bargain alert!

[J Swan]

The Libertyville catalog has hammerhead spurs for about 20$ - mens and women's.

I was surprised to find that they also have a traditional looking sandwich case - but with a plastic sandwich container and drinking cup instead of a tin and flask. I didn't see a mens sandwich case - just a ladies. It appears to be a replica of the very expensive ones we usually see for sale. About 24$

There are also flat hunting bridles (Pelham - complete with 2 sets of reins), in various rein widths - oddly enough - made in Walsall, England - but I don't know the quality of the leather. 50$ - may be a "nice to have" as a backup for tack emergencies?

There are also poppers in various colors for 1$ - you'll need to specify color in your order.

saddleshop.com

Also, Schneiders ( sstack.com) has non slip pads for 9.95, or for 20$ you can get a 3x5 sheet and cut it to make 3 nonslip pads.

[OakesBrae]

JSwan, you are SUCH an enabler. My husband does not thank you (but I do) :D

[NJRider]

Thanks for the info!

[Ride2Fly]

Hey I'm all excited (could use another flat tack bridle) but they seem to
be only available in London tan which is really, really light. Anyone have
any experience with darkening this leather to something approximating Havana brown?

[Rt66Kix]

I was surprised to find that they also have a traditional looking sandwich case - but with a plastic sandwich container and drinking cup instead of a tin and flask. I didn't see a mens sandwich case - just a ladies. It appears to be a replica of the very expensive ones we usually see for sale. About 24$

Do you have an item number? I tried to do a search and came up with no results. Thanks!

[Tally-ho]

Hey I'm all excited (could use another flat tack bridle) but they seem to
be only available in London tan which is really, really light. Anyone have
any experience with darkening this leather to something approximating Havana brown?

Yes, you can get the oil that is specifically for darkening and it works great. I used it on a bridle that I got on sale and it worked like a charm.

[J Swan]

Do you have an item number? I tried to do a search and came up with no results. Thanks!

Sure. It's called "Leather Saddle Canteen Case"
Russet leather case with plastic sandwich box and drinking cup. Attaches to saddle dees for trail riding. It's the same style and dimensions as the 900$ type ladies sandwich cases.

Item Number 6-0031


Ride2Fly - I have a bridle I bought 10 years ago - it was a light tan color - I used that darkening oil - or was it plain neatsfoot oil? (I don't remember). Anyway - that was ten years ago and the bridle is still dark. You shouldn't have any problem.

Happy shopping!

[Rt66Kix]

J Swan, thanks for the link. How cruel to show it in black, but say it comes in russet. I need black, since I will be hunting in my Ansur treeless dressage saddle. The Master of the hunt has already said it's fine with him; he doesn't care about the color of the member's tack.

Ever dye anything from brown to black?

[RNB]

JSwan ~ (showing my ignorance here) What's a "popper"?

[J Swan]

A popper is the little bit of nylon covered string at the end of a hunting whip.

You'll see two kinds of whips out hunting - a staghorn/bone crop - it's a bit of an L shape to help open gates, you can hook dropped items on the ground and lift them up, that sort of thing. I think, at least on the old ones, there is sometimes a little knob on the top to help protect the bone when pushing gates closed.

(or you can have a horse like mine, who pushes gates closed with his nose)

The other type is a knob end, called a kennel crop. I think it's usually made of ash, or apple, or another strong wood.

And just for fun, there are "meanings" to the colors of the poppers - did you know that? I think it's a fun bit of trivia, though I'm not quite sure why folks get into a tizzy over it.

Let's see if I can remember them (anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong)

Red popper - Staff or gentlemen member
Blue popper - Ladies member?
White - uh oh - I don't remember. Huntsman?
Black - member without colors or members of the clergy.
There may be green too - like I said - I'm fuzzy on the details (mostly because I don't give a sh**)

It's reminiscent of the ribbons in tails, isn't it.
Yellow - Stallion
Red - Kicker
Green - Green/young horse
White - For sale
Is there a blue ribbon? Mare? I don't remember. Duh - having a mentalpause moment.......

[copper1]

Interesting-I never knew that about the color of the poppers! I also didn't realize there were other colors of tail ribbons besides red! Ya learn something new each day!

[workinggirl]

Is it still there, available?

[J Swan]

try looking for the item number 6-0031

[workinggirl]

will do

[RNB]

Thanks for all the info JSwan!!!! I ordered the bridle and the Canteen case for my daughter who has been invited to do more hunting this year! Hopefully by the time she goes she'll have everything that she needs! :yes:

[J Swan]

I'm so glad that your daughter is hunting - the young are the future of the sport!

You should take up hunting, too, you know. You can follow by car or on foot- or you could join a foot pack. Lots of fun hunting rabbits with beagles or bassets - and no fancy stuff required. Just good walking shoes!

I'd be interested in knowing if everyone likes that sandwich case - they are so horribly expensive and this one might be a real option for foxhunters on a budget!

[Tantivy1]

What is the Libertyville saddle case made of, leather? or something else? The size was right, as were the straps etc., but the shine in the material it is made of looked suspiciously like plastic....could that be? Or even if it is made of leather, it is probably from someplace like India, and it usually doesn't hold up for long. While the price is right, I think I have read either here or on FOL of someone in PA (and maybe in VA too) who make reasonably priced traditional leather ones, but not sure of the contents of the case by these vendors (meaning the flask and sandwich tin). Personally, I would hesitate to get one from Libertyville because I have found that something that inexpensive usually does not last and in the long run it is cheaper to buy good quality used, even if you have to be patient and wait for it to surface (and I have the patience of an elephant). And if it is cheap looking, as I suspect.....maybe I am beyond silly here, and I truly do not mean to be snobby, so ten lashes with a hunt whip and a pink popper, but out of respect for the sport, I would rather carry something nice into the field to maintain tradition and all that goes along with it, or carry nothing at all. But that is just me and my (perchance worthless) opinion.

I do know if one shops wisely and diligently, and patiently, one can outfit oneself for a SMALL fraction of the regular retail cost. I have seen several empty canteens, (no flask or sandwich tin) go on ebay for less than $100. Good leather, a cheaper version, not a James Dixon or Swaine Adeney or Wilton or Champion quality, but a far superior quality I am guessing to what Libertyville stocks. Cleaned up, they are most proper in the field.

EX: My favorite saddle I found at Dominion many years ago, it was used and filthy, regular retail even then was near 2K, it had been priced at 350 then reduced to 250 and I offered 100 and it was accepted and I am using it still.

It pays sometimes to pause and look around a bit. You may well get lucky....good things come to those who are patient!

[J Swan]

That's a good point, I got my sandwich case off a lady on FOL. It's so nice to have an old one - I hate to see stuff like that decorating window displays in antique stores instead of being used.

I can't vouch for the sandwich case in that catalog - but I know a lot of folks just don't have or want to spend a lot of money getting outfitted. I'd never compromise on the quality of tack, of course (though even there I can always find a bargain) - but..it's nice to have options; especially when we're just starting out.

I keep hearing/reading about Tenney's doing inexpensive sandwich cases - but have never been able to contact them - no matter who gives me the information. There is someone around here that will make one - but I thought it was still in the several hundred dollar range. Skeeter, perhaps?? Not Slim or Mitch as far as I know.

Somewhere you can get a plastic liner for a men's flask case - instead of pewter or crystal. I have no idea where to get it -but several people I know have acquired one somehow. And I'm starting to see men's flasks on ladies saddles - which I find odd for some reason - but not odd enough to decline a drink when offered one!

[RNB]

What is the Libertyville saddle case made of, leather? or something else? The size was right, as were the straps etc., but the shine in the material it is made of looked suspiciously like plastic....could that be? Or even if it is made of leather, it is probably from someplace like India, and it usually doesn't hold up for long. While the price is right, I think I have read either here or on FOL of someone in PA (and maybe in VA too) who make reasonably priced traditional leather ones, but not sure of the contents of the case by these vendors (meaning the flask and sandwich tin). Personally, I would hesitate to get one from Libertyville because I have found that something that inexpensive usually does not last and in the long run it is cheaper to buy good quality used, even if you have to be patient and wait for it to surface (and I have the patience of an elephant). And if it is cheap looking, as I suspect.....maybe I am beyond silly here, and I truly do not mean to be snobby, so ten lashes with a hunt whip and a pink popper, but out of respect for the sport, I would rather carry something nice into the field to maintain tradition and all that goes along with it, or carry nothing at all. But that is just me and my (perchance worthless) opinion.

I do know if one shops wisely and diligently, and patiently, one can outfit oneself for a SMALL fraction of the regular retail cost. I have seen several empty canteens, (no flask or sandwich tin) go on ebay for less than $100. Good leather, a cheaper version, not a James Dixon or Swaine Adeney or Wilton or Champion quality, but a far superior quality I am guessing to what Libertyville stocks. Cleaned up, they are most proper in the field.

EX: My favorite saddle I found at Dominion many years ago, it was used and filthy, regular retail even then was near 2K, it had been priced at 350 then reduced to 250 and I offered 100 and it was accepted and I am using it still.

It pays sometimes to pause and look around a bit. You may well get lucky....good things come to those who are patient!

I'll let you know when it arrives. I have to agree with you on quality....I always prefer quality, however, for the price, if it looks "cheesey" then I'll just use it for something else. :winkgrin: The price on the bridle was too good to pass up....again, perhaps not the best leather, but as JSwan suggested, as great back-up. Since my daughter is new to all this I do not want to spend a lot of money. Should she fall in love with it and decide to fox-hunt every weekend then I have no problem starting to up-grade what she has. Having gone through her pony years in the show ring, I know how expensive it is to re-outfit a kid EVERY year!! Yikes! So I consider this a starting point for her, just to get her out there and as I find wonderful, high quality bargains then we will sloooowly upgrade and add to what we have.

JSwan, thanks for the info about a "foot pack"!! Never heard of it! Everyone at the barn has been goading me to get on a horse and ride. We'll see....I have horses at my disposal....it's just finding the time to do it. I also told my daughter I'd hilltop with the little kids and their ponies...that way as she goes by first flight she can look over and say "That's my mom...she dressed me"!!! :lol:

[J Swan]

Deb - if you are ever up this way contact me and we'll go chase some rabbits. Not with Peanut - she's become obsessed with a groundhog down by the pond. We'll go with a pack of Bassets or Beagles. You'll love it. Promise.

[RNB]

Deb - if you are ever up this way contact me and we'll go chase some rabbits. Not with Peanut - she's become obsessed with a groundhog down by the pond. We'll go with a pack of Bassets or Beagles. You'll love it. Promise.

Ooooo...that sounds like fun!! I will definitely keep that in mind and give you a shout should I been in the neighborhood!! :)

[wateryglen]

Sheeeesh! Just when I thought I was up on everything!! Now I'm learning about popper colors!!!?? Wateryglen bows humbly and low to JSwan- I am not worthy!! :lol:
And you guys gotta stop talking about buying stuff.....I'm all wore out! You're gonna make me spend more money!??!!! I do not need another horse, I do not need another horse, I do not need more horse stuff, I do not need more hunting stuff....I have too much stuff. Repeat after me..... (Part of my 12 step program to say this daily you see....) :winkgrin:

[J Swan]

I am a veritable treasure trove of useless and trivial information.

People never want to play Trivial Pursuit against me - I clean their clocks. Boo hoo.

[x]

I have one of their flat leather Pelham bridles--the ones you've described. They aren't bad. I've had it for a number of years now; I do hunt in it. Yes, it is London color, but so is my saddle! Anyhow, I found that it needed an oiling when I got it, but overall, for the price, it has held up fine.

[RNB]

wateryglen.....at least you know what poppers are!!! :lol:

[Arado*TB]

In reading the above I am not familiar w/ FOL.Can you please enlighten me.Oh, and while discussing the best places for bargains,what about Middleburg Tack? Doesn't Jo carry alot of hunting appoinments?I could be wrong.I was actually going to call about sandwich cases however, I too, am outfitting 2 and hesitate to spend gobs of $.My girl outgrows everything in about 6 months time.I am constantly replacing her show clothes.

[Petalstorm]

Has anyone actually gotton the Libbertyville bargain bridle or sandwich case yet?
I am very curious about how they look/feel in person.
Buying over the internet is tricky at times.

[J Swan]

I think "x" got the bridle.

I'd be interested too - I'd like to have a backup hunting bridle - and it's hard to find good old fashioned flat tack.

[RNB]

Has anyone actually gotton the Libbertyville bargain bridle or sandwich case yet?
I am very curious about how they look/feel in person.
Buying over the internet is tricky at times.

Got them both!!! Now....you realize I am probably not the best person to ask about tack but here's my opinion. For the money I was pleased with the bridle, even tho it is very light in color. I plan to darken it. I haven't seen many fox hunting bridles so I can only compare it to my daughter's hunter/jumper stuff. It was much more pliable than I thought it would be....I had visions of it being stiff as a board. Having spent hundreds of dollars on show bridles over the years I was happy to get a real leather one for only $49. It did come with two sets of reins, why I don't know but it stated that fact in the ad. So for someone who doesn't know about such things I am please with the purchase.

As for the sandwich case....can someone post a picture of their own? That way I can give you a better critique because I have nothing to compare it to! The one I got is very dark in color, which I like but the leather is stiffer than the bridle. But perhaps they are suppose to be this way...again...not sure. Thanks!

[Petalstorm]

As RNB posted the bridle is quite nice for the money. I think the leather will darken nicely. It is soft and pliable, stamped "made in england".

Unfortunately, it was too small for my WB mare. Just thought I'd give it a try, should have known it wouldn't fit. Darn!

The sandwich case is not the best leather by any means but I will most definitely enjoy having it for the time being until I am able to trade up.

[SLW]

RNB- a hunting bridle has two reins for the times when you ride w/ a pelham or full bridle- the laced rein will be put the on the snaffle ring and the thinner flat rein will attach to the curb ring.

As for the stiffer leather w/ the sandwich case I suspect that helps it keep it's shape. I have a knock off sandwich case I got years ago that is stiff. In fact, if I don't keep a piece of cloth in it the contents will clank and knock and make noise while moving along. Very distracting. I have a Weaver leather sandwich bag, use that term loosely, and it is soft leather and collasped until I added some support/brace across the front.

[Jaegermonster]

Ok I just ordered the sandwich case. I have one (sort of) that i got at the tack shop, but i have never used it because it is actually a saddle bag and really not correct. Not to mention that it flops around and annoys both me AND my horse. So I hope this sandwich case will stay put like it is supposed to with the billet strap.
So we shall see.
My experience with Libertyville is that sometimes the quality can be iffy but then you mostly aren't spending a ton of $$ so you get what you pay for.

[Jaegermonster]

I keep hearing/reading about Tenney's doing inexpensive sandwich cases - but have never been able to contact them - no matter who gives me the information. There is someone around here that will make one - but I thought it was still in the several hundred dollar range. Skeeter, perhaps?? Not Slim or Mitch as far as I know.

!

Katherine had a website for awhile, but it seems to be defunct now, so here is a phone number for Tenney's, it works because i just used it yesterday
813-780-8016
I have several of her pieces, and my favorites are a custom made breastplate and a drink holder for the front of my saddle. Both were unholy expensive (to me) and splurges but have more than made up for it many times over.

[RNB]

RNB- a hunting bridle has two reins for the times when you ride w/ a pelham or full bridle- the laced rein will be put the on the snaffle ring and the thinner flat rein will attach to the curb ring.

As for the stiffer leather w/ the sandwich case I suspect that helps it keep it's shape. I have a knock off sandwich case I got years ago that is stiff. In fact, if I don't keep a piece of cloth in it the contents will clank and knock and make noise while moving along. Very distracting. I have a Weaver leather sandwich bag, use that term loosely, and it is soft leather and collasped until I added some support/brace across the front.

Well that makes perfect sense SLW!! I've seen my daughter ride many horses over the years with double reins....don't know why I didn't think of it!.

I'm sure you're right about the stiffer leather helping to keep it's shape.

Thanks everyone.....I learn something new everyday on this BB!! (Now, if I could just ride!! :lol:)

[Jaegermonster]

My sandwich case arrived this morning and it is not too bad. Of course it's not top quality but what do you want for $30? But it is acceptable and will do fine for as long as it lives. I'm going to take mine and have a snap put on it where the buckle is to open it to make life easier while in the saddle.
The plastic cases inside were a real Rubbermaid drink thing and a real Rubbermaid Sandwich case, which was a nice surprise. I expected some crappy cheap plastic things in there.

[J Swan]

Isn't that interesting - I too expected maybe like a dollar store melamine lead based plastic or something. ;)

I already have a sandwich case I got off a hunter on FOL - but I'm glad to see that this may be an acceptable option for folks starting out. Getting outfitted can be so expensive for certain things like appointments. Or maybe even as a backup - my sandwich case was at Journeyman's for months and months and I had nothing to keep first aid stuff in.

Some folks in my hunt have a plastic flask - the men's large flask - and it's the exact shape as the crystal ones. I keep forgetting where they got those - but often old cases are missing the flask or sandwich case - so it's nice to know that somewhere, someone is making a decent copy.

A friend loaned me his old whip - the crop is a solid piece of wood - looks like driftwood or something - and instead of a bone handle - the wood is twisted at a right angle. It grew that way - not shaped.

I don't recall seeing another one like it though I'm sure they are out there.