Our Own Warderobe - Tack!

We finally have our own saddle, thanks to 'Lilian' who sold me a Barry Swain Dressage saddle. 

Compared to the other saddles I have tried, this one for me is the most comfortable saddle. I like it because both pommel and cantle are quite flat. I didn't get along with saddles that have high cantles nor did I get along with knee rolls because it made me feel wedged in place, forcing me to aim for that exact spot when doing rising trott or I would bounce of the high cantle. With this saddle I could find my natural place and even the stirrups did  not bother me too much. 

What I also liked was that there was very little bulk between my legs and the horse.

'Mr F' was fine with the saddle too, it seemed. But it needed to be fitted properly. Apparently, it needed padding out at the back to lift it and I was told the width was fine. I know very little about saddles but had a gut feeling that the saddle was too narrow at the front. However, these were professional saddle fitters so I went along with their recommendations.

In addition, we got our own stirrups, bridle, reins, saddle cloth etc (laced) and Sprenger bit. All quite cheaply (afterall 'Mr F' is a horse on zero budget) thanks to an well known online auction site!

The sprenger bit was a great purchase, 'Mr F' is no longer throwing around his head.

The not so manly ear bonnet was borrowed, 'Mr F' does get very annoyed with the flies ...