Finished Works

Oops!!  Been a couple of weeks, but I was busy finishing a couple of bridles and then prepping for judging!

But here are a few pics of what I've just finished: a western bridle with two sets of reins for Janna and a full dressage bridle for Jackie.

Up next? A bridle for Betty, a bridle for Tiffany, and something for myself!

Pattern Testing

I've never made a curved brow band before, but for Jackie's bridle, and also one I'll be making for a NAMHSA donation, the bridle for Valegro needs a curved brow band.  So I've been using paper to try and get the shape and fit of the band right before I cut into my leather and lace.

Attempts 1-3 

Much better curve!!

Now...to carefully cut it out!!

In the Works and New to Vintage Acres Farm!

Received today from Gretchen Oneail - a gorgeous CM cantering stock horse stablemate done up in a grulla tobiano.  She's exquisite in person, the color is so soft!  Her official name is VAF London Fog Latte, named after my recent favorite winter drink, which is earl grey tea mixed with steamed and frothed milk and a touch of vanilla.  I think it fits!

I have a couple of projects in the works right now.  The first is a dressage bridle for Totilas, as I mentioned last time.  I'm working on the noseband for that right now.

My friend Janna has been patiently waiting for her western bridle for the grazing mare.  The hold up has been the reins.  I'm using a 6 strand alternating braid technique for some gaming reins.  

The only hang-up was that I cut the string too short the first (and second) time around, so this is the third time's a charm set!  At least now I'm very comfortable with the braid!   

Up Next on the Work Bench

Through a random discussion on FaceBook one night, I got a tack order for a full dressage bridle for Totilas - in the style of Valegro's bridle!

This is a new style for me with the rolled straps.  But I'm enjoying something new!  The noseband is almost done. The bridle needs to be done by the end of February for a show on March 5th.

Myself, I'm not going to be showing performance at my next show, I decided to just show breed and collectibility. And I get to judge a show coming up on March 5th myself.  Then my next show will be down in Indiana, the Hoosier Pony Live show, an all yellow card show!  I'm very excited for this show, hosted by my friend Sarah, who has some great ideas for classes and divisions!

Starting Fresh, and the First Tack of 2016

Starting fresh for 2016 - meaning a new look to the blog and a hopeful attempt and pictures and blogging more frequently.

To kick things off, the first completed tack of 2016 - a stable halter for a friend of mine with custom name plates from Jennifer Buxton!

  

I'm also working on a western bridle for Janna featuring slit braid brow bands and cheek pieces, as well as an alternating 6 strand braid for gaming reins.  I just have to finish the reins and a curb strap for that, and her bridle will be set to go.

Beyond that? A full double dressage bridle for Jackie's Totilas!