Shires or HDR bridles?

[alto]

[QUOTE=NurseHorsey;7430082]

What issues have you had with HDR saddles? I ask because I own one now but have realized that it 1) does not fit my horse properly and 2) puts me into a chair seat, so I’m in the market for a new one. I had never heard anything awful about HDR but never heard anything glowing either.[/QUOTE]
That’s pretty much it - occasionally you’ll see a lovely HDR saddle that has decent fit for the horse & good balance for the rider (but I’ve also heard some interesting stories from saddle fitters that have dropped the panels …)

Picked up some reins that were/are lovely, quality stitching & leather … they were “old” stock & most I’ve seen of more recent vintage are no where near as nice … look at a bunch of HDR product & there are always some rather nice pieces in the mix.

[NurseHorsey]

[QUOTE=alto;7430459]
That’s pretty much it - occasionally you’ll see a lovely HDR saddle that has decent fit for the horse & good balance for the rider (but I’ve also heard some interesting stories from saddle fitters that have dropped the panels …)

Picked up some reins that were/are lovely, quality stitching & leather … they were “old” stock & most I’ve seen of more recent vintage are no where near as nice … look at a bunch of HDR product & there are always some rather nice pieces in the mix.[/QUOTE]

I bought it because my older saddle was a $200 Lancer’s type quality that was 8 years old and I was going to be showing more, so I needed something a bit nicer. It was used and seemed to be in decent shape. Then I somehow ended up with a horse a week later and well, now I need something that doesn’t have the above qualities I mentioned lol.

The bridles overall have seemed to be better quality than the saddles. If I had the money now and wasn’t saving for a saddle, I would buy one of the monocrowns. The reins on my bridle have softened nicely but they of course don’t hold a candle to higher quality leathers.

[Dewey]

The Plymouth by Smartpak is very nice for the price.

Smith-Worthington also has some very inexpensive, sturdy bridles in their Bargain Barn.

[chestnuthunter]

To resurrect/update this thread, I bought the HDR figure 8 and really love it. Nicest bridle I’ve ever owned. Very soft leather, good quality sheepskin, classy little HDR buttons. I think my horse really appreciates the padded crown. The rubber reins that came with it were also very soft and immediately draped how they are supposed to instead of sticking up as cheap new reins do.

Can’t wait to test it out at the show this weekend

[Cabaret_SK]

I had a padded fancy HdR for my last horse as a show bridle (matched his saddle), and while it was ok, the leather is nowhere near as nice as my Bobby’s bridle. Much stiffer, and just overall not the same quality.

[CaitlinandTheBay]

[QUOTE=Dewey;7430983]
The Plymouth by Smartpak is very nice for the price.

Smith-Worthington also has some very inexpensive, sturdy bridles in their Bargain Barn.[/QUOTE]

My current schooling bridle came from SW circa 1985. It’s still in fantastic shape despite being heavily abused. I can’t say enough good things about them.

[gallopsquickly]

[QUOTE=CaitlinandTheBay;7429047]
Anyone have any experience with them? I’m looking for something to school in to replace the 300000 yr old flat hunter bridle I’m using now. I’d really like to keep in under 100- however, Bobby’s has a couple on sale for 160-175. So I guess my question is: Is Bobby’s leather twice as nice?[/QUOTE]
I think the best idea is to stick to a brand or type of leather you are used to. For example, some people take care of their tack differently and different brands tend to react differently. Personally, I like both Crosby (have one I got on sale) and collegiate as schooling bridles; I also have some friends who have had great luck with the shire brand and hear the company has fantastic customer service.