

[FoxyRoxy1507]

I have a pair of Toulouse dressage leathers as well and prefer the Smartpaks bc the Toulouse stretched out extensively

[aplainbay]

Wow! Thanks for the replies, everyone.

I ended up going with the Smartpak lined leathers for now. They seemed like the best option for the price. Hopefully they hold up well. If not – well, I’m still planning on ordering a pair from Gary, whenever he decides to start up again!

[QUOTE=roamingnome;7969900]
I also emailed Gary a while ago, do you mind if I ask how long he told you he’d still be on hiatus when he emailed you more recently?

I’ve seen some fairly good deals on high-end used leathers on some Facebook groups recently, if not, Smartpak has some lined leathers for under $50 (I can’t comment on them tho, as I don’t have any!)[/QUOTE]

He told me that he hoped to begin work again on a part-time basis within the next couple of months.

[Limerick]

Anyone know if Gary is working with leather again? I could not find his ebay store Gleathershop.

[Belmont]

[QUOTE=Limerick;8126462]
Anyone know if Gary is working with leather again? I could not find his ebay store Gleathershop.[/QUOTE]

I thought someone on here recently ordered… Check the buried Gary Mundy Leathers Brag post in OT. I could have sworn I just saw it resurface.

[hunterrider23]

[QUOTE=pattnic;7971844]
Prestige stirrup leathers are absolutely my favorite… they’re about $135 new, but I have actually purchased all of mine used and never paid over $60 or so (obviously, these would be ones still in very good condition). I’ve had my oldest pair for going on 5 years now (and they were used when I got them).[/QUOTE]

I had prestige and then when they stretched too long for me (I have a really long leg that’s awkwardly in between sizes), I got Toulouse, and to me the quality is literally so similar, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were made by the same people.

[Gnomeland]

I am ridiculously pleased with the quality of my GM leathers. Ordered them when I got my first horse and fist saddle, and they’re still soft and supple and going strong 5 years later.