February 20, 2015

Accidental ETT Score

Last fall, I bought a used and abused Nunn Finer Figure 8 Bridle off of the English Tack Trader Facebook group for $100.  The seller said it was cob sized.  Once I cleaned all the dirt off the straps (really!) I found that every piece was marked horse except the cheeks, which were cob.



Needless to say, it was way too big.   I used it a for a few months anyway, because it's not the show season.  I wasn't sure the seller even knew that it wasn't cob (and as SprinklerBandits pointed out, there seem to be a few of these not-cob NF's floating around, so maybe it's a quality control issue), so I didn't contact her and just decided to re-sell it.


We had to double some strap through the ring on the side!  Every strap had at least 6" of excess.

On Sunday I sold it on ETT for what I paid, $100.  I immediately turned around and bought the first cob figure 8 I saw on ETT, also for $100, in brand new condition.  I didn't ask questions, just knew it was an Ovation and it would get the job done.  I didn't realize exactly what I bought until it came yesterday:


The $221 Ovation RCS (Recessed Crown System) Jumper Bridle.  Way nicer than I thought I was getting.  #happylittleaccident #bobross4eva


I'll do a full review of it after I get it on Connor's head, but so far, for the price, I am impressed.  On a scale of painted India leather to French leather, I'd say it's a 6 or 7, and will improve when it's conditioned for the first time.  The padding on the crown and cheek pieces is very soft, and it's a raised bridle instead of flat, which looks classy and jumper-y.


I've never had a comfort crown bridle before, but it's pretty sharp looking.


The only thing I don't like about it is this MASSIVE sheepskin disc.  It's just excessively large:




I'm planning on trimming the sides of it, but not before I try it on him just to giggle about how it covers his enter face.

I'm going to try it on when I hopefully get a ride in tonight before an ice storm hits tomorrow!  Wish me luck!

25 comments:

  1. Pretty color, too! That ovation stuff can be really nice!

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    1. Yeah, of all the knockoff/cheaper brands, Ovation consistently impresses me the most. Mary and I were just talking about her knockoff Dubarrys that are Ovation, and they're still in great shape after being worn day in and day out for a year.

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  2. What a score, it looks practically brand new to boot! I'm always SO pleasantly surprised with the Ovation tack. For the price point, the leather is very very nice. Hope it fits the pony!

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    1. It is, and I totally agree about Ovation. Me too! Hoping to get out there tonight!

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  3. Woo hoo! I agree about funky sizes on the Nunn Finers. I saw that ovation on ETT and was lusting over it, glad someone awesome got it!

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  4. Welcome to the Tack Ho Club. We're delighted to have you. Your membership number is 34020179, and your password is the last four digits of your social security number plus your horse's favorite treat. When you come to the conclusion that your breastplate/girth/bridle/bit/boot collection is for whatever reason insufficient, you can reach me, Amanda, or SB at any time. We also provide services for those who wish to impulse-buy French leather and dressage saddles.

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  5. I have been very impressed with Ovation. It breaks in really well and it nice quality for the money. If I didn't have a certain other addiction(s) right now, I'd be interested in them.

    Well and also I already had an ovation and haven't had a dream cwd...

    Anyways. Good call. You should love it.

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    1. You have no idea how interested you've got me in PS of Sweden. I told my husband that if he ever woke up and said "I want to spend $300 on my wife today!" he should buy me the High Jump Revolution. But alas, it was not in my exactly-$100 budget. This will do the job fine, although not nearly as prettily. Thanks!

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    1. Yeah. She didn't reschedule my lesson for Saturday or Sunday, and at first I was like WTF, and then I was like well, those lessons probably won't go either anyway...

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  7. ooooo good score! I love an attractive figure 8 :)

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    1. Me too! I had never owned one before that NF, but it is such an attractive look on Connor's head. I love it!

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  8. Looks gorg, love the pr0n pics of it :P

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  9. sweeet!! can't wait to see it on the pony :)

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  10. I think Ovation makes some nice tack, and once broken it, they look and feel really nice!

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  11. Fab score, gorgeous looking bridle.
    Wishing you well wear with it!

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