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View Full Version : DIY supplies - making your own horse equipment


rachelmy
29th Sep 2006, 10:58 AM
Anyone got any ideas?

I have an industrial sewing machine at home (for my upholstery hobby - not that I have any time these days) and it would do great things for my bank balance if I could use it to make things for Smurf. It would also stop my boyfriend asking when I am going to put "that thing" in the garage...

I know of these 2 already:

Lyndashorsewear on eBay (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Lyndas-Horsewear_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm) - have bought some things from her
Equikits (http://www.equikits.co.uk/)

I've also used eBay and Decathlon to buy rope for halters and lead ropes (if you're interested - I know a good marine rope seller on eBay. Got 2 ropes, spliced and sealed, for the price of one of Richard Maxwell's...).

I am having problems finding some things. For example, I want to adapt my headcollar to put a rope over the nose (would love to buy a Monty Roberts Dually but don't have £40...) and I need something to clamp the rope ends together (see pic - one clamp is red and the other brass)

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n43/rachelmy/7d_1.jpg

would anyone know where to buy the sort of metal hardware needed for this? I've trawled loads of sites but have only found a couple of places in the US, and they only sell in bulk....

I'm guessing I could stitch the ends together with really strong twine, but I would feel happier knowing there was metal involved...Smurf is a bit bargy at the moment and I would hate to hear the sound of threads snapping as he drags me down the lane....

Please share any contacts you have for

Material - for rugs, boots etc. I had to give up on my idea of making brushing boots as I couldn't find neoprene by the metre anywhere
Webbing and other things by the metre for headcollars, rugs, saddle cloths, etc.
Hardware - buckles, rings etc.


Hopefully the rest of us cash-strapped NRs can get a good list together!

jovi_y2k2
29th Sep 2006, 01:53 PM
abbey is a company that sells to saddle and equipment makers, they sell, webbing and buckles etc http://www.abbeysaddlery.co.uk/

Jessey
11th Oct 2006, 03:59 PM
There are a couple of companies out there who will sell you all the gear and patterns to make your own tack and stuff.
As for the metal clamp bits I would try hardware stores or an old fasioned iron mongery if you can find one, or ask you farrier, he might be able to knock something up for you :D