Recently, I was in a tack shop and while browsing through the bridle selection I discovered a bridle with an inlay of hair-on cowhide. I thought it was kind of neat, it had simple buckles and was done in a buckaroo style with the flaring cheekpieces. It looked very rustic.
Later, while browsing on eBay I started to run across pieces that were not only embellished with cowhide, but also had been attacked by the crazed Be-Dazzler person! It seems that nothing is safe from this deranged individual. Whereas I sort of LIKED the bridles and breastcollars with the cowhide embellishment, the addition of rhinestones turns it from rustic to just plain hideous. Check out this lovely piece.
Later, while browsing on eBay I started to run across pieces that were not only embellished with cowhide, but also had been attacked by the crazed Be-Dazzler person! It seems that nothing is safe from this deranged individual. Whereas I sort of LIKED the bridles and breastcollars with the cowhide embellishment, the addition of rhinestones turns it from rustic to just plain hideous. Check out this lovely piece.
Gigantic clear rhinestones on a background of tan and white cowhide.
Now, the first set is downright tame when compared to this bridle.
Really? Purple rhinestones on black and white cowhide? Gah! Of course it would match BEAUTIFULLY with this saddle. (Of course you would have to Be-Dazzle the saddle with matching purple rhinestones first)
Sunglasses may be wise before viewing these next few.
Why? Why must we do this? Why can’t we limit it to one type of embellishment? Why must we cover every available surface in layer upon layer of tacky?
Isn't it terrible. My teenage niece thinks this stuff is great!! Gaaak!! My sister and I just roll our eyes and pretend to gag.
ReplyDeleteAaaak........not a look my filly will ever sport! I don't even like purple or pink halters and such! Although I have to admit that for some strange reason I bought a 4 color pastel halter for my QH gelding (back in 1993 I think) I bust up looking at the picture I have of him wearing it and wonder what the hell I was thinking!
ReplyDeleteOMG. I don't even like rhinestone browbands on dressage bridles. Makes me want to go all George Morris on their ass....
ReplyDeleteBut then I am not a 12 year old girl.
Whatever happened to the conservative look? Or, gasp, classy?
ReplyDeleteThose are a bit over the top, for sure. I don't mind some bling, but that is just too much.
ReplyDeleteI hate hair on tack! It's terrible. stuff. Can you imagine trying to clean that stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteGood point, do you shampoo it or saddle soap or what?
ReplyDeleteWell, we all know leather comes from a cow, but.....yes, the hair looked much better on the cow.
ReplyDeleteI like some of the bling done, but I even have trouble touching hair-on tack in a shop.....GAK....
I think if I ever rode western I would buy the most blingy tacky stuff I could!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteIn the 70's we had to weather country singers with bubble hair and fuzzy saddle pads.
ReplyDeleteLittle by little the creeping silver syndrome crept up through the nineties, (needed the bling to find the peanut rolling noses) and now we have rhinestones and dead cow hair.
Sometimes it's hard to be a cowgirl.
Whew I passed. I have the exact same not so blingy headstall with the hair tassels. Love hairy tassels .
ReplyDeleteI have a similar saddle with cowhide on it . NO BLING. I've never even used it yet because I can't find anything with cowhide to match that isn't covered in shiny rhinestones or colored fake jewels it is sooo frustrating. Love to know where you found that saddle without the bling , maybe they have a breast collar and bridle I can buy .
Interesting photos .... you'll find most of this used by barrel racers....won't find it on a real deal rail horse....Even 4Hers won't ride it; they demand silver from mumsy and daddy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.blueribbontack.com/
The above link takes you to the AQHA show pen and what the majority of the folk out there are riding. Too much bling? Tone it down or tone it up, it's your choice on a custom saddle. Also head stalls at this link...same, tone them down or up.....show clothes, same deal, tone them up or down...check out Show Time Show Clothing....google it. Might not be for everyone..how about Hobby Horse show clothing...detuned in the bling department but it still works...well done clothes.
Have you ever heard of the old saying "to each his own?"
ReplyDeleteThere are alot of people that do not think this is tacky. I happen to be one of them, but I guess becaue I'm one of those barrel racers my opinion doesn't count?
I don't say anything bad about english....please have some respect for those of us who love our bling.
Thanks
Circleb, if you love tacky tack so much than why are you reading a blog that is specifically set up to lament about how distasteful blingy tack is? Why not start your own blog called "tack so loud it will give you a migraine". No one is forcing you to read someone else's opinions. Change the channel so to speak. And come on now, you know you barrel racers love your tacky crap, just be honest and embrace your tackiness :)
ReplyDeleteNot only do barrel racers love any kind of bling; they also have great jackets and shirts with a ton of bling usually designed and sewn by them. RE: The National Finals Rodeo...nothing but barrel racing bling.
ReplyDeleteI love the bling... keeps me young, doesn't mean I don't enjoy the thread... as a matter of fact I have the same cowhide set as the first pic. Looks fabulous on my guy~
ReplyDeleteYuck! I despise cowhide in general but paired with HUGE rhinestones, it disgusts me. How would you clean this anyways?
ReplyDeleteShampoo or saddle soap?
i like the blue one .
ReplyDeletepersonally.. i like all of it.. idk whats wrong with any of it.. its pretty and loud. youre supposed to be noticed in the arena. and this is all rodeo tack.. so any english people on here.. shut up.. you dont use this stuff anyways
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