the big test
A self-contained tack room, a space in the garage or a corner at the yard or wherever,, there will be all kinds of ephemera for you to choose from – bridles, lead ropes, cleaners and much more. If you are a horse owner you’ll be forever surrounded by all things tack related. In this issue our panel members have been testing all manner of items. Maybe you’ll see just the thing you need!
Tack, Riding Equipment & More Absorbine – Leather
Therapy Restorer & Conditioner
The company says: A blend of rich replenishing oils formulated to transform dry, hard leather to original flexibility and leaving no residue or moisture build-up. Works cumulatively as the effects are reinforced with each use because the mould and mildew inhibitors stay in the leather, not just on the surface. Ideal for bringing old, dry leather back to life and for maintaining your best tack, especially if going into storage or if it will not be used for a while.
473ml. RRP: £19.89
www.absorbine.co.uk
Our tester, Peter Bulman, says: Oh dear, drawn the short straw here! Cleaning tack - not the best pastime in the world! But hey, now times have changed, this stuff is a different ‘ball game’. No longer do you have to wet clean first but simply lightly spray the sponge with the therapy wash or apply it directly to the tack if very dirty - it lifts the dirt itself. Then simply wipe it off with a sponge or cloth. Shortly afterwards, apply the dressing with a sponge or cloth- VOILA! that’s it. A quickly refurbished bit of tack, an excellent job - thus left me plenty of time to write this. Fear not, take five and go and get that other tack cleaned
LeMieux – 3D Mesh Air Dressage Square The company says:
Combining the classic LeMieux Dressage cut and the latest in light weight technical mesh fabrics. The unique blast foam core is extremely breathable yet supportive and made with a lightweight perforated material. 3D Mesh is constructed for optimum temperature control allowing air to flow freely in multiple directions - and used widely in the manufacture of sporting equipment & clothing. This pad has the new Bamboo lining, which is exceptionally soft and performs in all weather conditions. Benetton Blue, Navy, Black, Burgundy and White. RRP: £49.96
www.horsehealth.co.uk
Our tester, Emma Woolley, says: This is an established brand renowned for its high quality products, and after testing this saddle pad, I can see why! As a rider I am always looking for equipment that fits well and gives the most amount of comfort to the horse.
The fixtures to the saddle pad have been well thought out, and the top fastenings that thread through the D ring on the pommel have a narrower middle area, so that it sits easily and neatly through the D ring. There are also a selection of ways to pull through the girth straps, ensuring that you can secure the saddle in the exact place that you want. As well as all this the product is a super material which provides wicking qualities, and is also just the right thickness, thick enough to be shock absorbing but not too thick to interfere with the fit of your saddle.
Harry Dabbs Saddle Makers – Waffle Dressage Girth
The company says: This soft waffle girth encourages airflow and prevents chafing and rubbing. Fitted with triple Cross-Over Elastic in order to spread the tension. The girth is shaped behind the elbow for maximum comfort and freedom of movement - it is also easy to clean! Black. Sizes: 20” - 32”. RRP: £45.00
www.harrydabbs.co.uk
Our tester, Clare Chappelhow, says: Lovely quality synthetic/elastic girth ideal for anyone training horses to have in their tack room as a useful bit of kit, plus goes through the washing machine and comes out looking new. I found the shape of the girth looking comfortable for the horses to wear, there was no girth rubbing behind the elbows with the sensitive skinned ones. I liked the equal pressure created due to elastic on both sides of the girth, below the buckles, so is good to girth up with and keep the girth symmetry on the horse. The extra rings, one each side and one in the middle, were handy when I was using an elastic training rein on the horse and wished to switch positions easily. Whilst out competing the only thing I had to find a knack of doing was when loosening the girth whilst riding back from the jumping ring or cross country. As when it comes to dropping the girth down a hole you need to hold the girth pin out to be able to so, as it won’t fall naturally away, because the buckles have this clever spring system for when you are girthing up, the girth pin pops straight into a hole easily, without you having to push/curl your finger around it, to do this. So brilliant for those that struggling with finding their girth holes when girthing up!
Equine Page 34
www.theequinesite.co.uk
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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