Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I've purchased a few of the items in the Tekna line and have been relatively happy with my purchases. Tekna makes saddles and other tack from a synthetic material that looks like leather and feels pretty close, but it's not exactly right. I ordered the Tekna Breakaway Halter from Riding Warehouse. No matter what kind of English or Western tack you're looking for, the Riding Warehouse is an excellent first stop. They have a huge selection, solid customer service, and for those who live in California, the company is locally owned. The halter arrived within one day of shipping which is a benefit of buying locally. I really wanted to give the halter a 10 right out of the box, but being the halter snob that I am, I found myself nitpicking small things. After some use, I hope that I find that my initial impression was biased by my snobbery. Right now, I'd give the halter an 8.5.
Fit: I ordered the halter in Cob, but it comes in Pony and Horse sizes. Arabians are notoriously hard to fit, and Speedy is no exception. While he has a classical Arabian profile, it's certainly not extreme. Horse-sized bridles and halters tend to overwhelm him, while cob-sized pieces tend to be a bit clunky for his more petite muzzle. This halter fit the way I suspected it would, a bit too loose around the muzzle. I think with some regular use, the nose piece should start to mold itself into a rounder shape. For horses with a larger muzzle, this is probably a great alternative to expensive leather halters. I'm keeping the halter as it is nicely made. I especially like that maintenance is easy. Just wipe it with a damp cloth; no conditioning needed!
Mary Meyer
8/8/2013 11:22:54 pm
Halter looks nice but I agree I don't like the logo where I want to put a cross tie snap. But here's my pet peeve. Why do you and many, many others put the panic snap next to the horse? If you've ever had to use one, you will realize that you don't want to get close to a struggling horse. The panic snap should be on the cross tie post where you can safely use it. 8/9/2013 05:20:49 am
On the other hand, if you have a panicking horse, you really, really don't want the cross ties chasing them once they're free. I've heard it argued both ways by credible, caring horse people with examples for each side.
Karen
8/9/2013 05:36:06 am
That's EXACLY what I was just typing, SB - you beat me to it! :0)
Karen
8/9/2013 05:35:03 am
Hi Mary! Cross ties and how to use them is a high blood pressure inducing topic. There was a thread, or two, over on COTH not too long ago!
martina peterson
8/9/2013 08:49:26 am
well Karen I appreciate your comments and technical "stuff" about a horse that panics. Being a non horse person I PANICKED when Speedy G got upset that day. My only concern was to try and get out of his way so I wouldn't get thrashed. It seems to me you have the right idea by using that thing a ma gig up against your trailer. See, I don't know much.
Karen
8/10/2013 07:24:07 am
Thanks, Mom! :0)
Karen
8/9/2013 05:15:54 am
I hadn't really thought of that, Lauren. He doesn't wear any leather products? That must make shopping a little hard.
I love the contrasting expressions in Speedy's two photos! Smart looking halter, I wouldn't toss it out! :)
Karen
8/9/2013 05:18:14 am
I like the adjustability of an adjustable chin strap, but you're right; it is a bit awkward. This one doesn't have the adjustable chin, but at least it's small enough around the muzzle that it still works.
Karen
8/9/2013 11:38:10 pm
I checked out the site you shared, thanks! They seems to have nice quality things.
Karen
8/15/2013 09:24:10 am
I know I come from a different background than many riders do. I really don't ever want my halter to break. This comes from many years of endurance camping. When our horses got loose, it was a serious issue. Not that I do that sport any more, but the habits are with me still. When I tie my horses, there is ALWAYS some kind of quick release: the Blocker Tie Ring, a slip knot, panic snap, etc. 2/21/2019 10:46:37 pm
This is really a nice saddle and I bet it is a top quality item too. Do they have a different type of color rather than a black one? I want a brown one for my horse. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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