I want a CWD or Hadfields bridle and martingale, but neither site shows an offer for nameplates. What are your experiences?
Experiences with…? Other companies?
j get all mine from Smartpak and install myself with a leather hole punch. Super easy, speedy, good quality! I find that ordering the “small” martingale plate is the right size for both bridle and martingale.
You can get nameplates all over, Dover etc. but most places won’t install them on stuff they don’t sell, in case it gets damaged in the process.
I have never been happy with installing my own nameplates. I always feel like you need the machine at the tack stores but there are none within many hours of me, so trying to figure out a better way and want one of those two brands!
Perhaps call them and ask if they could provide that service for you.
You could get the little discs to use temporarily and then have the nameplates installed when you’re somewhere where it can be done.
I personally cannot bring myself to put holes in high-end tack, so I just use the discs on my bridle and martingale. (My saddle is the exception.)
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I usually use the little discs- however my barn manager also attaches name plates to tack for people if you provide the plates- he does a great job. Maybe someone around you will have a talent for it like he does?
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I take mine to my local tack repair guy and get him to do it for me.
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I know how to install nameplates (used to work at a tackshop) but hate doing it. I use the little discs as they’re so much easier - these are tiny and perfect for initials: http://www.haltertags.com/products/i…ridle-tag.html. Plus, if I ever want to sell the tack it’s a lot easier without a nameplate or nameplate holes.
If you really want nameplates added and don’t want to do it yourself, I’d find a tack shop that does good work and call them to ask if you can mail your tack in to them for nameplates.
Have you contacted any of your local tack stores or tack repair places to ask if they will install a nameplate for you? That is where I would start if unwilling to do it myself. If they will not do it they are likely more than willing to tell you who will do it for you.
In my experience most are willing to do it, even on tack you already own if you buy the nameplates from them.
I recently purchased a nameplate from SmartPak that came with Chicago screws. I found a video on youtube on how to install. I used a drill to make the holes. I started with a small drill bit & had to increase the size in order to get the holes big enough to accept the screws. It was pretty easy & turned out great. It was the first time I tried it & would definitely do it again. I bought the halter from Dover, but Dover’s nameplates didn’t use the Chicago screws.
You can punch the holes and install them yourself, or you can have your local tack shop do it if they offer it. If you’ve never done it, I suggest taking it to a tack shop or seeing if your trainer or someone else who knows how can do it. I really like the plates from Springcreek Enterprises (bridletags.com) and Dover.
Personally, I prefer rivets over Chicago screws, especially on bridles. I used to ride Western (and many of my headstalls had Chicago screws), and those screws ALWAYS come undone unless you put clear nail polish on them. I also like my nameplates to be as permanent as possible (and have even thought about going with a leather stamp for an even more permanent solution). SmartPak does a leather laser engraving service on their bridles (though they don’t offer Hadfield’s or CWD) that is neat as well. Not sure if that could be done elsewhere.
The tags work great as well, and I use them, too. I like the 3/4" diameter solid brass ones.
I’m not sure if they still offer it, but I read on a thread on here some time ago as well that when they bought bridles from Olson’s, they installed plates on them for them as well. Olson’s does carry Hadfield’s, so maybe that’s something you could look into?
I’ve also heard farriers can sometimes install plates, especially the kinds with the escutcheon pins and burrs (I believe that’s what they’re called)?
When I bought directly from Hadfields they will accommodate.
I would call Quillin. They have the best quality nameplates with the deepest engraving, and I bet if you mailed them the tack they would install the nameplates for you.
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Although Quillin nameplates are beautiful in the beginning, I was very unhappy with how they held up, the ones purchased at my local tack shop were much nicer and continued to look good for years on my Walsh halters. My Quillin nameplate lost its shine and finish very quickly, despite being cleaned frequently.
Most local tack shops can put the plates on for you OP, if you don’t have one or a tack repair person, try a local cobbler or maybe your farrier.
Hadfields is great, I love their stuff!
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