Recommended Saddles, Bridles, and Other Tack
ISABELLE BATES COMFORT SEAT SADDLE
OK, I admit this as well: I have custom made saddles. Again, they have lasted for years, fit me well, and fit most of the horses I've ridden well, too. But in the meantime, here is a saddle I recommend based on feedback from people I trust. It is the Bates Isabell Classic saddle, which has the deep seat most suited to female pelvises.
OK, I admit this as well: I have custom made saddles. Again, they have lasted for years, fit me well, and fit most of the horses I've ridden well, too. But in the meantime, here is a saddle I recommend based on feedback from people I trust. It is the Bates Isabell Classic saddle, which has the deep seat most suited to female pelvises.
MICKLEM BRIDLE
I have not used a Micklem Bridle, but I decided to include one here because I have heard good things about them from people who switched to this type of bridle, and social media discussions at reputable dressage websites are full of people singing their praises.
Designed by William Micklem who is an international coach, speaker and a bestselling author. He designed this bridle to fit the shape of the horse's skull, making it the most effective, most comfortable and the most flexible bridle ever designed
I have not used a Micklem Bridle, but I decided to include one here because I have heard good things about them from people who switched to this type of bridle, and social media discussions at reputable dressage websites are full of people singing their praises.
Designed by William Micklem who is an international coach, speaker and a bestselling author. He designed this bridle to fit the shape of the horse's skull, making it the most effective, most comfortable and the most flexible bridle ever designed
STUBBEN BRIDLES
Stubben bridles high quality. I've had them for years. But they are very expensive. Here is a selection of them from Dover Saddlery.
Here is a selection of quality bridles from Dover Saddlery that are budget-friendly.
Stubben bridles high quality. I've had them for years. But they are very expensive. Here is a selection of them from Dover Saddlery.
Here is a selection of quality bridles from Dover Saddlery that are budget-friendly.
Flex Hinged Stirrups
Flex Hinged Stirrups will help you develop the balance you need to prevent your feet from sliding "home". The hinge allows your ankle to flex, which also helps keep your leg steady as the horse's barrel expands, contracts, and swings when he breathes and moves.
Flex Hinged Stirrups will help you develop the balance you need to prevent your feet from sliding "home". The hinge allows your ankle to flex, which also helps keep your leg steady as the horse's barrel expands, contracts, and swings when he breathes and moves.
Ultimate Horse Longe System
A lower-cost alternative to the very popular Pessoa system. This system can really help horses with less than perfect conformation develop their musculature properly. I've ridden many different breeds of horses, and I've found that warmbloods just generally have an easier time at dressage and jumping because their conformation makes collection easier to achieve. But that doesn't mean horses that don't have ideal conformation can't compete successfully in these sports. They can. But we need to put a little more thought and a little more effort into helping them develop the kind of frames and musculature they will need to do the job. Here is a great article by Dr. Hilary Clayton on the biomechanics of different breeds.
A lower-cost alternative to the very popular Pessoa system. This system can really help horses with less than perfect conformation develop their musculature properly. I've ridden many different breeds of horses, and I've found that warmbloods just generally have an easier time at dressage and jumping because their conformation makes collection easier to achieve. But that doesn't mean horses that don't have ideal conformation can't compete successfully in these sports. They can. But we need to put a little more thought and a little more effort into helping them develop the kind of frames and musculature they will need to do the job. Here is a great article by Dr. Hilary Clayton on the biomechanics of different breeds.
Adjustable Elasticized Side Reins
Side reins are another way of helping a horse develop a strong topline and frame. I like this style because you can adjust them easily using the d-rings on the reins themselves (rather than having to buckle and unbuckle the reins as in other systems). I also like that they have elastic built into them so they "give" a little, which is more forgiving on the horse's mouth. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
Side reins are another way of helping a horse develop a strong topline and frame. I like this style because you can adjust them easily using the d-rings on the reins themselves (rather than having to buckle and unbuckle the reins as in other systems). I also like that they have elastic built into them so they "give" a little, which is more forgiving on the horse's mouth. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
Tough 1 Longe Line
There are lots of longe lines on the market. I have had this kind for years, and it is still in perfect shape. Notice the easy-release hook. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
There are lots of longe lines on the market. I have had this kind for years, and it is still in perfect shape. Notice the easy-release hook. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
Tough 1 No Bounce Stirrup Strap
This ingenious strap keeps your stirrups from sliding down and banging on your horse's barrel when you longe your saddled horse. No need to tie up your stirrups. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
This ingenious strap keeps your stirrups from sliding down and banging on your horse's barrel when you longe your saddled horse. No need to tie up your stirrups. Here are great tips on how to longe a horse to build a strong topline: How to Longe a Horse Effectively
Herme Sprenger KK Bits
In my experience, these are hands-down the best bits. The "lozenge" style is perfect for starting horses or for any level of riding that does not require a double bridle. Horses love them because they are so comfortable. They last forever; I've had some of mine for over twenty years. Here are some tips for developing an elastic rein contact.
In my experience, these are hands-down the best bits. The "lozenge" style is perfect for starting horses or for any level of riding that does not require a double bridle. Horses love them because they are so comfortable. They last forever; I've had some of mine for over twenty years. Here are some tips for developing an elastic rein contact.
WEATHERBEETA SADDLE PADS
I like these saddle pads because they are thicker than most of the ones on the market. They last a long time, and wash clean. They come in different lengths and shapes: all purpose saddle pad, dressage saddle pad, jumping saddle pad
I like these saddle pads because they are thicker than most of the ones on the market. They last a long time, and wash clean. They come in different lengths and shapes: all purpose saddle pad, dressage saddle pad, jumping saddle pad
Bates Stirrup Leathers
These get rave reviews from most people who try them. They look a little funny at the buckle end because they are riveted. But that's their selling point: They are designed to lie flat on the saddle, not bunched up under your thigh.
These get rave reviews from most people who try them. They look a little funny at the buckle end because they are riveted. But that's their selling point: They are designed to lie flat on the saddle, not bunched up under your thigh.
Derby Padded Leather Halter
Nice, thick, padded leather halter that can be fully adjusted to fit your horse. Buckles on both sides of the headpiece, on the cavesson, and throat latch. Throat latch is rolled for comfort. Don’t use a nylon halter on your horse. They melt on your horse’s face in case of fire, and they don’t break away in case of emergency the way leather halters do. A leather halter is much safer for your horse.
Nice, thick, padded leather halter that can be fully adjusted to fit your horse. Buckles on both sides of the headpiece, on the cavesson, and throat latch. Throat latch is rolled for comfort. Don’t use a nylon halter on your horse. They melt on your horse’s face in case of fire, and they don’t break away in case of emergency the way leather halters do. A leather halter is much safer for your horse.
CASHEL FLY MASKS
I like Cashel fly masks because they are designed to snugly fit the contours of a horse's head, which keeps the flies out. There is nothing more irritating to a horse than a fly that manages to get under a floppy fly mask and buzz around in there. They offer three kinds:
CASHEL FLY MASK, NO EAR OR NOSE PROTECTION
CASHEL FLY MASK WITH NOSE PROTECTION
CASHEL FLY MASK WITH EAR AND NOSE PROTECTION
I like Cashel fly masks because they are designed to snugly fit the contours of a horse's head, which keeps the flies out. There is nothing more irritating to a horse than a fly that manages to get under a floppy fly mask and buzz around in there. They offer three kinds:
CASHEL FLY MASK, NO EAR OR NOSE PROTECTION
CASHEL FLY MASK WITH NOSE PROTECTION
CASHEL FLY MASK WITH EAR AND NOSE PROTECTION
