Horse Gear

HORSE GEAR

New horse owners often ask us what gear they should get. Here is our list of preferences (others may differ):

TACK

	Saddle Blanket (compressed felt type, not fleece)
	Neoprene Saddle Cinch (get nylon off-billets and tie straps)
	Bridle (nylon)
	Halter (nylon)
	lead line (nylon)
	2 sets english hooks & curb chain
	Cheek Guards (Slobber guards)
	Reins (nylon) w/ quick release snaps
	Shampoo and Conditioner (Only wash occasionally to avoid removing natural oils in coat)
	Wash scrubbing glove
	Stiff Brush,
	Curry Brush
	Comb or Mane & Tail Brush
	Hoof Pick
	Fly Spray and roll on
	Salve (medication for scratches and saddle sores)
	Spur (Make sure they are not sharp, you don't need much if any!)
	Breast Collar
	Treats (All natural goodies to "bribe" your baby or just say "good horse".)

BITS Bits depend on what the horse is used to and what results you want to achieve. We will be glad to talk to at length on the subject. Here are two type of bits (out of the thousands that are made and 20 or so that we use at the farm) that are common:.

	1 medium port bit with 6" shank
	Pascal Bit with 8" shank (only available through Shelly Johnston at 704/735-5767, or we try to keep some of these popular bits in stock) There are a few "new comers" to this type of bit and you may find them as well. I have seen a stainless steel one and a chrome plated one.

SADDLES There are hundreds of kinds of saddles. We particularly like the Trooper saddle (like the Canadian Mounties use). They are lightweight, very sturdy, well made, attractive, and provide a well structured frame to distribute the weight of the rider over the skeletal structure of the horse (rather in the small of his back). You can only get these saddles via special order. (You may ask for shortened stirrup skirts to make shorter stirrups easier). Order from: ~ Shelly Johnston, Johnston Saddles and Tack 704/735-5767 (she'll give you a discount if you mention our web page) ~ Tarpin Hill Saddlery - 1-800-354-9864 or 618-548-8942 (their old number) (less expensive) or Haggis Saddle - Jack - 519-471-3927 Box 133 Hyde Park Ontario Canada NOM 120 (more expensive)

Where to buy the rest of the stuff? There are many tack stores that usually specialize in either English or Western tack. But our favorite place to buy tack is from Hamp's Saddles and Tack.
Hamp Phillips sells from his home and only is in the business because he is retired and like to do this. He is off the beaten track, is always up for some conversation, and is the least expensive place to buy. (Take cash!) You can call him at 770/475-5087 or:

Directions to Hamp's

From the South: Go to GA 400 Exit 12 and travel West Turn Right (North) on Highway 9 / Alpharetta Highway to Cumming Go to Texaco Station on Left Before Texaco Station turn Left on Hamby Road

From the North: Go to GA 400 Exit 13 and travel West Turn Left (South) on Highway 9 / Alpharetta Highway to Alpharetta Pass Midway School on Left Go to Texaco Station on Right After Texaco Station turn Right on Hamby Road

Then:

Go to dead end on Hamby and take Right Hamp's is about 11 houses down on the Left. You can recognize his house by the long driveway leading down beside the house to where he has about 3 medium truck trailers on blocks where he houses his inventory.