Wasted most of my money on saddles and saddle pads for two horses that within a year of purchase of the saddles/saddle pads, became unrideable. But who can see the future? The special saddle pads have moved on, but I still have the saddles. Maybe I will sell them next year.
Bits for Bob --before the trainer decided that a grazing curb was what he need and was gentle enough to suit me --I went through a bunch of high priced Mylar snaffles. I drew the line at a Tom Balding --bought Bob a similar bit for a lot less. Maybe some day. Meanwhile, I did recoup some of my cost of the expensive snaffles I did buy: about half.
Fly Boots --the one gelding who needs them has perpetual “dermatitis” ie scratches on his hind legs. Vet cultured and concluded that the horse has a somewhat suppressed immune system that makes him have this condition. He said he could treat it with antibiotics, but it would return. I put on a Vaseline and call it good. The fly boots irritate the scabs.
Other than that in the almost 60 years of horse owning, I’ve winnowed down what works for me and what I need. There is a 4-H tack sale each year near me and I take anything I haven’t used in a year there to sell (or give away) to the kiddos.
My most recent oops purchase was two pair of Canary Breeches I purchased at the start of the last hunt season. Very nice. But shortly after the purchase, I decided to give up fox hunting after 58 seasons so I will likely never wear them again as I’ve switched to Ranch Riding. Biggest draw back to wearing them is no phone pocket. I’d use them for just riding around here if they had that.
Other things --rarely use my shop vac, and don’t use my power washer as much as I thought I would. It takes two people to use --one to move the power washer from place to place and one to handle the wand. My little Amish workers (next door kids) asked if we could use it next week --they love it. So sure, we’ll probably get it out and wash the barn or something fun.