Introduction

Welcome. To start off, I will give you a bit of background. I have over 2 decades of experience with horses. Over the past years I have noticed a somewhat annoying trend in the horse world. The shift toward more and more poorly made, cheap, unsafe and overall TACKY tack. Now, horse equipment, like any fashion, changes over time. In the past, the changes have been relatively minor. A bit more silver here, a slightly rounder cantle there, and color variation from light to dark leather. That was all well and good. However, in recent years the "bling" factor has increased exponentially until the horse is nigh indiscernable under the blinding glare coming from the tack. It started in the Western circles and has, to my horror, progressed into the previously very austere English world. At first it was just a few rinestones on a browband here and there, then the colored anodized aluminium stirrups and spurs. I could deal with that, but now THEY HAVE GONE TOO FAR!! I present for your horrified stares...a PINK English saddle!

Yes folks, it is a PINK and black English saddle. Not only that, it appears to be a cheaply made, low quality piece of junk from India. One of those that has painted, rather than dyed leather that feels like cardboard and holds up just about as well. Now, I know that some people like pink, (myself not included) but in my opinion color should be limited to accessories like saddle pads and protective legwear, or to the rider's clothing. Can you imagine attempting to use this in an actual hunter show?

Ok, so, what are your opinions? What have you seen that has left your eyes hurting and your sense of equestrian style traumatized?

I will also eventually address some of the equestrian equipment that is not tacky in a fashion sense, but rather unsafe or cruel.