What should I get my new equitation/hunter horse?

Question

I'm getting a new horse--well he's not mine YET but soon to be. He's going to be my equitation/hunter horse for the 3', and I'm just moving off my pony so I was wondering, what should I get him out of the following?

Beval Equitation Boots or Pessoa?

Edgewood Bridal or Pessoa?

Sheepskin lined Girth or Regular Leather?

Half pad by Mattes or full pad?

Devacoux or Antares or County or Pessoa?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Some brands will fit your horse better than others.  If the store will let you, bring the items in different brands to your barn and actually try them on your horse to check fit.  If the store won't let you, see if anyone else at your barn has items in those brands in your horse's size and would let you borrow them for a minute to check fit on your horse.  

For the show ring, though, I would stick to a regular leather girth.  The sheepskin looks a little amateur.  Instead, buy a sheepskin cover for your girth (so your horse will have a lesser chance of getting girth sores), and take it off for shows.  Make sure that you occasionally school without the sheepskin, though, so your horse isn't bothered by the leather only when you get to the shows!  

Right now, half pads are fashionable in the show ring.   If you're really serious about showing and earning points, buy one.  However, a full (fitted, not square) pad will always be acceptable, so if you're only showing every once in a while or don't have a large show budget, buy only the full pad.  However, if your horse has large withers, a half pad might be a good idea anyway so your saddle sits on his back better.  Again, borrow a friend's half pad for a minute so you can try it with your horse and saddle to see if you need one.  

Congratulations on your new horse and good luck with him!

Answer 2

1 Beval: better quality

2 i don't have experiance in either i prefer crosby or stubben

3 definately sheepskin. It is easier to clean and more comfortable.

4 Mattes half pad! I have a half and a full pad and the full pad is  a real pain. You can use the half pad alone or with a bunch of different saddle pads to. I like the pad with the shims.

5 County!! I just ordered one and cannot wait for it to arrive. It is so comfy and high quality. I like it bettter than the Antares i ride in but Antares is nice to. County is more versitile and they reps will make sure it fits you and your horse absolutly perfectly. They are pricey but sooooo worth the money. I found out the hard way. haha. Enjoy your new horse.

Answer 3

Pessoa boots

Pessoa bridle

Regular girth for shows ( judges do not like to see sheepskin or fuzzy girths in the hunter ring )

Mattes pad

Antares Saddle