Quillin plates

[BroncoMo]

I have some used tack that I need to swap out name plates on, and some tack that don’t have name plates at all. Has anyone used Quillin plates on their bridles and martingales? They have 3/8 plates that they call bridle plates; is that the standard size for a bridle plate? Is that also the size that’ll fit a martingale? I don’t know why but I have this vision of the plate being way too long for a bridle.

On the topic of plates, does anyone put their farm/ranch/barn name? Or your name? First and last, or just last name? I have multiple horses who share show bridles so no point in putting a horse name on them. But my last name is quite boring, so… What’s standard?

[findeight]

Initials or first name/nickname only. Whichever is shorter. Farm names start needing a bigger plate unless you use ultra small engraving that nobody can see without their fishing out their glasses or a magnifying glass. KISS. When in doubt on size, measure where you want it. Word of warning, bigger plates are distracting (it’s not a QH show) and any size plate can rub a hole in something else if it rubs, particularly on the side of leather girths under the riders lower leg…don’t ask…never did figure out why that trainer insisted it be placed there and I was too new/dumb to see the obvious eventual result.

I put my bridle plates on the top of the crown piece (poll), martingale plates on the receiver side of the buckle right at the keeper so the loose end of the strap covered it, saddle plate centered on back of cantle and never, ever put another plate on a leather girth.

Anyway, 3/8ths sounds a little big, least for my bridle and martingale straps. YMMV, depends on your bridle size, I always had finer headed horses that wore a cob size and showed As and big locals up until about 6 years ago.

[BroncoMo]

Thanks for the input. Funny thing is one of them IS a cob bridle, and they’re all for QHs Though I grew up showing halter, so I do get the reference. What I had in mind for farm name was just using a portion of it. Say for example if my farm was Shadowbrook Farm (or something like that) it would just say Shadowbrook. But I think that may look odd. Just curious if anyone does that. If not, I’ll just toss that idea.

I never even though of putting them on girths, and won’t. I use neoprene so a plate on those would look odd.

I’m out of the country at the moment so I can’t measure my bridle and the plate that is currently on it. I may have to wait until I get back to place an order. But I’m antsy with time on my hands and figured I’d ask around. I love the quality of plates that are on my Quillin halters and would really like to use their plates elsewhere. Just can’t figure out if they’re too big or not :o

[findeight]

Every barn I’ve ever been in had the barn/farm name on the common/school/sale horse tack. Just the name, not " Farm", “Stable” or Equestrian Center". Engravers charge by the letter and it won’t fit well.

“Shadowbrook” in an easily readable font would do nicely.

[HJdaydream]

I like monograms (a lot :lol:) so I’ve been ordering stuff from the Swanky Saddle. They have a great monogrammed bridle/martingale plate that is the perfect size (IMO). I also like that it’s just my initials, seems more streamlined to me versus having your full name.

Check out my blog (link in bio) if you want to see what their work looks like- I have a pic of my monogrammed bridle and saddle plate. Very reasonable prices too!

[Saskatoonian]

My concern about the Quillin plates for bridles or martingales would be that they’re thick. I have one on my saddle and one on my stallion shank, just with my initials, and they’re great for that (and gorgeous), but you want a little curve to the bridle plate at least.

[pattnic]

As much as I LOVE Quillin plates (I have them on my halters and lead shank), I think for bridle and martingale plates, The Engraver (you can order through Beval - call them) is a better option. Quillin plates are just a bit thick. A 3/8" plate would be the correct width for a bridle or martingale; I just got one for a martingale that is (I think - I’ll have to check) 2" long.

The Engraver’s catalog also gives guidelines as to what size plates work well for which items.

http://the-engraver.us/html/catalog.html

[touchstone]

I really like plates from haltertags.com. Cheap and really high quality. I do my last name for most things. But farm name is also nice. I never do horse names for anything but halters.

[BroncoMo]

Thank you all for the input. I put in an order a few days ago for Quillin plates. I guess I shall see if they’re too thick. I had someone measure the plate that is on one of my bridles and it is 3/8 X 1 3/4. It honestly looks like someone may have cut it down before installing, because all the standard sizes I’m finding are 2 1/2 long. My take a bit but I’ll report back how the work