Outfitting the Hony

At one point I commented that NONE of my things for Yoshi fit Ben and then NONE of my things for Ben fit Goggles. I retract those statements. But... NONE of my things for Ben and Goggles fit Butterball. Actually none. Saddle pads being the only exception. The things the others could share/pass down... Blankets, bridles, reins, bits, XC boots, stadium boots, breastplate, girths... Yeah. None of that fits Butterball. I can't even use the same reins because horse length reins are long enough on him to risk getting my foot caught in them. Essentially my complaints between the others were that the same saddle didn't fit each. And Ben and Yoshi are the same blanket size, but Goggles is slightly larger (but could squeeze into Ben's extras until he got his own...) 

I was able to buy BB's bit, schooling bridle, show boots, blanket, and sheet from his old owner, which was excellent. The blanket and sheet did not come in fun pony patterns, but I couldn't pass up a good deal. But that still left quite a few things to acquire or modify.

Saddle: Because I still have Goggles and still need to be able to ride him, it made the most sense to send off my Forestier to get repaneled to fit the pony. The rep came out and watched me ride and we went through JT's and AT's saddles and picked out what he liked best. He objected the most to feeling restricted through his shoulder/wither, so we ended up removing all half pads as well. The rep decided to do a shoulder cut out panel with a pony panel (shorter overall length) and a narrower channel in the back. 

Also pictured - adorable turquoise halter 

Bridle: Another one of JT's students has a pony and has been my source of all things pony for this journey. She has an Antares Figure 8 for her pony. I have the PSoS figure 8 for Ben and Goggles. While I'm happy with the leather quality, the lower strap on the noseband buckles in a really annoying spot. When I tried the Antares, I was in love. While the PSoS has good leather, the Antares is like butter. 

Is he not the cutest thing ever?? 

I paired it with a set of Lemieux Rubber Grip Continental Reins when I placed by order from Redpost. I think I've discussed, but I require stops on my reins. Partly so I don't let them slip and partly so when riding alone I don't get in the habit of riding with them waaaaayyyy too long. When I did Ben's dressage warm ups at shows by myself I'd count stops, put my hands there, and then ride him into that length of frame after a warm up. Redpost was also recommended by Holly and made the $$$$ Antares bridle a bit more affordable. Plus shipping was insanely quick considering it is international. 

His dressage bridle is still TBD. He's not going to have a dressage saddle for quite a while, so I may just keep riding him in the figure 8 set up for all three phases. It's non-traditional, but he said a firm NO to Holly's Antares anatomic noseband, so the hunt is paused. 

Bit: This charming creature does all three phases in a Neue Schule Turtle Top with Flex Full Cheek. I was able to buy his from his owner at half the retail price.

We have played some with a Bombers preferred contact molded loose ring bit to see if it helps with the chomping he likes to do sometimes. 

Breastplate: Also recommended by fellow pony owner was the Anka Lumiere Breastplate with running attachment. 

Ft: Lumiere breastplate and equifit open fronts and fetlock boots 

Girth: After some discussion, it was decided that belly guard girths seem to cinch the whole saddle, pad, +/- half pad combo down onto a moderately witherless creature best. I have been quite happy with my LeMieux girths for Ben and Goggles, so I added their Arika contoured short stud girth to my Redpost order. 

Boots: In keeping with trying to be responsible, I bought a pair of used Majyk equipe boots for Butterball. They're black and red, wouldn't be my first choice, but at 1/3 the cost of new... can't beat that! 

Also ft. white Pro choice bell boots

Fly Sheet: I've been pretty happy with using a neck sleazy and then a discount fly sheet for keeping horse clean and braids in place with Ben before early morning rides, so I picked up a Rugged Ride Fly Sheet for Butterball from Chick's. The quality seems fine for what I ask of it. Florida is generally too hot to use fly sheets regularly unless there is a specific reason to protect. 

And that's a wrap! Hony is now outfitted and dressed for all three phases and daily life. My bank account is grateful that we're done with that phase of horse acquisition!